Based on Season 3, E 28
Mark of Cain
May Contain Spoilers
From the episode:
Lily: "What is it Dan?"
Dan: "Chad Kennedy didn't kill his father."
Lily: "What? How do you know?"
Dan: "I know."
Lily: "Well you're going to have to let him go."
Dan: "Yeah. But what about Ben's murder?"
Lily: "Chad is guilty of that, there isn't any doubt. But don't you play God Dan, if you let him hang that's what it would be."
Dan: "Would it?"
Lily: "The people in Laramie look at you as the law. And they might understand at first but there come a time when they realize what you did. More important a time would come and you'd realize it."
"Voice of Wisdom"
Lily Merrill despised witnessing the turmoil in Dan. His inscrutable dark eyes were nearly impossible to read for everyone else. Still, she had the unique ability to perceive beyond the stoic mask he often donned in the line of duty. Their profound connection enabled them to converse silently, often grasping each other's thoughts before they found a voice. He escorted her back to the Birdcage, and Lily watched him walk away towards the jail.
Moments later, Lily heard the sound of gunfire coming from the direction of the marshal's office. Instantly, she knew Dan had released Chad Kennedy from jail. But she didn't realize that Rena Kennedy had left the Birdcage in her absence and had hidden in the crowd that had gathered before the marshal's office.
Dan managed to disperse the agitated crowd, people eager to confirm the rumors and perhaps even ensure Chad Kennedy wouldn't leave Laramie alive. But amidst the turmoil, Rena Kennedy stood defiantly in the middle of the dusty street, a concealed revolver hidden beneath her cloak.
Her voice trembled with betrayal and anger as she confronted Dan, cocking the hammer back on her six-gun. "You betrayed Ben, Dan! Move away!" Rena hissed, her eyes ablaze with fury.
"Rena!" Dan's voice rang out in a desperate plea when he realized the impending tragedy. He lunged off the boardwalk without a second thought, rushing towards the enraged woman.
Amid the chaos, Rena began firing her gun rapidly, shots ringing out with deadly intent. Chad returned fire in a frantic exchange. Lily couldn't fathom how Dan miraculously avoided taking a bullet in this mayhem, which left her mystified and thankful.
Chad Kennedy slumped lifelessly against the cold brick wall of the jail while Dan found himself cradling a fatally wounded Rena Kennedy in the dusty, somber street.
The bodies of Chad and Rena had been laid to rest, the reports filed, and the sad ending to the Kennedy family had come to a close. Yet Dan Troop was still feeling the weight of the conflicting emotions he had been experiencing since Chad Kennedy came back to town.
With a heavy sigh, Dan donned his coat and retrieved his hat from the coat rack behind his desk. "Turning it over to you, Johnny," he informed his deputy. "I'll be at the Birdcage."
"Goodnight, Mr. Troop," Johnny replied as he watched the marshal exit the office, the door swinging shut with a sense of finality.
The frigid winter wind stung Dan's face as he approached the Birdcage. It was a bitter night, and the saloon had already closed its doors for the evening. He reached the rear entrance and used his key to let himself into the building. Once inside, he moved stealthily up the stairs, his destination being the welcoming warmth of Lily's suite.
"Hello, Dan," Lily greeted him warmly as he entered the parlor. "Let me help you," she offered, unbuttoning his heavy coat.
Dan returned her smile as he slipped out of the cumbersome coat and started to remove his gloves. Crossing the room, he stood before the flickering fireplace, extending his hands towards the comforting heat radiating from the burning logs. "Feels good," he remarked, Lily, standing beside him, sharing in the soothing warmth.
"Done for the night?" Lily inquired, her gaze fixed on Dan's face, searching for any signs of his mood.
Dan nodded. "Yes. Johnny's got the duty," he replied, looking down at offered her a warm smile and pulled her closer to him, relishing the comforting sensation of her body against his.
Lily leaned on him, her thoughts replaying the close call he'd had earlier that day. Silently, she repeated the thankful prayer she had uttered once the ordeal had passed and Dan had emerged unscathed.
"I have a pot of fresh, hot coffee, Dan, to help warm you up," she offered.
"Thanks," Dan said, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames in the fireplace. Reluctantly, he released his hold on her.
"Make yourself comfortable, Dan. I'll be right back," Lily assured him before leaving the room for coffee.
Dan loosened his tie, feeling the weight of the long day sinking in. He unbuttoned the top two buttons of his heavy cotton blue shirt and unbuckled his gun-belt, placing it on the nightstand by the bed. Dan returned to the parlor and settled onto the chaise sofa. It was the first real sense of relaxation he'd had since early that morning.
Lily soon entered the parlor, carrying a tray with two flow blue china cups, one of which she handed to Dan. She placed the tray on a small footstool near the chaise and settled beside him.
"Thanks," Dan said, taking a sip from his cup. He wrapped his right arm around Lily as she nestled against his shoulder.
Typically, Lily would engage Dan in conversation, but tonight, she sensed he needed time to process the day and come to terms with his emotions. Instead, she ran her hand gently across his chest, offering silent reassurance and understanding. In the warmth of the room and the presence of the woman he loved, Dan finally found a moment of peace.
The crackling fireplace provided the only sound in the room for over an hour as they sat quietly. Dan's deep voice finally broke the silence.
"Thanks for what you did today, Lily," he said, his voice full of gratitude as he absentmindedly caressed Lily's arm as he gazed at the dancing flames.
Lily looked up at Dan, her green eyes meeting his. "No need to thank me, Dan. Rena needed help," she replied, her voice gentle.
Dan's gaze shifted from the fire to Lily. "Not with Rena," he said, his voice softening. "You saved me from myself. You provided the voice of wisdom that I needed to hear. Kept me from doing something I would regret."
With tenderness, Dan lowered his head and gently kissed Lily's lips.
"No thanks needed, Dan," Lily said, her heart warmed by his words. "It's getting late," she added.
Dan smiled at her implication. "Go on to bed," he suggested. "I'll put another log on the fire and join you."