Lance Baker sits in the corner of the darkened saloon in the early mourning light. It is Thursday and he had just gotten word that something big was going to be happening on Friday. He had checked in with the rest of his friends and they had seemed quite restless. Wade himself had appeared particularly ornery when he had gotten a hold of him earlier that mourning. Lance didn't like how suspicious everyone was acting because it usually meant something was up. It had been too quite lately and he had a feeling everyone was getting restless and ready for action. And knowing Wade whatever was going to happen was going to happen soon. Lance's only thoughts were that he had to make sure that Cilvia was kept safe when everything started. He had an obligation to his friends but he also felt he had an obligation to Cilvia to keep her out of harm's way. He didn't know why he felt the way he did about the southern belle but she had effected him in a way he had never been effected before and he was afraid it would affect his judgment. Unfortunately it was his friends that had first priority over Lance because they were the ones that had stood by him over time and Cilvia didn't even feel the same way to Lance as he felt to her. Besides, she had that Ezra fellow around her beautiful little finger.

Lance looks up as Ezra and Cilvia enter the saloon arm in arm. Cilvia had a glow about her that Lance hadn't noticed before. Ezra smiles down at her as he helps her into a chair at one of the nearby poker tables. Lance watches as they play several hands of poker, the two of them each in turn winning hand after hand. The men they were playing against, one at a time gave up and went on their way. The two gamblers were too good to be playing any of the locals. Their greatest adversary seemed to be each other, and they took pride in that fact.

Lance looked down at the paper he had written on. He had to make sure that Cilvia got this note. He had to make sure she was kept out of harm's way whenever the problems started. He couldn't stand seeing her injured in any way. Lance stands up and silently makes his way to the table where Cilvia now sat alone as Ezra had gotten up to get a drink for each of them. Lance stands just before Cilvia and she looks up at him with a smile.

"Good mourning Mr. Baker. How are you this fine day?" Cilvia asks. "Miz Cilvia, I want you to take this letter and read it and follow its instructions closely. Don't read it until you are alone however. And don't breathe a word about it." Lance says as he hands her the folded up note and then walks out of the saloon. He starts walking towards the livery. He had some things he needed to do before Friday. He had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that things were not going to turn out well for him.

Cilvia watched him leave and then looked at the piece of paper in front of her in confusion. What was so important that Lance couldn't just tell her face to face? Cilvia tucked the note safely away so that Ezra didn't see it and when Ezra returned she smiled up at him as if Lance hadn't even been there.

"You are looking extravagant this morning my dear." Ezra says as he seats himself next to her again. "The beauty of the day doesn't match your beauty one bit."

"Your flattery will get you everywhere Mr. Standish." Cilvia says with a mischievous grin. The night they had spent together had seemed like heaven to Cilvia and she had never been so happy in her entire life.

"I love you with my whole heart." Ezra says kissing her hand. "And I love you with my whole being." Cilvia replies as she kisses Ezra lightly on the lips.

Later the day Cilvia sat alone in her room. She took out the letter that Lance had given her and started to read.

Dear Cilvia, It is very important that you do not leave your room on Friday. Something is up and although I am not entirely sure what is going to happen I am pretty sure it is going to be violent and have an outcome that can only be that of disaster. I urge you to do your best to hide away and I beg you not to breathe a word of this to anyone for if you do it could mean my demise by forces outside this town. I pray for your safety as well as that of the man you love. I wish I could be him for I love you more then I can stand. Stay in your room dear Cilvia and don't emerge until it is over. My heart is yours even if I never see your face again.

Lance

Cilvia sits in silence just staring at the paper before her. How could she just let this pass without letting anyone know about it. If it meant something terrible was going to happen in town then someone had to know. But if she said something then it might mean death for Lance, who had just proclaimed his love for her even though he knew he could never be with her. Cilvia was torn and she wasn't sure how she should react to the letter. A knock at her door was heard and she tucked the letter away just as Ezra enters her room.

"ready for dinner my darling?" Ezra asks. "Is something wrong?" he asks when he sees her face.

"No nothings wrong Ezra. Lets go eat." Cilvia says as she stands up and heads to the door. Her mind was not made up about the note but she knew she had to do something.

It was Thursday afternoon. Rosalie had a break from work so she had gone to Potter's to make a few purchases with her week's pay. She knew the pay could be better, but at least it kept her going, and she was satisfied with that. She decided to splurge and bought herself a cake of spicy-scented soap, a small bottle of cologne water, and a dark green Paisley shawl. She realized the risk she took in buying the cologne water because that wasn't really supposed to be worn by "proper" ladies, but she didn't care. If Chris liked it, then that was all that mattered to her.

She took her wrapped purchases from Mrs. Potter and smiled her thanks at the lady, then headed for the door. She could hardly wait to dab on the cologne water so Chris could sample it. Wonder what he would think of it.

As she came out of the entrance, she had the strangest feeling that she was being watched by someone. She stopped and looked up one side of the street, then down the other; didn't really see anything. And then she looked directly across the street, in a small alleyway. There stood Toby Benson, the man who had accosted her in the hotel recently. His lips were curved in a smile she could only describe as lascivious and lustful, and it made her shiver.

"Everything all right, Rosalie?" suddenly said a familiar man's voice from her left. "You look as if you've seen a ghost."

Chris! Rosalie jumped slightly and pressed her hand to her chest. "Good heavens, Chris, where did you come from?" she exclaimed, her voice slightly sharp. "Have you been hiding somewhere?"

Chris shook his head. "No, but I have been keeping an eye on things a little closer than normal." he answered. He looked around the area where they stood. Everything seemed to be in order. He looked back down at Rosalie. "Are you headed back to the hotel?" he asked her.

"Yes, I am." she replied. "I just came over to the general store to make a purchase or two." She hesitated. She would mention the cologne water, but something told her that Chris had his mind on more important matters. "Why do you ask?"

"Because I think maybe I'll provide an escort." he answered briefly, and put his hand under her elbow. As they moved off, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Toby Benson watching their progress. "You really shouldn't be out and around right now, and if I had my way, you wouldn't be anywhere near here tomorrow, either."

Rosalie was genuinely puzzled. "Now why is that?" she inquired. "What if there is something I need to do that can't wait?" She was slightly irritated at the proprietary tone in Chris' voice. "What then?"

Chris didn't look at her, but he replied, "I'd just rather that you weren't, Rosalie, I don't want anything to happen to you."

"Now what could possibly happen to me?" she asked. "It's not as if someone were deliberately after me, you and I both know that! I think you owe me an explanation of some sorts."

"I can't give you one, and right now, I don't think you need one!" he shot back. "Just trust my word and stick around the hotel tomorrow!" His eyes heated up.

Rosalie stopped, surprised by the vehemence she heard. "Very well, Chris, if you say so." she murmured. "I-I am sure you have your reasons." She tilted her chin almost defiantly. "But you'd better have an explanation ready when Saturday comes." she added quickly.

"I will." he replied, and his eyes cooled. Then, a brief smile flitted over his features. "Come on...let me take you back now." he said quietly. "Haven't seen much of you these last few days." He removed his hand from her elbow and took her hand in his arm instead, and they began walking again.

Shannon sat in the stable brushing her horse thinking about what Chris and Vin had talked to her about. She knew Vin didn't want her to be put through something like that, that it would be very hard. Shannon also knew that she really did have to do it or that man could go free. Nevertheless, it was so hard and she was afraid. What if someone who was friends with Jake came after her afterwards? What if he got off and came after her. She didn't know what to do. That and the nightmares were causing her to lose more and more sleep. What she needed to do was just go for a quiet ride alone to think everything through.

Shannon saddled up and led her horse out of the stables. She mounted up and galloped out the town. She relaxed and watched the scenery ever alert to her surroundings. She watches the clouds passing by the treetops and pulled next to a slow moving creek. She dismounted and sat down on a rock to watch the water and think.

Meanwhile back in town Rosalie had seen Shannon gallop out of town. She was worried for the young girl knowing it was dangerous to go riding by herself. She looked about the town wondering if she should let this be known to Chris. She made her decision when she saw him walking down the boardwalk towards her. Rosalie met him half way down the boardwalk. She stopped and touched his black sleeve " I feel I should tell you something. A short time ago I saw Shannon riding out of town."

Chris frowned deeply his hazel eyes narrowing "was she alone?"

Rosalie sighed "unfortunately yes she was." She frowned herself her emerald eyes showing signs of worrying over the young girl.

"Did you see which direction she was headed in Rosalie?" he asked quickly grabbing the reigns to his mount.

"Yes she went west. I do hope she will be alright." Rosalie said quietly.

Chris nodded and took off in the direction that Rosalie had said Shannon took off in. He rode for about half-hour and caught site of the young girl sitting on a log near the creek. His anger boiled thinking how stupid the girl must be going off by herself. He pulled up at the creek. "Just what in the hell do you think your doing?????????!!!!!!!!! Don't you realize what could happen to you out here by yourself."

Shannon jumped scared at the loud yelling coming in her direction. She started runnin to her horse. In two long strides he cuts her off before she reaches her horse. She stared up at him in part fear part shock. " I I just needed to g go for a ride." She stuttered out brushing her hair back from her face. Huge tears were starting to appear at the corner of her blue eyes and making their way down her already pale face.

Chris saw the tears and regretted his sharp words. He spoke again but with a softer edge. "Just get on your horse and get back to town. I'll follow ya." He walks back over to Storm and mounts back up waiting for her.

Shannon stood there a moment trying to regain her composure and remounted her own horse. She started back towards town wondering what and how he found out she had left town. She felt his eyes watching her and moved her horse to go faster. She frowned not caring what he had said and turned her horse the other way and went at full gallop the opposite way of town.

Chris growled "god damn stubborn woman." He wheeled his horse around and galloped after her. In a matter of seconds he had reached her and grabbed her reigns succeeding in stopping her horse. He glared at her and tied her reigns to his horse so she could not run off again. They rode in silence back to town and dismounted inside the stable.

Just as they were walking out of the stable Vin rode back into town his face creased with worry when he saw Chris walking out of the stable with Shannon. He hurriedly dismounted and rushed over "what is it cowboy?"

Chris turned to Vin his anger still evident. "I think you should instruct Miss O'Hare about the dangers of taking off on rides alone."

Vin looked between the two frowning "She went off alone on a ride?" He looks at Shannon. " You cant do that right now. With the trouble that's been going around you could seriously get hurt again. Please Shannon, don't go off by yourself. Chris is only looking for your welfare." He turns to Chris "Thank you for bringing her back to town safely and watching over her. I'll take care of it her from here."

"See that you do." He nodded to Shannon and walked off.

Vin took Shannon's hand and stabled Sire. He walked with her over to dinning hall and sat down. "Shannon what you did was not smart. You could have gotten hurt again. We need to talk." Shannon barley uttered a word and looked at her hands on the table. "Shannon please look at me. We really do need to talk. The trial is coming up and if you don't testify Dawson is gonna go free and then he will be able to go after other women."

Shannon looked up and nodded "I know I I I decided today that I I would testify."

Vin nodded and touched her hand "good why don't we have some dinner then I will take you back to Miss Lissa's so you can rest. You look tired." She nodded.

After Drew took their order and they had a lunch, they relaxed with a cup of coffee. Vin watched Shannon carefully; he still didn't have any idea what was bothering her besides having to testify. He was determined though to find out and soon. He led her back to Lissa's and watched her go in.

Shannon went to her room and curled up falling to sleep only to be woken up with a nightmare only 5 minutes later

Each member of the seven patrolled different positions in town. They were expecting trouble. The gold had arrived and they had to keep a close eye on things until the army arrived to ship it to Carson City.

Drew stood looking out of the door from the Boarding House every thing was quiet too quiet.

Lissa stood in the shop looking at Randy "Please stay in here, please."

"Miss Lissa I need to go out there and help. And if my brothers are coming to town I want to see them."

"Randy! They are not coming to town for a visit you could get hurt."

Randy looked to Lissa before walking out the door "you'll never understand." He walked out of the shop.

Lissa ran over to the door and sobbed "Randy please comes back!"

Josiah looked over he had been keeping guard close to the shop. He approached Lissa as she tried to run after Randy. "Let him go."

"Josiah please go after him and watch over him."

Josiah looked over to see Buck approaching Randy "looks like Buck is going to take care of it. You best get back inside." He watched as Lissa reluctantly went back inside the shop.

"Randy don't do anything stupid, all right?" Buck looked to him "you know how upset Drew would be if anything happened to you? Miss Lissa too."

"Leave me alone Buck" Randy pushed away from him.

"Ah hell" Buck grabbed him back "you stay right here and take cover if things get ugly."

Randy nodded and looked to the edge of town as some riders approached. He could recognize the horses it was `The Dalton Gang.' He could see his oldest brother Griffen riding out front and watched as the riders all separated signaling trouble.

"Stay down" Buck looked to him getting his gun ready.

Dylan looked to Trent Dalton "this is suicide they're waiting for us. You know that!"

Trent looked over to Dylan "shut up! We do this my way." Trent was the leader of the gang and was also in love with Dylan's sister Drew. That was part of the reason the brothers sent her and Randy away.

Vin watched from the top of a building and signaled to Chris. Chris nodded over to Buck who looked to JD. Ezra stood near the saloon and signaled over to Nathan who stood near the clinic keeping watch. Josiah was right outside of Lissa's store.

"You see anything?" Sandy approached Drew and looked out over her shoulder.

The dining area was totally empty leaving the two women in there alone. Buck and JD had told them to stay inside and take cover if needed. Buck had given the ladies guns to defend themselves as well. Before Drew knew what was happening the gunfire erupted. Then she saw her brother Dylan riding towards Buck.

Randy watched in horror as his brother drew his gun and ran in front of Buck as it went off.

Dylan stopped as Buck caught Randy who had taken the bullet for him. Buck growled and fired at Dylan knocking him from his horse.

"No!" Drew screamed and started to run from the Boarding House but was grabbed by a pair of arms that put something over her face. Soon everything went black.

Griffen watched in horror as Dylan was knocked from his horse by the gunshot wound and started screaming and riding towards Buck. Trent saw and grabbed Griffen reigns "we have to get out of here now! Griffen's horse bucked and he knew Trent was right. The remaining members of the gang rode out of town.

Buck cradled Randy in his arms "hang on son. Nathan!!"

Randy wasn't speaking and had gone very pale. His shirt had turned a bright crimson from the bullet wound in his side.

Josiah followed Lissa as she ran. Lissa got to Buck and Randy and sobbed "where's Nathan?!"

"Here I am" the Healer made it over "we need to get him to the clinic and fast."

Josiah helped Buck carry Randy over to the clinic and Lissa followed.

Twenty minutes later Buck paced outside the clinic with Josiah watching. Nathan had allowed Lissa to remain inside to assist.

JD walked up the stairs and Buck stopped "where is she? Where's Sunshine? I thought you were going to go get her and Sandy?"

JD was pale and had tears in his eyes "we can't find them Buck. They're gone."

"What?!" Buck tore past JD and ran towards the Boarding House. JD and Josiah ran after him.

"Buck we looked. No one has seen them Vin found some tracks outside the Boarding House said it looked like someone had been drug for a bit. We think Drew's other brother took them."

"Why didn't you come get me sooner? Why?"

JD looked down "look the other brother, the one you shot in the arm, is in the jail. Let's go talk to him find out where they took them."

Buck didn't even answer JD he stormed towards the jail.

Contact the Web mistress at hynd@superior.net This page was last updated on 04/04/01 01:22:44 PM.