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McKay’s Story - The Army Kittens I

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The Army Kittensby SoldierBlue

McKay's Story - Fiction Summary

Copyright © SoldierBlue 1999-2000. All rights reserved. All stories belong to me, if not credited otherwise. You canreproduce them for non-profit purposes, provided you keep them unchanged, keep my name in it and drop me a line.

Part I - Go to Part II

The black night sky was pouring down with the last rains of June. Dr. Quinn's familywas all too happy to be sitting around the table, chatting quietly over the remains ofdinner. As Sully sat with Katie on his knees, verifying once again what new words shehad learned that day, and Michaela absently considered having another slice of cake,Brian was clearing the table. "When will we be able to visit Colleen and Andrew in their new house inPhiladelphia, Ma?" he asked. "Soon, Brian." Michaela smiled and picked up once again the letter which lay on thetable. "She says she can't wait to show us what a beautiful place they've found. Andthey'll come back to see us as soon as they're really settled." Brian stopped by the window, lit up by flashes of lightning, and stared out. "Hey," he said, suspicious, "there's Sergeant McKay outside in the yard, talkin' tohimself." Michaela got up quickly and placed a hand on the boy's forehead. "Brian, I told younot to stay out playing in the rain! You've got a fever." "Aw, Ma!" protested Brian just as somebody knocked. She exchanged a puzzled look with Sully, then opened the door. A drenched Sgt.McKay greeted her. "Evenin', Doctor. You got a dog?" Wolf lifted his head from the carpet before the fire. "Thought so," added McKay,stepping quickly in front of a startled Michaela, rain dripping from the brim of his hat."'Scuse me." He closed the door behind him. "That'll do." "See, Ma?" whispered Brian, offended. "Now take his temperature!" Sully smiled, noting Katie's interested stare. "The Army must've got time on theirhands to go checkin' on family pets." "That's not why I'm here. Fact is, there's this cat outside, followed me all the way fromtown. Amazin', what with bein' on horseback, the rain an' all. Can't shake him. Didn'twant him to come in pesterin' your dog." "Wolf's a wolf, sir, not a dog," pointed out Brian, diffidently. Michaela took McKay's greatcoat and hat and hung them close to the fire. Sully keptplaying with Katie. "Beside bein' on horseback, is he armed?" he asked without lookingup. "Who?"

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"The cat." McKay blinked. "Reckon I started off with the wrong foot here," he said calmly."Forget about the cat, Sully. I got important matters to discuss with you." "Well, Sergeant," said at last Michaela, offering him a chair, "it's been months since thelast time we saw you. Don't you just stand there. Coffee?" "Thank you." McKay sat down at the table and turned to Sully, reaching inside hisblue jacket. "What do you make of this?" In the palm of his hand lay a small Indian ornament, like a net stretched over awooden ring. It resembled the dream catcher which hung over the mantelpiece, but wasmore crudely wrought. It was dirty with mud and dry leaves, frayed in some places. Sully turned it between his fingers. Michaela had sat down beside him and takenKatie in her lap. "It doesn't look like those made by Cloud Dancing," she said. "No, for sure," added Sully. "I can't tell which tribe it belongs to. Where did you findit, Sergeant?" "Don't wanna influence you," answered McKay, looking intently at him. "Is this some kind of test?" he asked. The sergeant merely lifted his shoulders. "Wellthen," Sully went on, "here's my guess. This ain't Indian makin'. I'd say some white mancrafted it, to sell it as Indian merchandise or somethin'." McKay looked relieved. "Close enough, I hope." Brian obligingly put down a steamingcup before him. He thanked the boy with a nod and gratefully took a sip of coffee as itwas, hot and black. "It was found on the site of a burned farm, some fifty miles Westfrom here, deep into the Rockies." "I've heard of it!" exclaimed Michaela. "It was in the Gazette last week. It was a miracleno one got killed." "Yes," said the sergeant. "The people at the farm swear it’s renegade Indians. Theyseem ready to start retaliations on any Indians they find. I been sent with my men toplacate 'em an' make Army presence felt. But first I wanted your opinion." "Don't look among Indians," stated Sully. "Where exactly was the farm?" "Windy Creek." "Mining zone," said Michaela slowly, growing more and more outraged. "Yes." Sully looked at her. "Someone wants that land for gold." "Where's the problem?" said Brian helpfully. "See who buys it an’ put him in jail." Sully laughed softly, tousling the boy's hair. "Good reasonin', Brian. But we wouldn'tbe able to prove it, an' it'd be very difficult to give back the land to its lawful owners." "Gotta catch 'em red handed," added McKay, finishing the coffee. "Must go now. Mymen are still unpackin'." He got up and took his things. "Where're you quartered?" "Out East, beyond the railroad. Just stopped at the Mayor's to ask him for permission.After last time, I don't wish to feel unwanted." "I suppose Jake had no objections," said Michaela. "I don't think he even saw me, ma'am. He was discussin' his new home with Mrs.Slicker. Just said yes an' showed me out." McKay looked amused. "I didn't know he gotmarried. Quite taken with his wife, ain't he?" Sully just smiled, stealing a glance at Michaela. "There have been a lot of changes around here lately," she said. "Last month our



Colleen married Dr. Cook and went to study in Philadelphia." "Congratulations!" "And Grace is expecting a baby, and Preston went bankrupt." McKay was impressed. "Well, life goes on." He put on his hat. "Must you really go, Sergeant? Your coat is still wet." "Indeed I must, Doctor. Thank you." He nodded at Brian and went to the door. Sully accompanied him outside. "Let me know if you need a guide for Windy Creek,"he said, walking close to the house. "I know the place." "Any other settlements up there?" "Coupla farms an’ a mission." "We'll check on 'em. If you come to the camp tomorrow mornin', we'll make someplans." McKay reached his horse, and as he was about to mount he noticed something underthe porch steps. "There he is," he said, pointing with his chin. Sully turned. In the light from the window he saw a small dark cat taking shelterthere, looking at them with brilliant yellow eyes. "You want him?" asked the sergeant, hauling himself into the saddle. "He's just a kitten. Wolf would make a nice dinner of him." A thought struck Sully."Say, McKay, how d'you know it's a him?" "Well, he's black." He noticed Sully's perplexed stare. "I mean, it's just the - overallfeelin'..." He saw he was heading for deep trouble. "Must go. Goodnight, Sully." He turned his horse and sped away in the lashing rain. Sully came back into the house. He hadn't had time to get wet, as Michaela quicklyverified with a good hug. Brian, holding Katie, was now sitting sleepily by the fire,propped against Wolf's strong back. "Good man," said Sully, "but he knows nothin' 'bout animals." "Did you tell him about tomorrow's opening?" "I forgot. Well, so much for the better. The New 'Ladies for Temperance' Leaguedoesn't need the Army. It'll be a mess as it is." Michaela smiled. Then she looked out of the window. Sheets of lightning swept thesky, and thunder rattled the glass. "This fake dream catcher - it makes me furious. Doyou think the people up there are really in danger?" "We'll do everythin' we can to keep 'em safe," promised Sully. "An' us all." He leanedin to kiss away the lines of worry around her mouth. It rained on Colorado Springs, on the rich and the poor, the townsfolk and the Army.It rained hard and unmercifully on Preston's bank too. The road outside was all apuddle, deserted, empty of life and brightness. A shadow ran up the steps and rappedsoftly on the door. The door opened, a faint line of light. Then it closed again. Outside,the rain drummed on. Preston put down his lantern on a table and fed the flame a little. The stranger tookoff his dripping coat and was about to lay it on a chair. "Not there," said the banker, prissily. He couldn't afford to paint the furniture anewyet. The man looked at him with contempt. He folded his coat over his arm. "Let's make it



quick, then. It really seems that things are heatin' up at Windy Creek." "Is that a fact?" The man made Preston wait for the answer. He was looking about the room, gauntand shabby, incongrous amid the framed certificates and pictures and the velvet-linedfurniture. It was clear he had no use for all that luxury. Preston wondered whether heguessed how much all of it was a façade. If he hadn't sold the house Sully had built forhim and his elder brother hadn't loaned him the money to keep the bank open - whichstung him sorely - he wouldn't have been able to recover from the previous month'sbankruptcy. He would have had to crawl back to his father. His pride had revolted atthat. "Seems they sent the Army to look into it," the man said at last. "Seems it's just Injunraiders. But I happen to have talked to somebody who knows better." "Who?" "Sorry, mister," sneered the man. "That ain’t in the agreement. Ya pay me, I tell yawhen the people up at Windy Creek are ready to sell. Nothin' more." "I'd like at least to know who else is interested in the deal." The stranger shook his head. "The less ya know the better." Preston looked at him. They exchanged a strange sort of mutual disdain. "All right,"said the banker, hiding behind one of his shining smiles. He took out a roll of dollar billsfrom his pocket and handed it to the man. "Much obliged," said the man, affectedly. He put on his leather coat, opened the doorand went out in the pouring rain.

* * *

Standing on a table in the middle of all the Colorado Springs townsfolk, while hersister Susan played a cheery hymn as background music, Alison Lowell looked down atthe dozens of upturned faces and stifled a sigh. She was dying of embarrassment. It had been easy, even fun, to rent the abandoned stable behind Robert E's house, toask Sully to repair the woodwork of their old cottage piano, to put the place in order... Itlooked so fine, now, with the board "Ladies for Temperance" shiny under the faint sun.The day had turned out fairly good, though the main road was still covered withpuddles. But Alison did not feel her little speech had gone down well. "As long as ya don't come wreckin' my place," said Hank with a mocking grin. "Say, Miss Lowell, I got nothin' against improvin' people, but you sure you're up tothis?" inquired Jake, momentarily at large while Mrs. Slicker took her afternoon nap athome. "Our strength comes from Above," answered Alison, trying to sound convinced - andto copy faithfully Dr. Mike's accent. "And we have no intention of recurring to violence.All we want to do is open this place on Saturdays afternoon and give support to those inneed." "I thought that was what the Reverend did on Sunday mornings," joked Sheriff Simon. The Reverend lifted his head as if the thought hadn't occurred to him. "On thecontrary, I think it's a good idea," he said. "We could easily check on Sunday morning



whether Saturday afternoon resolutions have brought fruit." Alison hadn't thought of that. "Will it be safe for two unmarried young women to receive people of all sorts?" askedMichaela sensibly. The two unmarried young women looked at each other. "That's right!" exclaimed Loren. "Neither your age nor your appearance puts youabove danger!" "Especially now," said Horace, "with the Army back in town." Susan was indeed pretty, a rosy-cheeked little doll with dark curls and upturnednose; besides, she played the piano beautifully. Alison knew she herself was notunattractive; though the difference of age didn't play in her favour, she strongly believedin not letting oneself go, even when life got tough. Before she could speak, Michaela saidagain, "I think you should at least have somebody with you. Somebody of the highestrespectability, to watch over the proceedings by turn." "Yes!" smiled Horace. "Somebody like you, Dr. Mike, or like Miss Grace. Or MissDorothy, or the Reverend. Or even Loren." "Of course," nodded Loren emphatically. "Somebody old enough, or ugly enough, ormarried enough to be above temptation." Dorothy flashed a fiery glance at him. "Where does that leave me, Loren?" "Er... 'course I was not talkin' about you, Dorothy. You're Dorothy, that's all. You're...you're like the Reverend." Dorothy did not look pleased. Reverend Johnson looked perplexed. Robert E, an armaround Grace's shoulders, exchanged a doubtful look with Daniel Simon. Hank washaving the time of his life. Alison pressed the bridge of her nose between two fingers. Susan stroke a low resounding note on the organ. Alison braced herself and tapped afoot on the table. "All right, I declare open the New 'Ladies for Temperance' League.Today is Saturday and so we'll have our first meeting at once. Should we have any needof it, we'll call a chaperone. Thank you. You may go." The crowd began dispersing. Hank walked away with a sly grin, headingpurposefully towards the saloon. Alison slid down from the table and remained sitting on it. "No one stayed," said Susan, dejected. "I knew it." "You were the one who insisted for it," retorted her sister. She had gone along withthat absurd plan to give some intellectual nourishment to the girl herself, not to theColorado Springs inhabitants, who were either virtuous by themselves or, from her pointof view, a lost cause. Since the two sisters had left Denver four years before, the bright,lively Susan had grown more and more bored. Alison did not understand how onecould be bored with a farm to run. She knew the girl missed the lights and life of thecity, but knew also that the Denver she missed was the one she could never get back to,the city of the Christmas days around the fire and the races down the summer hills,when their parents were still alive. "Maybe it was not a good idea after all," sighed Susan. Alison felt her own heart saddening for her. She tried to bury her misgivings.



"Someone will come," she said, reaching out to her. "And if nobody does, we'll findsomething else. Cheer up, come on." It felt strange to be the one to try and raise Susan'sspirits. Usually it was the other way around. Alison lifted her head, hoping to seesomebody approaching, and indeed she did. So many people. She almost laughed with joy, until she realised the group was led byHank. Susan turned expectantly and stared at them, perplexed. Alison stiffened. She jumpeddown from the table, ready to meet them. Hank had with him his bartender, three girlsand a handful of customers. They looked ready to have a good time tearing down thestable. "Mr. Lawson," Alison said menacingly, crossing her arms. "Looks like you're in thewrong place." "Not at all," answered Hank with a roguish grin. "You see, Miss Lowell," he added ina humble tone, hand on his heart, "my friends an' me, we're all devoted to gamblin',drinkin', fornicatin' and swearin', not necessarily in this order. Is there somethin' ya cando for us?" "I don't think so. You're kindly invited to leave." Too late. Hank's friends were alreadyswarming through the stable’s big doors and around the sisters, looking about the place,touching everything. The bartender was now sitting on Alison's table. A girl sat down atthe piano and tried a few notes of a dubious song. "Hey! Leave that alone!" "You can come here one at a time," added Susan helpfully. "Only then will we be ableto help you." "Help us," repeated Hank, with a glance at his girls. "I'm grateful. Really. I'd like tosee ya try it. Come on, help us." "First you must allow us..." "Stop that, Susan," said Alison in a hard tone. "Now, Mr. Lawson, be reasonable andgo back, or I'll call somebody." Sheriff Simon. Could she send Susan to fetch him, andremain there alone? Horace had mentioned the Army. Where the heck were they whenthey were needed? Susan bristled under the scrutiny of one of the girls, who was eyeing critically hermodest hairstyle and high-necked dress. "I actually kinda like the place," said Hank,strolling around. He stopped before the portraits on the wall of the stable and held out ahand to straighten one up. "Don't you dare touch that!" yelled Alison. Hank was doubly surprised - by her ringing voice and by the subject of the portrait.Marjorie Quinn. Michaela had given her permission to display a photograph of herdeceased sister, adding "She would have liked it." Hank let his hand fall. "Great woman, that one," he said, in a somber tone. He turnedto Alison. "If ya doin' it for her - my best wishes. Come on, folks, back to our den ofvice." He grinned and took off his hat to Susan, who just looked at him, astonished. Girlsand drinkers filed out after him. When they had disappeared back inside the Gold Nugget, Alison let out a sigh ofrelief. "Don't you think you've been too hard?" asked Susan. "We could really have done



something for 'em, if only..." She trailed off, unsure. Alison looked fondly at her kind-hearted sister. She was about to reply, when shenoticed someone else coming towards the League. She could hardly believe her eyes.Three men in dark-blue uniforms, striding down the road. The answer to her prayer forthe Army, about a full minute late. Susan was again smiling widely. Alison however did not abandon her grim stance asthey came closer. There were a private and a corporal, both rather young and callow.Their sergeant looked some five or six years older than her, a tall, tough, strongly-builtman with a certain regularity of features. "Sergeant Terence McKay," he introduced himself curtly. "I was..." Alison cut him off. "Better late than never, Sergeant." "I know. Sorry. I learned of the openin' from Sully, but couldn't leave the campearlier." The man knew nothing of Hank's raid, Alison realised. She warded off a kick in theshin from Susan. "Well, then, excuse me, sir." She motioned them inside, feeling stupidand anxious to patch up things. "Please take a chair," she told the sergeant. "I'm glad youcame. I'm sure we'll be able to do something for your soul." McKay waited for them to be also seated, then took the place they offered him, takingoff his hat. There was a vaguely amused crease at the corner of his mouth. "Not me, no,ma'am. My men here. Thought they needed a li'l straightenin'." Alison coloured. Unshaven and rather careless of his uniform - dirty neckerchief, neckbutton unhooked - the sergeant actually did look like the booze-and-fluff kind. She hadimagined the two soldiers were just his escort. Well done, lady, carry on. She sighed. "Forgive me, Sergeant. I'm Alison Lowell, and this is my sister Susan." "My pleasure. Meet Corporal Winters and Private Markham. They're a couple of mybest elements, but they just don't seem to be able to keep themselves out of trouble. I'msure you can do somethin'." The two soldiers stood there looking sheepish. As befitting his rank, Corporal Wintersseemed the brightest of the two, a slim, dark young man with an inquiring gaze. PrivateMarkham was smaller and more conventionally attractive, with droopy blue eyes and amop of blond hair. "All right," said Alison, "but we'll need a chaperone." "A woman or man of the highest respectability," quoted Susan. "To watch over theproceedings." McKay seemed to know what a chaperone was. "You can have me," he said. Alison and Susan looked at each other. The younger sister quickly got up and sweptthe other in a corner, with a look of excuse to the sergeant. "We cannot have him," shetold her urgently. "Remember what Mr. Bray said? He doesn't fulfil the requisites." McKay couldn't hear what the ladies were saying, but he clearly saw Susan liftingthree fingers and ticking off the first two. Alison looked thoughtful. "You married,Sergeant?" she asked aloud. "No, ma'am." Susan ticked off the last finger and shook her head disapprovingly. "I think he's just like Miss Dorothy and the Reverend," said Alison audibly. McKaywondered what he could possibly have in common with both Miss Dorothy and the



Reverend, apart from the highest respectability. The young chairwoman had a funnyway of seeing things, beside a lot of spirit. He quite looked forward to the interview. "And he's a friend of Sully's, you've heard that," added Alison, again in a low voice."What more can you want?" They stole a glance at the sergeant. He was watching them in patient wait, armscrossed and raised eyebrows. The more Alison looked at him, the more she wasconvinced she had already seen him somewhere. This was probably the same sergeantwho had commanded the garrison and had handled the Indian problem and Sully'sdisappearance the year before. She had never met him face to face back then, yet she hadheard of him as a strict but not unreasonable man. And from the calm, reassuring wayhe talked, and the sincere look of his grey-blue eyes, she felt he deserved some credit. "All right," Susan said. "Please, gentlemen, you have a seat too. We'll begin by readingfrom Proverbs, and then we'll sing a hymn together. Sergeant, you're excused from thehymn. Afterwards, gentlemen, if you feel like telling us some of the reasons that broughtyou to this point, we will listen with understanding." Alison had not suspected that Susan had so much power of persuasion. The twosoldiers sat down primly. McKay shot an amused look at the older sister, and she wasglad to see he had forgiven her blunder. Horace was beginning to close down his office. Last things to put in order, archives toclose, then back home for a good night's sleep. He was content with that. He felt somuch better now than when Myra had gone away, then come back, then gone again,taking Samantha with her. He was beginning to see things differently. He didn't knowwhy. Not that he had done anything. But sometimes he felt he was even ready to start anew life. Which didn't mean that, every day at that precise moment of the evening, when theair tasted like distant places and the light turned to violet as it seeped low between thehouses and reflected on the glass panes, he didn't always think with the same undyinglonging of his wife and his child. His thoughts were interrupted by a fast pace on the porch. "I hope you're not alreadyclosed, Horace." "Actually, Preston, I am." "You see, I have to send this telegram to Boston, and it's very urgent. I could pay aspecial price." Horace looked at the banker standing at the counter. "No special price. Give it to me." Preston held it back. "I'd like to be assured once again, Horace, that this officepractices the most complete discretion about its clients. This time it's a very confidentialmatter." Horace glared at him. "I thought you knew me, Preston. Now, if you don't mind, I'mrather in a hurry." Not that he actually was, but he wanted to get rid of the banker assoon as possible. He made a sharp gesture with his extended hand. Reluctantly, Preston gave him the telegram. Horace read it, then sat at the telegraph. Itwas just an enquiry to somebody - a private address, he did not recognise it - about therecent dealings of some important Boston businessmen. After he had tapped the lastletter he had already forgotten it.



* * *

The following day, the church was fuller than usual. Alison and Susan had notexpected much from their Saturday meeting with the two soldiers. And yet they had thesurprise of seeing them walk in with their sergeant just before the Reverend took hisplace on the pulpit. The two women were sitting with another lady, and there was justan empty seat beside Alison. The two young men converged on it with great smiles, butMcKay firmly conveyed them towards a bench on the other side and, after askingpermission, sat down with the ladies himself. Alison felt an inordinate pleasure at this.She was proud of getting him too to Church. She was a little less proud of herself, whenshe realised she wasn't hearing a word of whatever the Reverend was saying. After Church, McKay was stopped by Sully, and the two started talking in low tones,Sully with arms crossed, McKay with hands behind his back, eyes thoughtfully down.Alison and Susan found themselves walking towards Grace's Café with Winters andMarkham, who were chatting merrily away. The latter had linked his arm with theyounger sister's. Alison was lending Corporal Winters a very distracted ear. She didn'tlike the way the situation was evolving. The day before the two soldiers had seemedpious enough, and they had behaved well in church. After all, McKay had been worriedfor them just for their general rebelliousness and tendency to get into brawls, not foranything more serious. But now she was beginning to suspect that they were in it notjust for their souls. Susan seemed glad of it, which worried her sister no end. As forherself, she had no use whatsoever for her talkative corporal. He was nice, but far tooyoung and happy-go-lucky for her. She could tolerate most men with ease and even befriendly, until they got too insistent. She didn't want to start loathing Winters' sight. "If you wish," he was saying, "I'll buy you lunch. I enjoyed our talk yesterday, an' I'dlike to continue it." "Well," said Alison, uncertain as to how to dump him without a fuss, "I'll be glad tosee you next Saturday at the League." "Next Saturday? I hoped that we could eat together sooner. Tomorrow, if not today." "Oh please, Allie," cut in Susan, "we can stop here to eat today, can't we?" "We've got a lot of work to do at the farm," Alison reminded her. "Oh, for God's sake," exclaimed Markham, "you have to eat, haven't you, ma'am? Aswell here as at your farm, eh?" Alison felt a wave of dislike for him. "No. We eat quickly at our farm. Here we meet alot of people and we waste half a day's work. The League'll take up much of our time,and on Sundays we have to make up for for the time we spend in church. So now wehave to go back to the farm immediately." She hadn't meant to be so pedantic, but shehated people who told her what to do without really knowing her. The young man smiled. He reminded her of Preston somewhat. "Don't tell me youspend all that time out there alone. You have to meet people. We'll see to it." "I don't think so," said Alison, beginning to steam. Markham was so assuming thateven Winters looked uneasy. Socially the corporal seemed the weaker of the two, but helooked as though the right influence could do wonders on him. Why, oh why couldn't



Susan be interested in him instead of the foppish Markham, why couldn't Winters courtSusan, who at least was his age? Ignoring her, Markham gestured towards a table, andSusan seemed happy to follow his suggestion. Very well, thought Alison breathingdeeply, if it's a scene you want, you'll - The sound of a woman's upset voice attracted their attention. It was Miss Dorothy.She was standing a little to the side of the meadow, and she had been talking withCloud Dancing. Now two other men had joined them, and they seemed involved in aheated discussion. The two soldiers let go of the ladies and advanced on them. "What's the matter here?"said Corporal Winters belligerently. The men, a father and a son judging by their looks, were staring with hostility at anundaunted Cloud Dancing. "He's one of 'em," said the younger man. "It's his kind comedestroyin' our property." "It's not true!" exclaimed Dorothy. She was holding her ground most proudly, but hervoice shook with rage. "You got no proof of that!" "Don't need no proof," said the father. He turned to the soldiers. "Thank God you'rehere to defend us. Take this man an' put him where he belongs." "Not likely," said Winters, doing a close McKay imitation. "More likely I'll put youwhere you belong, for disturbin' the peace!" Dorothy looked at him in astonishment. Even Cloud Dancing seemed put off by theArmy's attitude. She exchanged a look with him, then saw Sergeant McKay himselfadvancing on them. Now comes the difficult part, thought Dorothy. The last time she'dseen the man, he was standing behind Major Morrison and advocating the use ofhandcuffs on Black Moon. Yet Cloud Dancing had told her he had risked his career andhis life to prevent Morrison from betraying the Indians. Now she looked forward to thedevelopment of the situation. "Glad you're here, Sergeant," said the father. "Your men gettin' outta control." "Mr. Deakin," said McKay. "Any problems?" "There's gonna be another attack on our homes. We saw people spyin' on us, heardstrange noises. My nephew's up there, ready to defend himself. I wanna get some help.An' I don't wanna see this garbage 'round town!" He pointed to Cloud Dancing. "Mind your language, first of all," McKay answered dourly, pointing at him. The manstared. Sully had appeared at McKay's side. Dorothy was more and more surprised.Sheriff Simon had approached too, yet he seemed to remain in the wings, waiting. "It was no Indians burned Chilton's farm," went on the sergeant. "Rather white menlike you an' me. We're gonna find 'em." Deakin was still looking askance at Cloud Dancing. "I'll believe it when I see it." McKay and Sully started replying together. They stopped, surprised, and Sully drewback with a nod at the sergeant. As he listened to McKay by his side, counselling cautionand forbidding any other act of intolerance against Indians, he almost smiled at theirony of the situation. Only six months before, hiding from the Army and cursing theminwardly for keeping him away from his loved ones, he would never have imaginedsuch a turn. People had gathered around them. Hank traded a sarcastic look with Loren. "Seemswe acquired 'nother Injun lover," he said, throwing a glance at Michaela to make sure



she had heard him. "My people will protect the Windy Creek farms an' mission," concluded McKay,hands open in a placating gesture. He was the kind who used all he had to persuade,thought Alison who was watching him attentively, and he was pulling it off. "If theymanage to catch some of the raiders we could discover where they come from an' whosent 'em." "Will that be enough?" said the younger Deakin. "Ain't it better all of ya go up thereto check on 'em?" "We will, if necessary. Right now I'd rather keep some men close to town, until I'msure they are limitin' their attacks to Windy Creek. Now go home. I already sent a squadup there. You'll be safe." They watched the two miners turn and leave grumbling, with one last spiteful glanceat Cloud Dancing. Dorothy let out a sigh. Sully's jaw tightened. "Been a long time since the town was under the menace ofraiders. I don't want those times to come back." "Neither do I," answered McKay, looking straight at him. "I'll do all I can to avoid it, Iswear." He turned to his two men. "Let's go." "Sergeant," piped up Susan, "we were just planning to eat all together." Alison glowered at her. McKay seemed in doubt. "Were you? Well, anyway they ain’tfree. I brought them along so you could check they behaved well, but now I need 'em atthe camp. They'll have some time off duty soon," he added gently. "Thank you, sir," said Susan happily. Alison growled inside. As the people dispersed, discussing the events that had just taken place, Susanwatched the three soldiers leave. "Why must you always be such a spoilsport, Allie?" "I wasn't. They were not meant to stay here. You heard what McKay said." "I saw you gettin' grumpy as usual. Corporal Winters is a nice young man." "He's not my kind. An’ neither is Markham yours." Susan sighed. "Allie," she said, not without affection, "nobody's our kind. When willyou understand this? I'm twenty-five, an’ you're thirty-two. D’you want your kind ord’you want to be like everybody else?" She gestured at the couples that were againenjoying the bright morning after the distasteful moment with the Windy Creek miners."Besides," added Susan, "I like Private Markham. He got style. An’ Corporal Winterslooks handsome enough." "I'd rather have lunch with McKay himself," said Alison. Susan puffed. "Don't talk like that, Allie. He's not an ill-lookin’ man either." The girl was so used to her sister's sarcastic remarks about men that she didn't realisethis time she had not meant it as a joke. Alison did not offer any clarifications.

* * *

Another Sunday evening came. Sully and McKay had spent the previous weeksurveying the mountains around Windy Creek; now they were standing before theDeakins' farm, making their report to the miners. "We found nothin'," said McKay. "They don't have a base 'round here. They comefrom outside. This should make it easier to catch 'em."



"Yes," mused Sully. He was staring towards the opening of the narrow vale towardsthe mountains. "Unless they know the territory better than me." He opened a map hehad sketched on. "These are the places I'd guard. The problem is, they could be lookin'at us this very moment." McKay gazed around at the small patch of lawn. It was open to the South and theWest, which made it almost healthy to farm and live in. The other two sides were thecraggy, intricated mountains that held the precious mines. From where he stood hecould hear the wind whistling loudly through the cracks and small canyons and the drytorrent bed. There in the valley the last of the sun was still warming the air, but amongthe rocks the temperature dropped sharply. Sully had never let them roam themountains after sunset, making them return every time to Colorado Springs or to thesettlement, even though it was June. After dark, in winter, the winds that gave WindyCreek its name could kill a man. There were soldiers scattered all along the perimeter that enclosed the two farms andthe small mission, watching the reddish rocks. A sad patch of burned rubble marked theplace where the third farm had stood. "Gonna keep livin' in the mission, Mr. Tanner?" asked McKay of a large man standingnear Mr. Deakin with a gun. "So we are," nodded the man. With him was his wife, a small dirty woman, and theirsmall dirty child. "Until we build our home again." "Till then we're going to defend them," said Brother William, one of the fourFranciscan monks that ran the mission. He was standing with a gun in his hand,menacing despite his bespectacled scholar's looks. "And beyond that, if necessary." McKay looked at him in surprise. "You gonna use that?" "Sure." "Thought your rule forbade it." The monk looked calmly at him. "I'm ready to risk my life - my soul, actually, so thatthese good people can go on living as they have a right to." "We all are," agreed the other three monks. As the shadows were falling, everybodywas beginning to gather outside, arms in hand. "How come you founded a mission up here?" asked Sully folding his map, curious ofthose warlike friars. "At the beginning of the century, a Spanish settler got lost in these mountains inwinter," explained Brother William. "He was surprised by a blizzard, and survived. Hehad the small chapel built as a token of thank to God. Some years later some mad abbotcame here..." "You're talking about our revered First Abbot," said piously one of the younger friars,armed with two guns in his belt. "Himself. He liked the quiet of the place and had the mission built. It's a sort of havenfor desperate cases, you see. We all come from monasteries that didn't exactly urge us tostay... but we like it here." "Very close to Perfect Happiness," quoted another monk. Sully smiled. In their calm there was something of Cloud Dancing. "We all gotta thank 'em," said Mr. Deakin. "They sure helped us 'fore the Army did." McKay turned to look at him. "Now we're here, Mr. Deakin. I set up camp just



beyond the range. If necessary I'll send more men from Colorado Springs." "Ya ain't stoppin' 'em. More men won't mean nothin'. Ya could stay here forever." "At Denver Headquarters they're well aware these mountains are dangerous. First theIndians," - a look of regret passed on his face, but it was not the time to expand on thetopic - "now the raids on the mines. I received a message from my commandin' officers.They're considerin' to have a fort built close to here. From there we'll be able to defendyou much better." Sully had lifted his head. "A fort? Where?" McKay seemed caught out. "I think the place's called Skunk's Tail. Some are jokin'they'll call it Fort Skunk, but Command's more inclined towards Fort Lafayette." Sully was far from pleased. He made a mental note to press McKay for moreinformation as soon as they were out of earshot of the miners. The fact that he had cometo trust and respect the sergeant did not mean he was happy at having a permanentArmy settlement so close to home. "It's not decided yet," added McKay under his breath. "It may be that you'll be able tosay somethin' - " A shot rang out from the narrowing of the valley. Almost simultaneously a soldier screamed a warning. Everybody started lookingaround. "Take cover!" shouted Sully. He threw himself and Mr. Tanner's wife and childbehind a watering trough, watching that the others did the same. McKay dived behind aboulder, the monks took refuge inside a trench the soldiers had hastily dug thatmorning. Everybody started shooting. There were at least half a dozen men up among the rocks. Sully saw someone wearingan Indian headdress. "There they are!" shouted the younger Deakin. "Wouldn't fool anybody," answered Sully, furious. Except, that is, a bunch ofexasperated miners ready to blame it on someone. The baby began wailing, frightened by the noise. Sully had not expected such avolume of fire. He started worrying about the rocks. Windy Creek was known for itslandslides, due to the constant erosion of the canyons' walls by the cold dry wind.Should some of the largest boulders up there start moving, they could easily crush thefarms below. There was nothing to be done about that right now. The men in the rocks went onshooting. McKay pointed to a shadowed nook in a stone wall. "Two or three of 'em arethere," he shouted to one of his men. "See if you can get around. I'll cover you." The soldier started running across the field and reached a pile of cordwood. Fromthere he went on shooting towards the nook. They saw a man fall down from there. Ashot struck close to the soldier, chipping away at the wood. He took cover. He wasabout to answer fire, when a double shot from another direction threw him to theground. McKay swore. Just as he unloaded his gun on the nook, one of the friars fell too. Theyoung one with two guns. The sergeant struggled to reload. "Stay hidden, dammit!Don't offer 'em a target. Try to - " A shot hit his boulder in a small explosion of sparks. "They're going away," said Sully. He looked cautiously out of his cover, one hand onthe shoulder of the unhappy woman. The soldiers loosened some more shots, then the



silence fell again on Windy Creek, chasing away the echoes. Sully rose and ran to the young monk. It took just a glance. "He's dead," hewhispered. Brother William crossed himself, anguished. Sully turned. McKay was standing behind him, his eyes on the soldier behind thecordwood, laying motionless in a pool of blood. "They wanted to show us they ain't afraid of the Army," said Sully bitterly. McKay was silent. He lowered his eyes on the monk, huddled on his side, stillclutching his guns. "They will be," he said in a breath, looking at Sully from under hiseyebrows.

* * *

On Monday, after doing her share of chores, Alison put Susan to paint the newmilking stool, then unhitched her horse from the wagon and sped to the Army camp. The two soldiers had come to church the day before, but not McKay. Alison was nothappy about it. The young men seemed to have the day off, and she had endured lunchat Grace's with them. Susan was really glowing, while she couldn't really understandwhat kind of pull a loud and inane man like Markham could have on her bright andresourceful sister. As for Corporal Winters, he was beginning to understand that Alisonwas not interested in him. He had just sat there, trying to be philosophic and lookingmostly miserable. She felt bad for him. She wished he would stop coming, but clearlyMarkham had to drag him along for appearances. This thing had to end. What a mistakeit had been. She reached the camp at sunset, when the soldiers were beginning to gather round thetables to eat. She dismounted and left her horse to a private, hoping to avoid Markham,aware of looking very conspicuous among all those men. She asked for directions froman old corporal and was pointed to a tent raised a little apart from the others. McKay was sitting at his table just outside his tent, writing orders. Out of the cornerof his eye he saw the figure of a woman approaching. For a moment, before he lifted hishead, he thought it was Michaela Quinn, coming to talk to him like those days the yearbefore, when she had needed help for Sully. For that barest, fleeting moment he wasjolted back to the concern and admiration he had felt for the brave and beautiful womandoctor, the deep tenderness for her strange mix of strength and vulnerability. She wasprobably the one who had first cracked his rigid inner system of rules and regulations,giving him the inspiration to side with the Indians and work for Sully's and CloudDancing's pardon. He would have done anything for her then, even give her back herhusband. All the side effects of that December treaty had been long and painful to healfor him. But right now it wasn't her. It was the young "Ladies for Temperance" chairwoman,and she looked nothing like Dr. Quinn. With her strong face, dark shining eyes andbraid, and a dusky colouring gained from working in the open, Alison Lowell lookedlike an Indian girl. She was tall for a woman and very slim, though shapely. "Evenin',Miss Lowell," he greeted her, rising from his chair at once. "How can I help you?" "Sergeant McKay," she answered. "Why weren't you in church yesterday?"



His expression hardened. "Wish I'd been there," he said briefly. Alison was quick enough to understand that there were things he was not allowed todiscuss. She noticed he had been writing with his gloves on, as if he had just come backfrom some mission. She shook her head. "Well, this is not the main reason I'm here." Shesat down opposite him, and he did the same. McKay watched her with a more relaxed look, leaning back in his chair. He seemedvery tired. Did he ever shave? wondered Alison. Yet there was a method in hisscruffiness. Most of the time he looked like he had a slight moustache, neverpronounced enough, as if he couldn't make up his mind about it. She checked herself.You can't spend all the evening staring at him, she thought. Or rather you could, but itwouldn't be proper. "I'd like you not to bring your soldiers to the League or to churchagain." He frowned slightly. "Why? Did they misbehave?" "No, not at all. Yet..." She tried to be brief, but she felt uneasy. "Private Markham'sbeen courting my sister. You see, when our parents died ten years ago I took care of her,and I have the responsibility of judging the people she meets." McKay still lookedconcerned, so she added, "He's behaving like a gentleman, mind you. It's just that I don'tfeel he is the right man for her." "Cause he's a soldier," said the sergeant softly. "Yes," answered Alison without thinking. Something untraceable passed behindMcKay's clear eyes, and she felt she had made a mistake. "No. I mean, that's only part ofthe problem. The truth is, I don't like him. I know it's unfair to Susan, I'm not the onewho should like him or not. But I am responsible for her, and I'm ready to risk heranger." McKay nodded slowly, lowering his eyes to the table. When he looked at her again,that mysterious flicker in his gaze had disappeared. "I'll do what you ask of me," he saidsternly. "Sorry to have caused you displeasure." "Frankly, Sergeant," she said lightly, "were you so oblivious to the fact that it couldhappen? Could you deny hoping one of your men would find a soul mate?" Her smile seemed to draw another one from him. "When Sully told me two ladieswere gonna open a Temperance League, you see, I pictured my Ma's unmarried sisters.No temptation for young soldiers, I can assure you." His amusement accentuated thatfaintest hint of a Southern drawl in his speech. "When I saw you, both of you, well... Ihad some doubts," he admitted. "However I got much trust in those two young men.Winters is a good lad, and Markham's always behaved very well. Bit of a rattle at times,I agree with you on that." The smile widened for a moment, then vanished. "My mainconcern was to put them on a good path. Anything else, I thought could be resolvedwith common sense. I thought he was able to take no for an answer." Alison looked down. "Problem is my sister likes him." McKay tilted his head. "Miss Lowell, you sure you're doin' the right thing?" As he looked at her she seemed to draw back within herself. She lifted her face with a"Yes" that made the sergeant pray he would never find himself on the receiving end ofthat unexplained loathing. "All right," he sighed. "I'll keep 'em busy. Even more than I'd want to." Her mission accomplished, Alison was ready to get up and go, but the sergeant's



words stopped her. "What do you mean?" she asked instinctively. McKay looked at her, doubtful, then leaned forward, putting his elbows on the table,eyes shadowed under the hat. He placed his chin on his folded hands, pressing his lipson the knuckles. He seemed to remember that he still wore his gloves and took them off,and the hat with them, laying them on the table. He had the hands of an officer, smoothand sensitive, lightly covered with blond hairs. His eyebrows and sideburns too werefairer that the hair on his head. "I've been with Sully at Windy Creek," he said finally."We're preparin' a defence plan." Alison looked at him with concern in her eyes. That warmed him somehow, thoughhe hated to be a cause of uneasiness for her. "Is it very dangerous?" she said. "It could be." "Your sweetheart will be worried." Now what on earth had prompted her to say that,she wondered. McKay shook his head. "No sweetheart either." "Odd," she replied. Heavens, she had to get away from there. With every word shewas becoming sillier and sillier. She gathered her pouch in her lap. "Why odd?" asked McKay, truly surprised. Now find a plausible answer, lady. "I know you by fame. Dr. Quinn and Sully think wellof you, and so does Sheriff Simon. You're a dependable man. You did a lot of goodaround here last year." She managed to keep the rest for herself. He shook his head sadly. "I'm a soldier. No prize for a woman." The lady looked ready to go away. "How about you?" added McKay hastily. "Did Itake somebody else's place in church last Sunday?" Astonished, Alison tried to weigh just how rude that question was. No ruder than herinquiry. "No," she said. She met his eyes, noticing with a small jolt he was doing hisshare of staring, as he lifted his gaze from her throat. She was on the verge of addingsomething, then she got up. "Time to go." The air was in fact becoming darker. Already McKay was no more able to distinguishthe reddish flecks in her hair and eyes. He rose from his chair too, reluctant to part withher. His men were eating, but it was not proper to invite her to stay for dinner. "May Iaccompany you for a while? Until you're in sight of your farm." Alison smiled. "Yes, thank you." McKay nodded matter-of-factly. "O'Malley!" he called. "Fetch me a horse. My own'sexhausted," he added, turning again to Alison and recovering gloves and hat. As the old corporal led towards them a brisk young grey, Alison noticed a movement.On a square wooden stool by the flap of the tent, something had raised its head. A smallfurry black cat, who had been so fast asleep and curled up that she had mistaken it forsome sort of rag. Now it looked at the sergeant with wide alert eyes and forward-pointing ears. McKay gave it a warning look. The cat put down its head again and resumed itsslumber. "How cute," attempted Alison, unsure of the correct compliment to pay to the ruggedowner of such an incongrous creature. McKay didn't even bat an eye. "Army kitten," he said. "Standard equipment." He took



the grey's reins and gestured her gallantly towards her own horse. "What do you mean, no news?" whispered Preston angrily. "I heard there have beendead people up there." "Accidents happen." The stranger was sitting on one of the bank's best armchairs andwas lighting a very bad cigar. Even Hank's were less nauseating, thought Preston. "Theminers could be ready to sell. If they thought it was a joke, now they don't anymore. Yetnow everybody gotta reckon with the Army. Seems they're gonna go up in forces an'fortify the place." Preston did not care about the Army. All he cared about were information.Information were the only thing he wanted to be caught with if something went wrong.Not a possible accusation of being an accomplice in murder. From the beginning theoperative word had been "persuasion". And he was not the one who had used it. All heknew was that people up at Windy Creek could soon start selling their land and thatsomebody was giving them a push in the right direction. Nobody had ever talked aboutkilling them. He stared at the lantern on the desk, careful to hide his thoughts from the stranger.He had known the deal was dangerous, given the quality of the other party. He thoughthe knew what could happen if he started backing off. He smiled. "You've kept me well informed, as usual," he said, handing him thepayment. "I trust next time you'll have some facts for me." The man rose heavily from the armchair. Preston knitted his eyebrows together. "Areyou wounded?" he said. "It's nothin'." The man took the money and went out quickly. Preston went to the armchair with his lantern. Great. Now he had to have it cleaned.Nervously, he aired the room.

* * *

Alison was facing the prospect of being in love with Sergeant Terence McKay. As she walked the main road that lay across Colorado Springs, careful of the ankleshe had sprained the day before, she told herself she had received no real signals fromhim, so it was premature to entertain such feelings. Yet, since that very first day at theLeague, she had reserved a place deep in her heart for him, and now it glowed with awarmth she thought she had never felt. He might look and talk like a rough soldier, butthe surface was easy to scratch. His gentleness touched her soul, as much as his looksappealed to her senses. It was so good to relax into thoughts of him, of the few timesthey had met, until he had taken leave from her on Monday, at the bend of the road infront of her farm already lit up for the night. He had raised his fingers to the brim of hishat, his face invisible in the dusk; however she could picture one of his rare tight-lippedcheek-creasing smiles. She had been so pleasantly flustered that she had cheerfully putup with Susan's outburst at the lateness of the hour. She had justified herself by saying she wanted to scold McKay for skipping church.Besides some colourful details, she had told very little of the meeting to Susan, who,



being the good-natured girl she was, now walked merrily at her side, anger alreadyforgotten. That did bother Alison. Besides being unable to open her heart to her, she hadacted behind her back to part her from Private Markham. She knew it was for hersister's good, but it was hard nonetheless. She hoped the thing would solve itself - Susanforgetting the private, or the Army leaving again - this, though, would have broken herheart. They entered the store. Loren was giving Cloud Dancing his share of the profits of theIndian merchandise he sold. The former was very reluctant to part with any of hismoney; the latter stood quietly and solidly with hand outstretched. Near the counter,Hank was sampling some of the newly-arrived cigars, rolling them close to his ear andcritically sniffing them. "Mr. Bray, Cloud Dancing, Mr. Lawson," Alison greeted them all brightly, even Hank. "Mornin', Miss Lowell," Loren answered cordially. "You're a bit early for your weeklyprovisions." "It's such a beautiful day. I'm seizing the opportunity ‘fore it rains again. Besides, Ihave to see Dr. Quinn, no big deal, though." "Aren't we in high spirits today," drawled Hank with a lazy smile. "Yes," answered Alison and Susan together. Then they exchanged a brief suspiciouslook. Susan began to gather from the shelves the everyday things they needed. Candles,soap, canned meat. Meanwhile Alison approached the counter. "Mr. Bray," she said like a conspirator, "I need a cushion." "A cushion, Miss Lowell? For a bed?" "No. For - a chair, or a stool." "Fancy," said Hank. Alison raised an eyebrow at him. "I don't have a whole cushion, yet I got the material for it," Loren was saying. "Howabout white linen?" "Oh no, not white. What else have you got?" "Let's see... Some red muslin remnants at a very good price. Otherwise here's somecotton. Checked, or blue, or green." "May I see the blue one?" It was a very fitting dark blue, yet it seemed too contrived.From the remnants she fished out a nice yellow rectangular piece of material, but thenshe thought that black fur would stand out too much on it. "Excuse me," said Cloud Dancing. "If it may be useful to you, I have this leatherpouch. You could stuff it, then sew up the open side." Alison weighed in her hand the square fringed pouch. Leather was easy to brush, too.Yet it felt a bit cold. "Would an animal sleep well on it?" she asked Cloud Dancing. The Cheyenne smiled. "Usually, animals sleep very well in it." Susan deposited on the counter a wooden crate full of items. "It's for an Army kitten,"she said impishly. Alison glared at her. "A what?" gaped Loren. Hank smirked. "It will be good for its nails, then," added Cloud Dancing. "This is very strong leather." "All right," said Alison briefly, "I'll take it. I need the stuffing too." Loren dismissed the mystery with a shrug. "I got some wool. And horse hair," he



added reluctantly. "Cheaper." Alison thought about it. "I'll take the horse hair," she sighed. When they got out in the sun, Alison shot Susan a fiery glance. The younger sister smiled. "What about it, Allie? I'm the only one who knows you'restill tryin' to save Sgt. McKay's soul." Alison was drawn to smile too. She did not believe anymore his soul needed saving."Will you please take the provisions to the wagon, Sue? I'll drop in at the doctor's. Youcan find me there." Susan walked away with the crate. Alison crossed the street and mounted on theporch of the clinic, walking up to ring the bell. "Come in," said Michaela. She was sitting at her desk with a pen lifted in the air, asthough she had been leaning her cheek on her hand. She looked distracted. "Sorry, Dr. Mike," said Alison. "If you got other things to do I'll..." "No, please, Miss Lowell," she said, smiling. "What can I do for you?" "I sprained my ankle running after the cattle. I can walk on it, but it's swollen." "Let's see." Michaela made her sit on the examination table. Alison took off the leftshoe, and the doctor carefully took her stockinged lower leg in her hands, rotating thefoot gingerly. When she pushed it upwards Alison flinched. "Does it hurt here?" "A little." "I have to push it a bit more to see if there's damage. It may be painful." "Go ahead," said Alison, and tightened her jaws. Michaela moved the foot, but thepain did not increase. "How's that?" "Pretty much the same." "Well!" smiled Michaela. "It's just an inflamed nerve, Miss Lowell. Let it rest." Alison sighed. "As much as you can," added Michaela, aware that the young woman ran her farmalone with her sister and a couple of paid helpers. She gave her a roll of bandages. "Atleast keep it bound up tight and don't ride for a week." "Thank you, Dr. Mike." Alison paid her, then stopped before going away. "You sureeverything's all right?" Michaela was about to sit at her desk. She looked at Alison, a small crease betweenher fine eyebrows. "Are you acquainted with the situation at Windy Creek?" Alison nodded. "Sgt. McKay told me." Michaela looked slightly surprised, then smiled. "Sully is working with him, did hetell you that?" "I gathered as much. Sully knows what he's doing, Dr. Mike." She was tellingMichaela the same things she kept telling herself. "I'm sorry that every time the Armycomes to Colorado Springs things get difficult for him, but everything will be fine." "It's not McKay's fault. It never was. It's about what Sully is, what he does. And I'mglad that this time they are both on the same side." Alison nodded and turned for the door. Michaela accompanied her, with a hand onher shoulder.



When Alison went outside she saw Susan down the road, talking to Corporal Winters. She swore under her breath, which was not a ladylike thing to do, but the situationcalled for it. With a heavy pace, remembering suddenly her aching ankle, she joinedthem. Winters looked sullen. Susan turned on Alison with a savage look. "How did youdare? How could you do that to me?" "I tried to talk to you, Susan, but you wouldn't listen..." "Small wonder! Don't you think I have the right to live my own life an' make my ownchoices? McKay's soul, indeed! You went there to convince him not to let 'em outanymore!" Alison turned helplessly to Winters. The surly young corporal offered no mercy."Sergeant changed Markham's time off to mid-afternoon an' late evening, when it's veryrare to meet you in Colorado Springs. Oh yes, we could come visitin' to your farm. Butyou see, we know when we're not wanted." "No!" cried Susan in despair. "Please..." She grabbed Winters' arm, then let it gobrusquely and looked at Alison. "Good job, sister. Really makes sense. We put up theLeague, then turn down our first guests an' cancel 'em from our lives. Well, from nowon you can run the League alone. I want no more of it!" She turned and ran towards thewagon. "It's not as it seems," pleaded Alison with Winters. "I got nothing personal againstyou, both of you. You must understand..." "All I understand is you don't care much 'bout lower ranks," blurted out the corporal.He noticed Alison's appalled look. "Sorry," he said quickly, then saluted and strode offin the opposite direction. From the entrance of the store, Hank had followed the whole scene. He nudgedLoren, who was watching with interest. "There go the Army kittens," he said, noddingtowards Alison who caught up wobbling with Susan and jumped onto the wagon withher in an icy silence.

End of Part I

McKay’s Story - Fiction Summary - Part II




McKay’s Story - The Army Kittens II


The Army Kittensby SoldierBlue

Part II

McKay's Story - Fanfic Summary - Part I

Copyright © SoldierBlue 1999-2000. All rights reserved. All stories belong to me, if not credited otherwise. You can reproduce them fornon-profit purposes, provided you keep them unchanged, keep my name in it and drop me a line.

Friday evening. Usually it was the moment when Preston stayed late at the bank to puteverything in order. This time he was staying late because the obnoxious informer wouldn'tdisappear into the murky den whence he came from. "I'm sorry, but our deal is nil from now." "What d'ya mean, mister?" said the man. "Our deal's alive and kicking." "Let's try to go over what has been happening lately," said Preston, bearing down hard on hisimpatience. "You come and tell me you can keep me informed on the situation at Windy Creek, inwhich you know I am interested. I pay you, two, three times a week. All you can tell me is thatthe miners are ready to sell. But not now. Because of Sully, or of the Army, or of the way the windis turning. You understand that I cannot go on much longer than this. I'm losing out. I'll pay youfor tonight's inconvenience, and then we may go our separate ways." "Reckon ya makin' a mistake," said the man. "This time's really the right time." "Like last time. So please, accept my payment and be gone." "Thought the deal had 'nother side. A premium for me when ya get the Windy Creekconcession. Now ya say ya wanna back off. No premium for me, then. Ya see, mister, I'm losin'out here." "Points of view," smiled Preston. "You could lose out anyway, if I don't get the concession. SoI'd advise you to be content with what you have had already." "Ya a fool if ya back off now!" cried the stranger. "Windy Creek's gonna be deserted bytomorrow evenin'. When a landslide buries the damn mission, the miners gonna have nobody torun cryin' to no more!" Preston's growing distaste turned suddenly into a sick feeling. He saw in the narrowing of theman's eyes that somebody had spoken one word too many. He kept his own eyes carefully blankas he worked up a smile. "Well, why didn't you say so before? Now that's talking." He slidtowards his desk, trying not to be too obvious as he avoided turning his back to him. He'd nothad any intention of paying him, so he had to open the drawer. Inside were some dollar bills anda gun. He almost went for the gun, then thought he did not have many chances. He took themoney without bothering to count it, which galled him. "Here," he said pleasantly to the man. "I have enjoyed working with you. Drop by after the dealis concluded, to collect your premium." The man took the money, without leaving Preston's eyes. He backed off and went out in silence. Preston let out his breath. You idiot. You should have killed me at once. He sat down at his desk, so






that in case the man looked in again he would have seen a very normal picture, and also becausehis knees were shaking and his superior brain felt somewhat cluttered. He waited a couple ofminutes, watching the door. If the man was really stupid, he could come back. At last the bankergot up and with the utmost calm he drew the curtains close. Then he took the gun, slipping it intohis belt under his jacket, put off the lantern and got out. The road looked empty and still fairly lit by the neighbouring houses. At least he saw thebrilliant light of the sheriff's office in front of the bank. Daniel Simon was in. Preston just had tocross the street to reach it, but he felt exposed. He stretched, breathing in the cool evening air,thinking. Then he set off at a leisurely pace towards Jake's barber shop, darting his eyeseverywhere. Maybe he was being overly suspicious. He did not remember there were so manydark zones between the houses. Preston heard a movement behind him. He did not turn, and put his hand on the gun. Againthat noise. Someone was following him. He walked some more paces, then suddenly dived to theside into the dark alley between the buildings. He tripped and scrambled forward, throwinghimself behind a barrel and drawing his gun. He saw the figure of his treacherous informersilhouetted between the dark walls of the alley. He saw he was armed. "Stop or I'll shoot!" he screamed, gun held between both hands. The man did not pause andaimed in his direction. Preston fired, missing. The man flattened himself against the wall. At the shot, Daniel had jumped from his desk. He took his rifle and darted out, leaving a coupleof drunks in the cell. "What's the matter?" he cried as soon as he was outside. He saw a manrunning out of the alley, gun in hand. "Stop!" he shouted, dropping on one knee. The man turnedand fired at him, breaking a glass pane behind him. Screams across the street. The sheriff returnedfire. The man fell sprawling in the middle of the road. People were beginning to come out. "What's happening?" "My God, that man's dead!" "Stayinside, it's dangerous!" Daniel rose slowly, shaking away shards of glass from his shoulders. He went to the man lyingin the dust. Jake appeared at his side with a lantern. Daniel knelt and checked that the man wasindeed dead. "Nice shot, Sheriff," said Hank. Daniel did not answer. He was no trigger-happy man. "Who's that?" he asked the townspeoplegathering around him. Among all those who shook their heads, Preston pushed through and looked down at thesheriff, theatrically putting his gun back in his belt. "He's one of the Windy Creek raiders," he saidaloud. Michaela and Matthew had appeared in the crowd. "How do you know, Preston?" she said. "I'd like to talk to Sheriff Simon alone." Daniel got up and waved around. "Everybody go home, it's all over," he called. Jake turned to Robert E. "Gimme a hand to take him away." The sheriff nodded Preston towards his office. Michaela and Matthew followed them. "I said alone," pointed out the banker as soon as they were inside. "Sully's up there with the garrison," answered Michaela firmly. "I have a right to know. Howdid you learn he was one of them?" "I heard him whispering to another bandit." "And where's this other bandit now?" asked Daniel.



"He rode away. When the first one saw me he tried to shoot me. But I'm hard to kill." They were looking at him, puzzled. "What were they talking about?" asked Matthew. Jake and Robert E came inside. "So what's the deal?" asked the mayor. Preston was annoyed at the crowd, but rose to the occasion. "I heard them saying thattomorrow they're planning to cause a landslide and bury the Windy Creek mission." Michaela placed a hand on her mouth, eyes widening. "We gotta warn 'em," said Matthew, looking at her. "I'm goin' with you," added Robert E. "Just a moment," said Daniel. "How do we know all this is true?" "Are you implying I'm a liar, Sheriff?" said Preston, wrinkling his upper lip. "I'm just wonderin' what you coulda heard from two bandits whisperin', an' why on earth theywere whisperin' 'bout landslides in the middle of Colorado Springs..." "It does make sense, Daniel," said Michaela eagerly. "Sully told me that the place is subject tolandslides. He was very worried about it, with all the shooting. And I know that the miners havebeen relying heavily on the friars' moral support." The sheriff saw her point. "All right, Michaela. Go warn Sully. I'd like to come with you, but..."He nodded towards the two drunks, huddled unhappily on the floor of the cell. "Don't worry, Daniel. We'll take care of ourselves." Michaela went out quickly, followed byMatthew and Robert E. Jake looked at them. "Those damn raiders are gettin' closer to town. Keep your eyes open,Sheriff." He stormed out, carrying his lantern. Preston was about to follow. Daniel stopped him. "I still think there's somethin' strange," hesaid, looking askance at the banker. "What do you mean?" "Two raiders in town, talkin' about their plans. An' you bein' the one to overhear 'em." "So what?" "I don't know, Mr. Lodge," said Daniel, lifting his chin, "but it seems to me you're an interestedparty in the matter. You declared in many occasions you'd do anythin’ to get your Chateau back." Preston looked at him, eyelids lowered. "I'm tired, Sheriff. We all are. We're saying things thatwe don't mean. Goodnight." He turned and left the office. Daniel watched him go. He didn't care about him right now. He was worried about Sully, aboutMichaela and the others, even about that sergeant, a straight-talking fellow he'd have liked to callhis friend. But one thing was certain: Preston was in it up to the tip of his Boston-styled hat. Alison was dusting the cupboard, worried. The table was already set and Susan was late fordinner. She had said she'd drop by in town to get some candles, because she wanted to stay upreading. Now Alison was beginning to suspect Susan's sincerity. She heard again Winters' words.Changed Markham's hours off to mid-afternoon and late evening... The little fool! Alison felt a rush ofrage, then guilt. She had been trying to snatch every opportunity to meet McKay. In what waywas she different from Susan? The sudden frantic thump of hooves outside prevented her from giving herself an answer. In amoment Susan rushed through the door, breathless. "Alison, they're goin’ up to Windy Creek!" "Who's goin’? Susan! Calm down!" The younger sister took a deep breath. "Preston discovered the raiders are gonna set a trap forSully an' the Army. They wanna blow up the mountain. Dr. Mike's goin' up there. Allie, if we start



at once we can catch up with ‘em. Please, Allie..." Alison was staring at her, astonished, scared, unbelieving. "But we can't, Sue! How would we beof any use?" "I can shoot, an’ so can you!" "Sue, we know how to make noise with our old blunderbuss, not how to fight!" "Marjorie would have gone. Dr. Mike did go. Her husband's up there!" "Susan!" Alison grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her gently. "It's her husband, not ours.Listen -" She bit her lip, feeling torn. "I'm worried too, for Sully. An’ the soldiers. But we can donothin’. We'd risk our life needlessly. Please, Sue. Listen to me." Her sister's eyes filled with tears. "Dr. Mike an’ the others will warn them, Sue," Alison went onpassionately. "They’ll be safe." Her voice caught. "I'd want to go up there as much as you do. But Iwon't. Better to stay here and wait for them. It's not because I don't care that I say this." She tookSusan's face in her hands. "Do you believe me?" Susan watched her, mesmerised. She nodded slowly, blinking away the tears. "All right," said Alison. She kissed her cheek and smiled. "Now let's eat and have a good night'srest, and tomorrow we will see what we can do." She led her towards the lighted table, trying tohide her own agony. She had just said the words she herself would have wanted to hear.

* * *

McKay was sleeping in the barn of Deakin's farm, wrapped up in his greatcoat. Even withinwalls, kept warm by the straw, and in one of the most sheltered zones of the canyon, it washellishly cold. It was cold in his dream too, a contradictory dream like many that haunted himlately. From the very beginning his instinct towards Miss Lowell had been very clear. He hadacted on it at once, leaning on all the experience of his Army training, with preparatory movesand a careful reconnoitring of the terrain, which had helped him to assess his position and definehis objective. He had been helped by luck, of course, and the first results were satisfactory. All thisshould have reassured him about the fact that he was conducting his campaign in the beststrategic way. And yet... his dream was full of anxiety, insecurity and loneliness, though touchedby the deepest of sweet yearnings and a reckless, childlike joy he had not known for a long time. He felt he had barely closed his eyes, when suddenly he was being roughly shaken by someone."Wake up," said Sully, and then jumped to his feet. By the light of a lantern Michaela was already inside the barn, grabbing Sully's shoulders. "Areyou all right?" "Yes!" exclaimed Sully. "Whatcha doin' here?" McKay got up, noticing Matthew and Robert E behind Dr. Quinn. "What's happenin'?" "The raiders are going to cause a landslide tomorrow, to bury the mission," she explained. "How d'you know?" asked McKay. "Long story, I’ll just hint it involves Preston," said Robert E. McKay exchanged a look with Sully. "What time is it?" "Just before dawn." "Then it is tomorrow. We gotta find them at once. Sully, where would you go if you wanted toblow up a piece of the mountain?" Sully stared at him. "Why d'you ask me?" he said dryly.



Alison woke up in a sweat. She had slept badly, managing to close her eyes well after midnight,glad to be under the heavy covers in the still chilly air. Now the room was very warm, and thesun barely peeking from the shutters did not justify it. She turned toward the small fireplace. Freshlogs had been put on the fire some hours before. She looked at Susan's bed and found it empty. This was not unusual. Her restless little sister hated loitering lazily in bed, while for Alison itwas a very rare and delicious treat. She tarried some moments more with her hands behind herhead, wondering how it felt to sleep in the wilderness under a blanket. Probably McKay tooappreciated a good night's sleep in a regular bed, whenever he had the occasion. The ratherthrilling thoughts of McKay plus bed were very soon joined by the awareness of the risks he wastaking, and she just couldn't stand the idleness any longer. She threw her legs down, cautiously feeling the floor with her left foot. The ankle felt all right.Relieved, she got up, reminding herself to bind it anyway. She wrapped herself up in a shawl and went into the kitchen. No Susan. Probably out collectingeggs. Alison stoked the stove and put a kettle of milk to warm. Then slipped her shoes on andwent outside. Her sister was not in the shack behind the house. She checked the barn. Susan's horse wasmissing. Alison felt suddenly cold. No, she told herself. There had to be another explanation. Sheprobably was at Bella's - but she wouldn't have needed the horse. Had she gone to town? Or to seeDr. Mike? But why not tell her? Had she gone to dismantle the Temperance League? Maybe. Sheprobably wanted to get her piano back. But she hadn’t taken the wagon. Had she gone to theArmy camp? Alison hurried inside the house to dress. Now she hoped Susan had gone to the ColoradoSprings camp. Because the alternative could mean she had gone to Windy Creek. She hastily took the milk away from the stove, drank some of it while she pulled on herstockings, finished dressing up and ran out again. She took her horse and stopped at Bella's cabin,which stood along the trail some three hundred yards from her house. Her labourers had not seenSusan. They had not even heard her gallop by, although they usually were well aware of everycoming and going. Alison sped to town. She kept telling herself that Susan could be anywhere - at Loren's, atRobert E's if she had discovered there was something wrong with her horse. But when she sawthe camp deserted, the empty corral, the folded tents and the couple of sentries to guard thewagons, she knew. The Windy Creek camp on the lawn in front of the settlement was nothing more than a coupleof fires already crackling in the afternoon, some tents and a makeshift hut for the ammunitions.Two soldiers were guarding the hut, and two were sitting before a fire. One of them wore acorporal's chevrons, and he jumped to his feet when he saw Alison approaching on horseback. Acouple of miners, standing guard at their farm's windows, looked at her in surprise. "Winters!" she called, relieved despite herself. "Where is everybody?" "Sergeant's gone up on the mountain with the others," answered the young man, worried. "MissLowell, are you - " "Has anything happened?" she asked, dismounting. "We heard that - " "I know. Nothing, ma'am, no landslides. There's been a shootout yesterday, but nobody's badlyinjured. Your sister arrived here this mornin'. You met her?"



"Met her? No! Isn't she still here?" Winters' eyes darkened. "I thought she'd gone back to Colorado Springs. If you come from thereyou shoulda met her on the way." Alison felt a cold shiver, as she reviewed in her mind the road she had taken, the only roadbetween the settlement and the town. She had seen nothing that could speak of an accident, notrace of recent passages. Yet she had not really looked. "You let her go without an escort?" Winters looked drawn and earnest. He squared his shoulders. "I'm in command here, till thesergeant finishes his job. I can't spare any men. I thought since she'd come up here on her ownshe was able to get back!" Alison had an annoyed reaction. Yet she understood Winters completely. Susan conveyed thatimpression to anybody. The feeling that she could perfectly get by on her own. Something Susanhad never managed to convince her sister of. "Then why haven't I seen her?" she burst out. "Got to go back. I'll look for her, and I hope..." Winters suddenly appeared remote. He stared for a moment into nothing, then said very softly"Damn." Alison looked at him. "What?" The young corporal turned his face away. "Markham got wounded yesterday. No big deal, justa bullet in the arm during a skirmish with the raiders. But he can't shoot, and the sergeant thoughtleavin' the wounded here was risky. Had 'em sent back to Denver. When Miss Susan came here, Itold her. I thought I'd been clear enough, that he ain't grievously wounded, that his life ain't inperil - " "What do you mean, Winters?" "You may've seen a fork in the road, coupla miles from here. There's a trail goes down, a shortcut towards Denver. A five-hours ride." Alison stared at him. She didn't want to believe it. Yet it would have been just like Susan. "Youmean she went to Denver lookin' for him?" "She rode away so fast... I thought she wanted to get home as soon as possible, but now that Ithink about it... Aaaah!" He hit the palm of his hand on his brow. "How could I have been sostupid?" Alison felt very empty and cold. Susan had run away to Markham in Denver. Maybe she couldstill stop her. She turned towards her horse. The black mare was covered with sweat, head down,frothy at the lips. Alison looked around. There were five or six horses in a corral. But even if sheconvinced Winters to give her one of those, her ankle hurt more and more. She couldn't ride asfast as she would have liked. Winters slapped a hand on his thigh. "Henshall! Robinson! Saddle up an' get as fast as you canto Denver. Look for Miss Susan Lowell. Try at Headquarters or the barracks, 'round that airheadMarkham. An' bring her back to Colorado Springs at once. Go!" As the two soldiers rode off, Alison almost smiled. Young Winters really sounded like he wasstudying at the sergeant's school. She felt a keen longing for McKay's presence. "Thank you," shesaid. Winters shrugged unhappily. "If somethin' goes wrong, it'll be on my head. It already is.Shoulda sent 'em with her this mornin'." "Now, Corporal. Stop that." Alison breathed deeply. It was getting dark fast, and cold. "Can yougive my horse some food and water? I'll go home as soon as she's rested a bit." The young man nodded. "You too, rest a little here beside the fire. It's a long ride home."



Alison nodded. She sat down heavily on the stool she was offered, trying not to think. Now thesoldiers would search for Susan, and the thing was no more in her hands. Winters handed her a cup of coffee. "Sergeant's up that ridge with the others," he said, "checkin'for raiders above the settlement. They'll have to be back before evenin'." Alison shrugged, dejected. She could wait for their return, then what? Spend the night there? Bea nuisance to everyone? She held the warm cup between the palms of her hands, wishing just togo back to her orderly life - if ever that could be possible again. "There they are," said Sully pointing down. Leaning his forearms against a sloping stone, McKay tightened his jaws. The shadows amongthe rocks were already deepening, and it was hard to distinguish something. Yet there was anunmistakable movement on a ledge some ten meters below them. If he squinted, he could see theArmy tents whitening well below. They were quite high on the side of the mountain, and for amoment his brain reeled. "They're settin' dynamite charges," said Sully. "Gotta stop 'em at once." McKay nodded. He turned to Deakin, who had followed the soldiers as the official WindyCreek representative, leaving relatives and friends to defend the settlement. "You go down thispath with Matthew and Robert E." He nodded to two of his soldiers. "Go with them. Sully, youtoo. Dr. Quinn, try to stay out of danger. Me an' the others'll catch 'em on the other side.Everybody take care - I still don't believe our luck that there were no sentries around." Sully studied the place once again. He pointed to a rock below them. "You stop behind that,McKay. I should be able to see you from the other side. You give the signal. Let's try to scare 'emwith our number an' hope they surrender. I'd like to avoid any shootin'." "Right. I'll set my men so that they can jump out all together." McKay left a couple of men up there, so that they could take aim at the raiders from above.Then he and Sully nodded at each other and started off in opposite directions. Michaela followedSully. The sergeant began descending toward the rock, gesturing his men to be quiet. Nobody worespurs, and they had left their horses just above the settlement where the road became too roughfor them. They slipped easily among the rocks, making McKay proud and confident in them. He hoped his thoughts of Miss Lowell didn't make him timid in the face of danger. All hewanted right now was to solve the Windy Creek situation as soon as possible, and without othercasualties. Then - He knew his stay in Colorado Springs was limited to the accomplishment of hismission. But he was anxious to ask Alison's permission to write to her from Denver. And heharboured the hope that, since he was beginning to have a solid experience with Colorado Springs,he and his men would be selected for the Fort Lafayette garrison. Then, then he would have time... Sully took his position, drawing Michaela close to him in the shelter of a curving wall. He couldsee the raiders very clearly now. He saw the dynamite, and the wires they were unrolling. Athoughtful job. They had clearly no intention to blow themselves up. He turned towards Michaela. "Whatever happens, don't you move from here," he said. She nodded resolutely, then brushed his arm. "You try not to get into trouble either, Sully," shewhispered. Now he was looking at the rock he had chosen for McKay. Still no movement. He tookMichaela's hand and squeezed it. Then he checked the others' position - they had instinctively



chosen good places, all of them, Matthew and Robert E, Deakin, and the two soldiers. Theselooked at him and nodded their acquiescence. That's incredible, thought Sully. There was hope, after all. He let out his breath and looked at therock. Finally he saw a movement. He noticed what the raiders didn't, the soldiers taking their places.He saw someone slip behind the big rock, then look out cautiously and lift his arm. He answered the gesture, relying it with a glance at the others. Then he waited. A few seconds, then McKay came out of the rock, gun in hand, and with him his soldiers armedwith rifles. "Everybody freeze!" he called out. The man knew how to bellow when necessary, Sullythought, as he gave his signal to his own men and jumped out of his shelter wielding histomahawk. One of the raiders turned towards McKay's men, pointing his rifle. "Don't shoot!" Sully shoutedin his turn. "You're surrounded. There are twenty men around you an' above you." "Lay down your arms," added McKay from the other side. "At once!" The raiders were no more than a dozen. They looked around, noticing they were outnumbered.Some lifted their eyes to the rocks above and decided to comply. In a few moments, all had laidtheir weapons on the rocky ground. McKay gestured to some of his men. As the others kept the raiders in their sights, they camedown and collected the weapons. One cut the dynamite fuse to be on the safe side. Sully wasbeginning to breathe once more. Soon the raiders were rounded up, tied in a line and ready to go, and the soldiers up on the cliffhad rejoined the others. McKay walked towards Sully and Michaela with that swaggering gaitthey had almost come to loathe in the Palmer Creek days. He was holding up his hat to wipe thesweat away, and though it seemed the circumstances were not worth a wide grin - what wasworth a wide grin for him? wondered Michaela - he looked pleased. "Asked for a clean job, Mr.Sully, you got it," he said cheerfully, and gave him a companionable slap on the shoulder. Sully returned the gesture, feeling amusedly weird. "Sure. Thank you." "Thank you! This is outstandin'." He put his hat back on and resumed his seriousness. "Don'tlower your guard," he said under his breath. "There may be others hidden around here. Let's goquickly, I'll feel really better when I'm on safe ground once again." It took almost forty minutes for them to reach the small rocky vale where they had left thehorses. They were almost on a height with the now-unseen settlement, above the narrowbeginning of the canyon that snaked around it. That crack in the mountain had been the source ofthe river which had delved the canyon, dried up not too long ago after some undergroundturmoil. Sully wondered about the miners and their liberal use of dynamite. He had protectedthem, but as far as the natural environment was concerned, they were not the good guys. It was sodifficult to keep everything in balance. As they approached, Sully stared at the horses. "Say, McKay, there's somethin' we haven't foundout yet. Where did they come from?" "Ain't up to us to discover that," answered the sergeant, walking carefully along the narrow dirttrail that coasted the canyon dangerously. "There'll be a regular investigation. Lotta things wedon't know - who sent them, for example. But we did all that was asked of us." Sully nodded, not entirely reassured. He couldn't picture the raiders coming from very farwithout their horses. Stout mountain ponies could climb even higher than Army mounts. There



were a couple of places where the raiders could have hidden their horses and he had made thesoldiers check them, yet he couldn't say he knew Windy Creek palm by palm yet. McKay's menhad taken away the dynamite from the rocks, but if there was still someone around there it couldyet be dangerous for the miners and the friars. "Michaela," Sully said, "you better go back with Matthew an' Robert E. Don't leave Katie andBrian alone one more night." "I will," she said, kissing him goodbye. "What are you going to do?" He looked at her, narrowing his eyes against the wind that was beginning to blow more cruel inthe late afternoon. "We'll reach the settlement an' stand watch once again. Tomorrow we'll haveanother look 'round here, to be sure we got 'em all." "Where will you keep them tonight?" she asked, nodding at the prisoners. McKay was already on his horse, like some of his soldiers. "We'll lock 'em up safe, don't youworry, Dr. Quinn," he said. As they spoke, Sully heard a small noise from the rocks. He looked around, moving just hiseyes. The others did not seem to have noticed anything. Suddenly he saw some loose pebblestrickling down from a crack. He lifted his head sharply and noticed the glint of a rifle. "Watch out!" he called. By reflex McKay crouched down on his saddle, and the shot whistledover him as the echoes shook the canyon. The soldiers returned fire, chipping at the rocks. The man had ducked to safety. McKay swore through clenched teeth. "Everybody take cover -" "Don't shoot!" cried Sully, drawing out his tomahawk. "He's alone, I'll take care of him." Hestarted up the rocks. "Sully!" shouted Michaela. Suddenly the ground beneath McKay's horse started trembling. Dust began to rise from thecanyon. "What's this?" said Matthew, startled, looking at his now unsteady feet. Michaela held out a hand to him and dragged him with her on the solid rock. "It's a landslide!Everybody get back!" McKay moved to the rear of his soldiers. "Get away!" he shouted. "Get to those rocks!" Deakin, already on the safe side, turned to the prisoners, gun pointed. "Dontcha move." Michaela, coughing dust, grabbed one of the soldiers who was tripping on the rocks. "Sully, getdown!" Standing on a ledge, Sully looked up and around, afraid that the landslide could get worse. Theraider peeked out again and fired blind. "Stop!" shouted Sully. "Are you crazy? Stop!" The rock above him began falling apart. Theattacker slipped from his shelter and slid down with the rubble. Solidly grabbing a hold, Sullyheld out a hand and snatched him by the nape of his neck, drawing him to safety. The still-confused man huddled on the ledge and tried to go for his knife. Sully knocked him out with theblunt edge of his tomahawk. The edge of the narrow trail was crumbling. "Move!" McKay shouted to the running soldiers.He bent down to take the hand of one of the last, when a handful of big rocks rolled among hishorse's hooves. The beast bucked under him. He tried to steady the horse, but, having pushedeverybody forward, he was too close to the cracking rim. The hooves lost their hold, and he felloff the trail. "McKay!" shouted Sully.



It was no sheer drop, luckily. The horse, still upright, was sliding down the steep dusty side ofan old landslide, loose pebbles everywhere. The sergeant tightened his knees, hoping the beastwould find its footing back. The bottom was still a long way down below him, though, andsuddenly the horse toppled over. McKay managed to let it go before getting crushed under it, andlanded heavily and painfully among the small rocks. He kept sliding and rolling fast, arms beforehis face to protect himself should he hit some large boulder. He thought he was slowing down,and then he smashed hard into a slab of rock. Riding down along the canyon from the Army camp, Alison had stopped in her tracks whenshe had heard the shots. She had tried to understand what was happening, but from her point ofview she could distinguish nothing. Then she heard the rumble of the landslide. Astonished, shecarefully pushed her horse close to the rim and looked down. The canyon was deep and twistedand she could see but a part of it. She stared at a faint, billowing cloud of dust rising from it. Alison wondered what to do, upset. Somebody could be hurt. Yet getting down was risky, andthe shots had surely not been directed at rabbits. She had never faced serious dangers before. Shelooked down. She could see no way of getting to the bottom of the canyon, yet... A little furtheralong the path she saw a small steep trail which seemed to lead down. Help your neighbour, said the Bible. Getting down there seemed suddenly more useful thanrunning a Temperance League. What would Marjorie Quinn do? And Dr. Quinn? Yet Alison wasunarmed, her ankle hurt, her horse was tired. Nobody required her to get literally out of her wayto meddle with things larger than her. Rubbish. She couldn't just ride on as if nothing had happened. She urged her horse on and tookthe narrow trail to the bottom.

McKay found himself huddled against the wall and among the dust and pebbles, all sore andbruised. His head spun from the fall. He moved cautiously, pulling himself up on his knees.Nothing broken, no blood, just some rents in his jacket. He sat on his heels and looked around.The light had not changed, so he had not been knocked out for long, if at all. The rigid surface hehad slammed into was a rocky wall. He realised he had slid clean from the top of the cliff down tothe dry torrent bed and to the other side of the canyon. He lifted his eyes and noticed he couldn'tsee the trail from there. He had probably fallen down a twisting ravine, maybe the bed of an oldaffluent. A gust of biting wind struck his face, howling down the canyon. He got up and placed his hands around his mouth. "Sully! Dr. Quinn!" he shouted. "Mr.Deakin!" He thought they were calling him from the top, but the wind drowned everything. Hewalked deeper into the canyon to see them, to find a better position for calling. He couldn'trecognise the place from where he had fallen. He screamed himself hoarse. No answer. He was beginning to be worried for them. Yet he had seen them all safe on solid rock before hisfall. And if somebody had fallen with him now he would be down there too. Down there at thebottom of a cold barren canyon, with him and his horse. His horse! McKay turned sharply. There it stood, among the loose rocks. Relief was quickly smothered byan icy hand when he saw the beast holding up the left foreleg. The sergeant went to it, moving carefully among the pebbles. "There, li'l one, let me see." Hetook off his gloves in the cold air and started to slide his hands down the horse's powerful leg,afraid to meet broken bones, twisted junctures. He mentally checked that he still had his gun and



some ammunition. The horse turned its head, placed its muzzle on the back of McKay's neck andblew warm air. He prayed he wouldn't have to do it. "Now don't move... all right... there's nothin'here. What's wrong with you?" He placed his shoulder firmly against the horse's and lifted thehoof with a grunt. There it was. A fairly large fragment of rock stuck within the curved nail. Thesharp edges had punctured the softer tissue inside. Once again, McKay's spirits lifted. "It's nothin', li'l one," he said under his breath. He took hisArmy knife from the saddlebag and slid the wide blade between the stone and the nail. The bighorse stirred and leaned heavily on him. "Just a moment, almost done." He levered, and the rockcame off clattering among the others. Some blood oozed from the cut inside. "There you are," panted McKay, letting go of the hoof. The horse lowered it. Now it was able toput its weight on it. The sergeant pushed back his hair with both hands, pleased. "We've been both very lucky, li'lone," he said. He took out a small flask of bourbon, proceeding to pour some of it on the hoof. Thehorse fretted some more, because it burned. McKay patted its neck. "When we get back to campI'll have it fumigated. Come on, now. Can't go back up, so I s'pose we'll have to go down." He unrolled his greatcoat from the saddle and put it on, then picked up his gloves. He spottedhis hat and recovered it. It was not much against the cold, yet it was better than nothing. He ledthe horse by the reins, not wanting to weigh on him with all those sharp rocks on the ground. Ifhe followed the canyon, he reasoned, he would soon be out of the mountains and able to lookaround. If only it hadn't been getting so dark, so damn cold... Hooves on rock. McKay turned. He expected Sully, Dr. Quinn, some of his men. Anybody but Alison Lowell.Such an unpredicted, dazzling sight that he wondered whether he had actually hit his headsomewhere. For a moment he did not ask himself any questions. He just let the warm comfort ofher presence sweep through him. Then he shouted, "What are you doin' here?" Alison just stared at him, as surprised as he was. Then she looked down at the loose pebblesand dismounted. "You all right, McKay?" "Yes. My horse got a rock in his hoof but - You're limpin'!" "It's nothing. Sprained my ankle some days ago. I heard shots. What happened?" "We captured the raiders," he answered. "There was a landslide. I was cut off from the others.Don't think there's an easy way back." "I don't know. I only know the road back to Colorado Springs." "Back to - Why, what were you doin' up here?" he repeated. Alison leaned on her horse's neck. Her eyes filled with tears. "Miss Lowell," whispered McKay, appalled. He reached out to her, taking her arm, wanting topull her to him and comfort her for whatever haunted her. She almost let go. Then straightened up and looked into the misty depths of the canyon. "Susanran away from home last night. She joined Markham in Denver. I came to search for her - Winterssent some men towards Denver, but he couldn't..." McKay was speechless. She looked faint with weariness and grief and physical pain. He led herto a boulder and made her sit down. He couldn't refrain from touching her, keeping her close tohimself. "First of all, you can't go around with a sprained ankle." Alison lifted her shoulders. She smiled ruefully. "Dr. Mike told me to bind it tight and not rideon it."



McKay looked down. Under her skirt hem, her ankle was not even bound. It looked swollen allright. He quickly untied his neckerchief. "This should do for the moment." He placedunconsciously his hand on her knee, then thought better of it. She was not his horse. He gave herthe neckerchief. Alison thanked him and tied it tight around her ankle. "You thought you'd find Susan down here?" asked McKay. "No," she answered. "I thought I would find somebody in need." He tried to think about something to say, then he closed his eyes. "I shoulda never brought mysoldiers to your League." Alison stared into emptiness. "It’s not your fault. Nor Susan's. I - I should have talked more toher. I should have understood that keeping her in check meant only to - to alienate her from me.But I had to do that..." Her eyes filled with tears. McKay waited. He felt something else was coming. She gulped down her anguish. "Ten years ago," she said slowly, "when our parents died, I meta young student of economics. I was engaged to him six years. Then he left me." "Deserted you at the altar?" asked McKay, astonished. "Oh, to go as far as plannin' the altar would have required more backbone than he waspossessed of," answered Alison bitterly. "He simply found better to do than go on courtin' me. Butyou know, there was never any real reason for the things he did. Anyway he jumped the boat alittle too late. I had a house to run, I had no time anymore to go out with young men." Alisonmoved the pebbles with her good foot. "I swore to myself this would never happen to Susan. So Ithrew her into the arms of the first rogue she saw." McKay was almost shaking with rage. "But if I hadn't served her the rogue on a silver dish -" "All right, guilt contest's over, let's call it a draw," said Alison briefly. "We'll think about it nextround. Now what do we do?" McKay breathed in the keen air. He lifted his eyes to the walls of the canyon. "I think we gottago back to Colorado Springs. If I know Dr. Quinn and Sully, they'll search for me, but we can'twait for 'em. It's too cold. If they manage to get down here and find no trace of me, they'llunderstand I've gone back to town. Don't want 'em to worry, but I can't help it." Alison nodded. "I don't know where this canyon leads, but the road I was riding on is easy tofind." "It's probably the one leading down from the settlement. We'd better get to it. Can you walk?" "Yes," she answered. She got up almost without his help, shivering. The sergeant led her to her horse, checking if she needed support. Before she took the reins, sheturned to him with a small smile. "We're just the kind to meet at the bottom of a cold, dry canyon,aren't we, McKay?" He looked at her, surprised. He too had been thinking it was no coincidence, but hearing hersay it aloud moved him. "Happens when one looks out for stragglers, unmindful of oneself," heanswered. "Indeed," she said ruefully. They reached the bottom of the small steep trail Alison had taken to get down. There were noloose stones anymore, so they could get back in the saddle. The wind was roaring now, chillingthem through their clothes. McKay pulled the brim of his hat over his eyes. Alison was wearing aheavy shawl, but already it was not enough to protect her. McKay handed her his blanket, andshe threw the shawl over her bonnet. Huddled on their saddles, head down like their horses, they



rode up and out of the canyon. "I can't see him!" cried Robert E. He and Sully were staring down the quickly darkening canyon. The dust had settled, but theycouldn't distinguish the bottom clearly, and the wind was getting into their eyes. "Is it possible to go down?" asked Michaela, who, after checking that the raider knocked out bySully would make it to the trial, was all set to take care of anybody else. Sully looked carefully for any safe way. "Impossible from here," he said. "We'd lose time takin' adetour, an' by then the canyon could be inhabitable. If McKay's conscious, he knows he gotta getoutta there as soon as he can." "And if he's not, or he's hurt and can't move?" asked Michaela, worried. "Sully, we must look forhim!" Sully took a deep breath. "I s'pose so." A corporal stepped forward, a grizzled fellow who already had struck Sully as being moreexperienced than most in the ways of the mountains. "We'll do it," he said. "We got coats andblankets. If the sergeant's down there we'll find him, Dr. Quinn." "I'm coming with you," she said quickly. "Matthew, when we are on the other side you gostraight to Colorado Springs and the homestead, see that Brian and Katie are all right. Robert E,you go home to Grace too." Sully looked in Michaela's eyes. He knew there was no way of swerving her. "Corporal," hesaid, "could we have some blankets too?" "Sure." The man took three soldiers to follow him, and ordered the rest to take the prisoners tothe settlement. "See that the miners don't go for vengeance." Matthew was staring down the canyon, annoyed. "Man, that was dumb," he said. "Here we are,all frantic just 'cause he managed to fall down a canyon..." Sully patted him gently on the shoulder. "Happens to the best, Matt. Come on, stayin' here'suseless." Out of the canyon the wind was less strong, yet by then it was almost dark. McKay and Alisonheaded as fast as they could towards Colorado Springs, but they couldn't see the trail very welland had to be cautious. And the air was still very cold. The sergeant's calculations had beenwrong; he had hoped to be out of the mountains by nightfall. It would probably have been betterto bring Alison back to the settlement, though the road was tougher and he was afraid for herankle. Anyway, now it was useless to ruminate on it. They were both used to hardships and a fewshivers did not frighten them, but before they could realise it they were frozen to the bone, andtheir horses moved rigidly. "Gotta stop," whispered McKay through chattering teeth. He had spotted an opening in therocks. He climbed down from the horse and went to check it. Another small dried-up affluent ofWindy Creek. On its stony banks were some old trunks, pulled down by a flood when water stillran in that bed. The place was fairly sheltered from the wind. He noticed that Alison had followed him, leading both their horses. He nodded towards anoverhanging rock wall. With his knife he cut some small branches from the old rotting trunks,then took up an armful of them and rejoined Alison. While she placed the horses' reins under arock he knelt down and tried to light a fire with his flint. His hands were trembling, his eyesstinging for the cold. At last he managed to set fire to the sticks.



Alison covered the horses’ backs with the blankets that had been folded under the saddles. Shefed the fire with thicker branches, then held out her uncovered hands to it. Meanwhile McKayused the knife to break some larger chunks of wood and piled them on the fire and close to it. "This should keep it goin' all night," he said. "Now we better sleep." They sat down together below the rock, on one side of the fire. The horses stood as close as theycould on the other side. McKay unbuttoned his coat and made her snuggle inside it. They laydown on the cold stone and she leaned her head on his shoulder, then he threw the blanket overthem both. "Slide it under you," he warned Alison, "or your body heat'll seep through this rock."She rolled around a little, until they were solidly wrapped up in a bundle. Alison locked her arms behind his neck and tried to follow his advice about sleep, shutting hereyes. They were both still shivering uncontrollably, despite the closeness of the fire. He smelled ofgunpowder and sweat, and felt very solid to her touch. Very strong and rough. His bristlywhiskers tickled her. McKay kept rubbing his gloved hands on her back to keep her warmer. The skin of her facepressed against his was so cold. Gradually, her tremors began to subside. The warmth of the firehad finally begun to melt her chilly flesh. Alison could tell that McKay, too, felt a little better now. She sensed the heat radiating from hisbody close to hers. The movements of his hands had slowed hypnotically, and it was not sodifficult anymore for her to keep her eyes closed. She was gradually falling into a comfortableslumber, snuggled up in McKay's arms. The moment he had realised they were going to spend the night together in the wilderness,McKay had begun steeling himself against this. He was determined not to take advantage of herin any possible way. But he hadn't been able to anticipate fully the overwhelming physicalcloseness of the adorable "Ladies for Temperance" chairwoman. It was so good to feel her skinagainst his, now. And he had not expected her to start purring. Actually purring, a rhythmic, soft,contented vibration in her throat. He looked at her. Sensing him move, she lifted her eyelids on awide searching stare, her lips softly apart. She was taking in all the details of McKay's face. Sometimes she still had trouble picturingclearly his rather bland features, but now, in the firelight, she could trace with her eyes the cleanline of his eyebrows, his tanned skin, his unforgiving mouth. And those eyes, the look they had. Asmall movement and he was kissing her, gently, hungrily, trying to assuage the rolling waves ofdesire which racked them. His lips were warm and soft, his touch very tender. There was nothing rough about him, now.In the recklessness of the moment she slid partly under him. For a moment their bodies brushedagainst each other like their mouths. Then it was McKay who pulled back. "We better sleep," he said again, wearily lowering his head to Alison's shoulder. That gesturemoved her deeply, for a distant reason she did not want to bring up now. She was safe with him.She didn't think she would manage to sleep, ecstatic as she was. Instead she went down like a log. From the path outside, the light of the fire was barely visible. Matthew and Robert E, riding fastwith a lantern to guide their way, did not see it.

* * *

"Alison. Wake up, Alison." Who on earth was calling her name like that? She shifted a little, her back stiffened by hours of



laying on unyielding rock. She felt all warm, except for half of her face and the knuckles of onehand. She was still wrapped up in the blanket and part of McKay's coat; her cheek still pressedagainst his, her hand entwined in his hair. "Come on, wake up," he whispered again in her ear. Alison stirred, opening her eyes to the pale light of sunrise. McKay's arms began to unwindfrom her body. He had been laying with his hip over hers, protecting her from most of the windand the cold; now he rolled on his side and looked at her. He was the most beautiful sight on acool June dawn. "Good morning," she said, withdrawing her hand from his hair and smoothing it down. McKay smiled, then bent down again and lightly pressed his lips on her shoulder. He wished toremain with her like this, until the sun hidden behind the rock wall turned the bend to warm theirjoined bodies. He sighed and pulled them both up in a sitting position, rubbing the arm whichhad been trapped under her. He looked around, assessing their location by the light of day. Alison followed his gaze, but her thoughts couldn't fully come back to their predicament. Sheleaned on his shoulder and was delighted to feel him lean likewise on her. She couldn't believe hisbehaviour. He was not embarrassed, no justifications or excuses, no pretending that it hadn'thappened or that it wasn't important. It had happened and it was important. It had been just a littlething, nothing more than a chaste embrace and a kiss, yet it mattered. She realised it was Sunday and they were both skipping church. They shared some of hisrations, then started off again. The thought of Susan was coming back to gnaw at Alison,poisoning the sweetness she felt. The ride back to Colorado Springs was the final blow to Alison's ankle. When they stopped infront of her farm, a little before noon, she had trouble pulling her foot free of the stirrup. McKayhelped her down. She refused to let him carry her inside the house and hopped to the doorleaning on his arm. She almost thought she would find Susan there, as if nothing had happened.Yet the house was as empty as she had left it the morning before. She sat down heavily on one of the kitchen chairs. "There's some water in that canter," she toldhim. At least the house was warm. The sun had been shining on it all morning. McKay was looking around with a certain curiosity. It was a fair-sized kitchen, with a smalltable, a big stove and two long sideboards. At the back a door with a curtain presumably led tothe sisters' room. A lighter square in the wainscot along a wall probably marked the place wherethe League's piano had stood, and some books were piled on a shelf. There were small things onthe walls, portraits and holy images, painted plates and bunches of dried flowers, and he wouldhave loved to ask her their significance. He brought his attention back to the present. He took thecanter and two glasses from a cupboard. He gave her one and drank his without sitting down. Heneeded to go and look for Sully and Dr. Quinn. Maybe they had already arrived in town.Otherwise he would have to go back up. The atmosphere of the house was intoxicating. The physical warmth of the sun through thewhite curtains and the dust dancing in its light, but also the feeling of comfort, of home. It evensmelled like a place to live in. For a moment McKay surrendered to a deep wistfulness. Then heremembered that right now Alison's home was for her the theatre of a nightmare. He put down the glass and turned to her. She was staring at the table, as exhausted as he was."Shall I do somethin' else for you?" he asked. She shook her head negatively. Softer: "Do you wantme to go?" No answer.



Suddenly McKay felt more alone with Alison, right there in her own house, than during thenight, sleeping in her embrace. Uneasiness seized him. No, there was no question of staying. Hewas technically on duty, and they were searching for him. He opened his mouth to tell her he was going. Someone placed the point of a rifle in the smallof his back. Alison barely moved her head. "It's all right, Bella," she said. "He's a friend." The gun lifted. McKay relaxed and turned. It was a handsome older woman, a look ofdiffidence on her brown face. "You found Susan?" she asked, giving him a wide berth withouttaking her suspicious eyes off him. "She's fine," said Alison. McKay realised she did not want to talk in front of him. "I'll go, now," he said. "Take care ofyourself." "You too," she answered softly. He nodded deferentially at Bella and went out quickly. The woman followed him with her eyes. "Now what was that?" "That was Sergeant McKay," answered Alison. "Shall we keep him?" "Bella!" "He'd improve the landscape." Alison would have wanted nothing else than remain there sitting at her table, leisurelydiscussing Sergeant McKay with her friend. "Bella, I must tell you about Susan..." At sunset, Bella was still with Alison. She had briefly gone to town to check with Horacewhether there were news from Denver and to send wires to all the families Alison still knew there.Meanwhile Alison dozed, holding to her heart the newly-made cushion for the Army kitten. Atleast she was not worried for him. He'd popped up at the farm, but Bella hadn't been able to catchhim. She had put out a bowl of milk, complaining that they had no time or resources to take careof stray cats. Alison was thinking about McKay. After managing to stuff some meat pie down Alison's throat, Bella was trying to tuck her in forthe night, when she heard a gallop outside. She looked out of the kitchen's window. "It's thedoctor," she called. "Now she'll make you see reason, girl." Alison looked up, curious despite her dejection. Michaela came in quickly, clothes all dusty andcrumpled, eyes shining with tired alacrity. "Miss Lowell! What on earth have you been doing?" She didn't answer, unsure of what McKay could have told her. "Susan's gone to -" "I know, Sgt. McKay informed me. He says she was at Windy Creek yesterday and went on toDenver. They're looking for her now." She accompanied her to her room, nodding to Bella shecould go home. "But there's something I don't understand. McKay came back to the settlement thisafternoon while we were still searching for him, and claimed he had learned of Susan from you..." "What is it that you don't understand, Doctor?" asked Alison, sitting down on her bed. "Why did McKay come back to town? It was faster for him to get back to the settlement, sinceboth he and his horse were all right. Come on... Let's see this ankle." As Michaela took off her shoe, Alison suddenly remembered something. Too late now, shethought. The doctor looked at the dirty rag which still tied Alison's ankle. "Not much of a dressing," shesaid in gentle reproach, opening her bag. "If you'd sent Bella to town, Brian would have opened



the clinic and given her some clean bandages." She took out the scissors and accosted them to themakeshift binding. "No!" exclaimed Alison. "I'll do it." She bent down and untied the knot. She put the piece ofcloth aside. Involuntarily, Michaela followed the gesture, and Alison saw understanding in hereyes. "That's not a rag," said the doctor slowly. "No." "That's a cavalryman's neckerchief." "That's a very common kind of neckerchief," said Alison, taking off her stockings. Michaela's eyes lit up. "You came up to the camp looking for Susan," she whispered. "McKaydid not meet you here, he..." She looked at her in utter surprise. "Oh, Miss Lowell, I didn't meanto snoop." Alison shook her head. "That's not the case, Dr. Mike." She started telling her story as Michaelabandaged her ankle. "Yesterday McKay found me returning to Colorado Springs as he came out ofthe canyon, and helped me get home. We had to stop along the road to take shelter from the windand get some sleep. That's all." She was wary of letting her feelings out. Michaela took her hand warmly. "It's all right, Miss Lowell. Rest, now." She helped her take offher dress. "You must remain in bed for at least three days to heal that ankle." "But I can't," said Alison, getting rid of her corset and petticoat. Luckily my shirt's in goodshape, she thought with a touch of vanity. "I don't know if and when Susan returns, I'll have to dodouble work. Bella will help me, but she already does so much..." "We'll find a way," said Michaela, coaxing her under the covers. "Where's McKay now?" Alison said sleepily, slowly drawing a hand over her eyes. The doctor smiled. "Most of the garrison moved back to Colorado Springs this evening. Isuppose right now he's sleeping too. He's had quite a full day." "Now they'll go away." "I don't know," admitted Michaela. "Rest, now." "Thank you, Dr. Mike." Alison shifted under the covers, searching for a position that didn't hurt her ankle. Michaelalowered the flame in the lamp on the nightstand, then crossed the darkened kitchen. She got out,barely discerning Flash's white-striped muzzle in the dusk. "Dr. Quinn." She turned to see Sergeant McKay standing there on the porch, hat in hand. "How is she?" "She's all right. Resting." "May I see her?" Michaela looked at him, pleasantly astonished. Well, she'd had to see this to believe it! Sheopened the door and pointed to Alison's room with a finger on her lips. McKay came in and stopped on the bedroom's threshold. Alison had managed to find acomfortable position on her side. She was sleeping quietly. He looked at her, leaning on the doorframe, head tilted. Michaela knew that expression, though not on his face. She wondered what hewas thinking, then realised he was not thinking at all. He was too worn out for that. He was justwatching her and listening to her breathing, to his own heart. At last he drew back and went out in silence. Michaela followed him. On the porch he put onhis hat and turned to her. "Thank you, Dr. Quinn." She smiled. "Why does everybody thank me? I did nothing. You're the one who treated her,



kept her safe and brought her back. You're the one who..." "Who brought disgrace to her," he added bitterly. "Not just that," Michaela was ready to counter. He half smiled, looking at the dark wooden floor. "I know you won't fail her," she added softly. "Not on my life," McKay said, lifting his head. "Good night, Doctor." He held out a hand andshook hers, then turned away towards the gate, where he had left his horse.

* * *

On Monday morning, as Preston came down to open the bank, he found Sheriff Simon andSergeant McKay on the steps. "I'd like to continue the talk we began some days ago," Daniel said. Preston greeted a little old lady walking by. "I thought our talk was finished," he answeredwithout looking at the sheriff. "Don't think so. Sgt. McKay here got a coupla things to tell you 'bout the Windy Creek attacks." "I told you all I know," the banker answered, flashing smiles at the passers-by. "An' I say you're responsible for the death of one of my soldiers an' one of the friars," saidMcKay in an even but very audible tone of voice. Somebody turned. Preston reddened. "That's not true!" he hissed. McKay looked at him calmly, eyebrows raised. "A judge'll decide that. Sheriff Simon's here toarrest you." The banker was outraged. He opened the door brusquely. "Come inside." The two men followed him. While Preston locked the door, Daniel sat astride a chair, while thesergeant remained standing, arms crossed. "I am in no possible way responsible for whathappened at Windy Creek," said the banker. "You have nothing against me." McKay made a conciliatory gesture with his hands. "I'd be inclined to believe you," he said,"'cause it'd really be suicidal otherwise. If only the story you told Sheriff Simon the other nightwasn't so absurd." "It's the truth," said Preston, looking away. "It isn't," urged Daniel. "Come on, Mr. Lodge," added McKay, "the real truth. You couldn't be worse off than you arenow. I bet somethin'll come up against you, if we look well. An' you can't rely on your statusanymore." Preston glared at him. Then he surrendered and told them what he knew. Alison was not likely to stay confined in bed for three days. She awoke on Monday morning,and her tightly-bound ankle did not bother her much. She reached for her clothes and dressedwhile sitting on the edge of the bed. Then, leaning on a broomstick, she went into the kitchen. Bella was already there, taking the bread out of the stove. "You should stay in bed," she said ina warning tone. "Better not," Alison answered. "I tried. I just lay there an’ kept thinkin’." "You are the thinkin' kind." "But not today, please." She sat at the table and poured herself a cup of milk. "You should bewith your family, Bella."



"Today Abe's cookin'. For the joy of the children." That made Alison sigh. "Susan's all right," said Bella, gently. "Don't worry about her. Rather, tell me more 'bout thatgood-lookin' soldier I saw leavin' your house again yesterday evenin'." Alison smiled wanly. She felt her cheeks burn. She really wished to let herself be engulfed againby her ever-changing feelings. Bella would have been intrigued by the report of the Windy Creeknight. Alison was amused at the thought that it was the first time she felt like telling a friendabout a man. "Well, you know, Bella," she began, "McKay is... he's not... actually..." They lifted their heads. A sound of hooves was approaching the house. Bella jumped up and looked out of the window. "Oh, Alison," she said. "Now, don't run out but- It's Susan." Alison sat there, speechless. While Bella went to open the door, she slowly got up and pushedback the chair. Leaning on her broomstick, she got to the threshold just as Susan stopped her horsein front of the house. "Allie!" she called at once, beaming. She looked just the same as when she had gone away -Alison noticed she had taken her best clothes with her. Susan saw her sister's bandaged ankle andfrowned. "Oh, Allie, what happened to you?" Her concern and compassion pierced Alison. She smiled, holding out her arms, and Susandismounted and ran to her, embracing her. "What happened? How'd it go at Windy Creek?" "All went well," answered Alison. "I’m all right, don’t worry." Susan looked at her mischievously. "Did Winters tell you something?" "Who - Winters? What!" "I don't know... that he wants to marry you." "But for God's sake, Susan!" Alison couldn't help laughing. Then she sobered. "And Markham?" Susan giggled. Then lifted her left hand. At her finger shone a finely-wrought gold ring. Alison's breath caught in her throat. "Susan... you mean you're engaged?" "I mean I'm Mrs. Edward Markham!!!" Alison stared at her. Horror and relief mixed incoherently in her soul. She was about to scream,then saw how happy Susan looked. She embraced her again, feeling a lump in her throat. "So that's your story?" concluded McKay. Preston nodded, sitting in his armchair, hands clenched together. The sergeant exchanged a look with Daniel. "Sounds credible," said the sheriff. McKay's hard stare did not waver. "Two men died. I wanna be sure everybody involved ispunished." "But I helped you. Doesn't this count?" The sergeant nodded. "It does. Yet you are involved." "You need a culprit? I even pointed out to you a likely mastermind behind the plan." "That's true." McKay straightened up and looked closely at Preston. "I don't wanna see youruined, Mr. Lodge. I want justice." "You'll have it. Also because of me." McKay pushed away from the wall where he had been leaning. "All right. I won't indict you.Inside tradin's not my business. But watch your step, Mr. Lodge. I'll keep an eye on you."



Preston did his best not to look relieved. He was helped by a furious beating on the door. Hegot up to open. A young corporal stood on the threshold. "Sgt. McKay here?" The sergeant came up to him. "What's wrong, Winters? Problems in dismountin' the camp?" "No, sir," answered the young man, bitterly. "But you better come with me at once." The soldiers were striking down the tents. What was left of the camp was all in a bustle. McKaysaw O'Malley pointing towards his tent. Markham was standing before it, arm in a sling. McKay dismounted. Winters had briefed him on the way to the camp. "Congratulations,Markham," he said coldly. "How's that arm? You were wounded just three days ago." "I came as soon as I was able to board the train," smiled Markham. "Susan had some things tocollect at home." McKay nodded. "I got somethin' for you too." He went inside his tent and came out with aburlap sack which held all his private belongings. A soldier was just then carrying out of the tentthe chest with his Army things. McKay took a folder with some papers, pen and ink, sat down athis table and began writing. "I'm puttin' you down for a medal for bravery, Markham. You werewounded in the course of your duty. An' I'll see what I can do 'bout a promotion to Corporal." "Thank you, sir. I could use the extra money." "Indeed you could." McKay left him to wait as he finished writing on the first sheet, withoutdismissing him. He started a new sheet. "I'm suggesting to Headquarters that you might beginservice with Captain Miller's troop a week from now." Markham looked at the papers McKay was handing him. He took them, perplexed. "A transfer,sir?" "Miller's a good man, you'll do well with him." "Pardon me, sir, I thought I did well with you too." McKay raised a cold stare on him. "You behaved irresponsibly with Miss Susan. I'd be entitledto take graver measures, Markham. I'll be satisfied to have you outta my sight." "With all due respect, sir," said the soldier, pointedly, irritatingly, "I did the honourable thingwith her. She came to look for me and declared her feelings, and I immediately found a priest andwe got married. I didn't misbehave in any way. You have my word for it." "The honourable thing," said McKay slowly, "woulda been to put the girl under the care of somerespectable officer's wife the moment she set foot in Denver, then send a message to her sister." Markham smiled. "Well then, Sergeant, I suppose we'd never have got married if I had waitedfor her sister's permission." He lowered confidentially his voice with the ease of male solidarity."You may not have talked to her much, sir, but I did. She's an embittered spinster, and enviousthat her younger sister found a man. She's got a heart like a withered..." "Get out of this camp, Markham, before I tear up those papers," said McKay. His whisperedwords slammed into the soldier like a storm wind. Running his hand over his face hot with rage, the sergeant watched him go. Like a witheredwhat? He pictured Alison two nights before, all soft in his arms, her lips warming beneath his. Heconjured up her smile, her sweetness. Markham was a fool. He looked around. The first soldiers were already starting away under Corporal Winters'orders. The others were packing the last things. He got up and called Corporal O'Malley. "Youseen the cat?" "The cat? You mean the kitty that slept on your stool every day, Sergeant? No trace of 'er sincewe started packin'. Looks like she ain't the kind for goodbyes."



Who is, anyway. McKay felt saddened. He had wanted to give the kitten to Alison. He hopedhe - she? - would get by, maybe show up in town and be picked up by a kind soul. Someone whodidn't have to go away at once. He turned sharply. "O'Malley, see that the garrison leaves in an orderly way. I'm off for half anhour, I'll rejoin you at..." A sound of hooves attracted their attention. An unknown corporal was galloping towards them.He stopped before them. "Sergeant McKay?" "That's right." "I got urgent orders for you from Captain Coleman." "Who?" The corporal looked offended. "Captain Coleman, sir. The officer who will take command ofFort Lafayette." "It's decided, then." "Yes. Captain Coleman is in Denver right now. He wants an immediate report from you on thelocation of the fort." "Listen, there'll be time for that. We're just leavin', and we'll be in Denver in two days. Then..." "I got orders to escort you to Denver now, sir. Captain Coleman wants to see you at once." McKay was already beginning to hate that name. "Do I have half an hour to patch up someunfinished business?" "'Fraid not, sir." The sergeant sighed with irritation. A small despair was gnawing at his heart. He turnedtowards the table, just before two soldiers folded it to put it away, and bent to scribble somethingon a scrap of paper. "Sorry, sir, but my orders say..." McKay turned slowly. "Do I have thirty seconds to leave a note, Corporal?" The man seemed to get smaller. "Yes, sir." The sergeant opened again his folder and took out two envelopes. He wrote something on thefirst and folded the scrap of paper in it, then put it all into the other envelope and wrotesomething else. He tied it with string and a tight knot. He had no time to use his Army seal. "Private!" He called the first soldier he saw on horseback without parcels. "Take this to town.Then rejoin Corporal Winters." "Yes, sir." The man took the envelope, gave it a quick look and started away. McKay let out a long breath. He held out a hand towards his table. There was no tableanymore, and the corporal from Denver was waiting impatiently. He closed his sack again andgave it to O’Malley, then walked towards his horse, eyes down, leaving behind the hauntingWindy Creek nights. Alison was sitting under the porch with pad and pencil in her hands. She wanted to be utterlyfair to Susan. She had always imagined that in case of her younger sister marrying she would giveher half the land to build her own house. But Susan was going to live with Markham in Denver,or wherever he would be sent by the Army, so she had to reason in terms of shares and profits.Giving Susan her part in money would mean asking for a loan from Preston's bank. The whinnying of a horse made her lift her head. Michaela Quinn was coming to see her. The doctor stopped before her and dismounted. "How do you feel, Miss Lowell? How's yourankle?"



"Better, thank you," answered Alison apathetically. Michaela got closer to her. "I'm sorry about your sister leaving so suddenly." Alison shrugged. "I'm glad for her." "Miss Lowell, I have a message for you." "For me?" "Yes. It came to the clinic in an envelope addressed to me, with no return address and nosignature. You probably will know what it's about." Michaela handed her the letter inscribed Miss Alison Lowell. She opened the envelope and readat a glance the small neat handwriting.

Army's leaving. Got to get to Denver at once. Hope I'll be in Fort L this Autumn. I'll write soon. Yours, McK.

"Thank you," Alison said. "Should you need anything..." She nodded. Michaela mounted again and ambled towards the gate. Alison flattened down the small message on the table. It was all too easy to be cheered up by it. She got up carefully and got inside the house. The lighter square on the wall was going to staylike that: Susan had taken away the piano with her. Alison had never been good at playing it,anyway. She went into the room she had shared with Susan and sat down on her own bed. Theyellow neckerchief was still lying there, and she let the small note fall on it. Everybody goes away,she thought. Sooner or later. And she was no Army kitten, to go and follow her heart on a whim.Staring at Susan's empty bed, finally, tears began streaming down her face.

* * *

Captain Coleman had taken very seriously the building of Fort Lafayette. As he oversaw the laying of the foundations on the flat hill between the woods and themountains, he was already making plans. It was a turbulent area, that much was certain. Indians,miners, raiders, outspoken townspeople. They needed Army presence on a daily basis. He wouldsee to it. He had to think about the garrison. The men that had guarded Colorado Spring during the DogSoldiers’ raids had received mixed reviews at best. He had to consider very carefully calling themback or not. It was true they knew the place; it was also true their commander was spoken of moreand more as being an Indian sympathiser. He'd get quite lost in the crowd up here, though, andcertainly would not be involved in command decisions - yet Coleman had to weigh the question.Maybe that sergeant was more suited for some mission in Alaska or something. He folded his maps and stood looking at the proceedings, sure that he would make the rightdecision. From under a cluster of leaves a small furry cat was looking at him, sniffing silently.

The End



McKay's Story - Fanfic Summary - Part I




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