Phillip ran to his sister's room, busting through the door. Kate stood there
aiming the gun at the standing mirror, now shattered by the bullet of her silver
gun. "Kate!" he cried, as he took the gun from her. Kate looked at
her brother, tears streaming non-stop down her tired face. She said nothing
as she laid down on the bed, cuddling a pillow against her body.
"Go send for the doctor." he commanded of the young maid. She turned
at once to fill the request.
The doctor examined Kate, then headed downstairs.
"How is she?" asked Phillip concerned.
"Well, I gave her something to sedate her but she has got to get some rest." he emphasized. "She was almost in a state of delirium. You better have someone keep an eye on her or she may just end up hurting herself." he informed, looking at Phillip through his rounded spectacles.
"Understood doctor."
"I'll check on her tomorrow but if anything happens, you come get me right away." Phillip nodded and thanked the good doctor once again as he escorted him to the door.
The news of the incident at the Wescott's home reached the waystation and disturbed all especially Jimmy. Could Kate go so far as to take her own life because of him? He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if harm were to befall her knowing he was the direct cause of it. With Victoria's blessing he rode to the Wescott estate to see of Kate's well-being.
"Glad you could come." greeted Phillip with a handshake.
"How is she?" Jimmy asked, taking off his riding gloves.
"She's still groggy but she won't mind seeing you." Jimmy nodded and headed up the stairs.
Kate was asleep when Jimmy entered. He sat on the chair next to her bed. She looked so peaceful. He had never seen her like that. He actually felt sorry for her. He knew Kate hadn't had it as easy as most people thought. Losing her mother when she was a young girl, she really had no female figure in her immediate life to influence her for the better. Her father was a harsh business man who showed little affection towards his children but loved them in his own way. He figured catering and showering Kate with extravagant things would show his love for her, but all she ever wanted was for her father to tell her and show her he loved her, not by gifts or trips or fancy things, but in words. Not having the luxury of such a relationship with her father, she grew up spoiled and bitter. Bitter at the world she had to live in. Bitter that she didn't have the love she felt she deserved. Although Phillip tried to make up for such a void, it wasn't quite enough.
Once she had met Jimmy, her entire life, her world changed. For the first time, the hard, cold rock-mass of her heart had been softened. For the first time, she felt the love of another man. A man who wasn't afraid to show he cared for her. She fell in love with him instantly and has never been willing to let that love fade. She'd die before she'd let it go. Her passion for him was tremendous. He had been the one for her. When others had so vainly attempted to conquer her heart, he had done so so easily. It was as though he'd held some magic power that she couldn't dare fight off. They were perfect together she always told him. Indeed, he might've briefly considered that statement to be true. Not everything in their short-lived relationship had been bad. There were special times between them that they only shared but that was now all in the past for Jimmy. He had loved her once, even in the slightest sense of the word but now he didn't. He could never trust her, love her again. There was too much pain, too much anguish between them. Jimmy's love now belonged to another woman.
Kate's eyes started to open slowly. She could see a figure there but her vision was blurry and her head felt as if it were about to explode. Slowly her eyes began to focus and she saw him. Her whole world changed in that instant.
"Jimmy, you're here." she said, frantically reaching for his hand. He gave in to her request. She squeezed it firmly, her love pouring through her grip. "I knew you would come."
"I had to see that you were all right." he said softly.
She looked at him, her eyes red and tired, her lips lacking their usual vivid color. "I love you so much." she confessed, touching his face. Jimmy placed his hand on hers, slowly removing it from his face.
"I have to go."
"No! Don't leave me please." she pleaded. Jimmy obliged her and sat with her until she again fell asleep, holding her hand. Kate longed to have him show such care for her. He was there with her right now, nothing else was important. He was back.
Victoria knelt behind Jimmy on the hay covered floor in the loft. Her arms were draped around his shoulders as she tried to comfort him. Kate had found a way to get back in their lives once again. Victoria knew Jimmy's disposition. He would hold himself responsible for her and that is exactly what Kate wanted. She kissed his temple as she caressed the side of his head with her nose.
"You can't blame yourself for what happened Jimmy." she consoled.
"I know, but I can't help but think that I pushed her; maybe if I hadn't been so hard on her..."
"Don't say that." she said as she knelt in front of him, interrupting his sentence. His countenance was fallen with guilt. "There is nothing you did wrong. I don't want to sound cruel, but Kate will do anything to get you back in her life."
"Victoria, I can't believe you just said that." he said shocked at the notion. "She wouldn't do a thing like that to get me back."
"You know her and I know you. You're going to go running to her side and that's what she wants. I don't want to be selfish but I've waited such a long time for someone like you and I don't want to lose you." Jimmy saw the painful concern in her eyes. She was afraid. He took her in his arms and whispered, "You will never lose me."
The following two weeks were especially difficult on Victoria. Jimmy had to leave on a run and on his return she barely saw him since he had been spending what free time he had at the Wescott estate. Watching him run-off to Kate's side, seeing she was using her condition to keep him away, made her fell helpless. Not wanting to be pushy and demanding of him, she tried being understanding but that was becoming harder as each day passed by.
"I'm losing him Rachel." she voiced worriedly.
"I don't want to hear that kind of talk. Jimmy loves you." she tried reassuring her.
"Then why isn't he here? Why is he with her again?" she asked obviously irritated.
Rachel held Victoria's hand as they sat on the swing. "Jimmy; he has a good heart and sometimes people like Kate will take advantage of that, even though he's blinder than a bat to see it. Don't you give up on him. Fight for your man. Don't let her win."
Rachel was right. Jimmy did love her. He told her so everyday yet his absence made her feel empty. Kate was manipulating the situation and she couldn't allow her to break them apart. Kate would not take him away, not today, nor tomorrow...never.
Though Victoria tried to be optimistic, the stress of the entire situation was taking its toll. One afternoon after Taylor's lessons she rode to the lake and sat on the rock where she had looked out on the glistening waters that night of the dance. Tears filled her eyes as she thought of Jimmy and how much she missed him. She didn't contain her pain any longer and let the tears flow freely down her face. Another week had elapsed and nothing much had changed. Kate of course, was taking her time recuperating and found any excuse to have him call on her.
"Hello beautiful." he greeted. The sight of him overwhelmed her and she ran to his arms, tears still streaming from her eyes. She hugged him as if she would never let him go again. Kissing his neck, she filled herself with the scent of him, her soul yearning for him. He looked into her red teary eyes and felt the pain he knew she had been feeling.
"Forgive me." he said, his embrace firmly on her. "God I love you so much Victoria."
"I've missed you." she responded looking into his eyes, running her hand over his hair.
"I know I haven't been the best suitor as of late but I'm going to make it up to you. Every minute. I promise." he told her, making sure she understood he wanted her still.
"I'm just happy to have you with me now."
He looked at her with an endless love that he'd never felt before and leaned in to kiss her full waiting lips. Their desperate, searching kiss burned deep within them; their passion exploding with every second as her fingers became tangled in his long hair. He hadn't kissed her like that in what seemed like months, years even a lifetime. Now he shared himself with her and it all felt right. Everything felt right.
They sat side by side on the rock, her arm laced through his, her head on his shoulder. "I won't be going back to see Kate." he informed. She didn't look at him and said, "I can't say I'm sorry. Call me spoiled, selfish, whatever, I don't care. But everytime I knew you were there with her it all but killed me."
Jimmy told her the circumstances that led to his decision. He had to admit she had been right about Kate all along. Kate had been able to manipulate her situation and him once again to get her way. Feeling she had been triumphant in her conquest because of his renewed attention and interest in her, she declared her love for him with a kiss. Jimmy tried to let her down easy telling her things could never be the same between them but Kate wouldn't hear it. She started to rant and rave about Victoria taking him away from her and how much she hated that woman he said he loved. Jimmy's patience had been tried and he sternly told her to get it through her head; that it was over. Nothing would ever happen between them again. "I don't love you Kate. I'm sorry." and with those words he left her presence. Now he sat here with his true love, his mistress and he was a willing captive of her bewitching spell. Yes, it felt right.
Kate meanwhile, her spirit temporarily broken, pondered her options. In reality there was only one she'd consider; if she couldn't have him neither would Victoria. At times like these she valued the connections her family had been able to establish throughout their years and using them would be a must to find out all she could about everyone's beloved Victoria.
She employed the services of one notorious Marcus Stiller, a southern gent who had been an acquaintance of their family for some years. He had done some work in the past for her father and was one of the best at his craft. He had been of much help to Kate in the past and now once again she called on him to help her in her dastardly deeds.
"You must really dislike this Ms. Sutton. I've never seen you so generous in payment." he mentioned in his southern accent as he fanned the five hundred dollars she paid him.
"Believe me, you will earn every cent of it." she said, returning the other valuables she kept in the finely carved wooden box along with her money to their places.
"And your brother I assume knows nothing of this." he pointed out.
"He doesn't need to know. This does not concern him. Now, let's seal our agreement with a drink." She poured two glasses of wine and handed him one.
"You know Kate, I wish you would've set your sights on someone more worthy of your affections." he said taking the glass of wine.
"Are you still trying to convince me that the perfect man for me is you?"
"I keenly remember a time when you thought so. We're suitable for one another. We're both ambitious in nature and we'll do just about anything to get what we want." he replied with a devilish smile. "That was the case anyway until Mr. Hickok came into the picture. You know having him ride out to that claim to meet your partner in crime, yours truly," he said raising his glass to her, "almost got me rid of his tenacious character...too bad the aim of those men guarding the claim wasn't a bit more accurate."
"I will never forgive you for that." she said cooly, as she glared at him.
"You'll get over it soon enough. When you see the fair Ms. Sutton betrothed to your dear Mr. Hickok, you'll get over it." Kate looked at Marcus with panic-stricken eyes. "Don't look so surprised my dear. See, I know everything about you. There's nothing you can hide from me. One of these days you'll come to appreciate me." he said, as he lay a soft kiss on her neck. Kate writhed with disgust inside.
Kate reached into the carved box. "I'm warning you Marcus, you will maintain your distance...or you may experience a sudden change in your anatomy." she smiled wickedly as she pointed a small handgun at his pants. He backed up warily, returning the sly smile. "We'll keep our relationship strictly business." she emphasized.
"You call the shots. Uhm, no pun intended." he said, glancing at the weapon in her hand.
"Good. I'm glad we agree." she voiced, putting the weapon aside. "Your assesment of my situation was correct. I am determined to see Ms. Victoria Sutton ruined."
"Just let me warn you. Her reputation is in impeccable state. I doubt you'll find anything that'll bring her ruin." he stated matter-of-factly.
"Marcus, aren't you the one who's told me that there's not a God-given soul on this earth that has no secrets? Everyone's got a skeleton in the closet. Even her, and I want you to find out what it is."
The clean shaven, well tailored man of about 35 years of age, was a handsome rogue. Marcus Stiller was good at his profession. Getting valuable information for the right price on just about anyone or anything was his talent. He amassed a suitable amount of wealth but enjoyed his hobby too much to quit. Kate was of course his loveliest customer. He was fond of Kate and perceived he could easily make her his wife, knowing all of the dirty secrets she's tried so hard to keep hidden from her family but, he didn't want her that way. He wanted her to give herself to him willingly. Wether that was a possibility remained to be seen, but he'd do anything to prove his loyalty to her and maybe in return one day she'd demonstrate her gratitude and loyalty by becoming his wife.
Things seemed to be going back to normal slowly but surely. Jimmy and Victoria took off right where they left off and on this particular evening, after a quiet romantic dinner in town, found themselves enjoying the clear night at the lake which had become one of their favorite places to spend time together.
"The stars are so beautiful here." she commented as they lay on a blanket looking heavenward.
Jimmy raised himself on his elbow and turned to look at his lady. "Not as beautiful as you." he said. Victoria smiled and rolled her eyes. "Why do you love me so?" she asked.
"Hmm. Let me count the ways...I don't think I have enough fingers and toes for that one." he teased, making her giggle. "Seriously silly." she said as she gazed on him with love in her eyes.
Jimmy took her hand and tenderly held it in his hand, feeling its softness. He looked her in the eyes and began, "I love you because you're special. You're smart, not to mention beautiful again. You're caring and tender yet stubborn as a mule at times. You're sweet and delicate like a flower but strong as a bull. You're the only woman that makes my heart jump everytime I see her and the only woman that I want to make love to." Jimmy's words sent a wild shiver through her body. He continued. "All those things rolled up into one are what makes you and you are what I love and you are what makes me happy." She pulled his head down and gave him a tender kiss. "Did I mention you being rich is a plus too?"
"You devil." she cried, turning to tickle him and he pulled her on top of him. After their laughter subsided, she threaded her fingers with his and caressed the inside of his palm with her thumb. "Jimmy?" she called looking down on him, her hair draping loosely over her face. "Hmm?" he asked as he opened his eyes to look at her.
"How many women have you known?"
"What?" he asked surprised. "I'm curious." she admitted. Jimmy felt uncomfortable with the nature of the question. "Do you really want me to answer that? Why does it matter?"
"You needn't go into specifics...I just want to know." she said softly. She wondered if she really wanted an honest answer. She knew Jimmy had slept with other women and he now just mentioned wanting to make love to her too. Would she be any different?
After a moments hesitation he said, "I've been with my share."
"Did you love them?" she innocently asked.
"Victoria, being with a woman and making love to a woman are two different things."
"I don't understand."
"What I mean is..." he started as they changed positions, laying on their sides facing each other, her head propped on her hand, Jimmy on his elbow. "...a man can share the physical part of himself with a woman and it doesn't mean anything. But when a man makes love to a woman, it's like he's sharing all of himself with that one special person. You're sharing your heart, your deepest feelings, your dreams, your love; everything. There's nothing left behind. It's not just lust. It's full-blown passion. It's the best feeling in the world."
"Have you had such an experience with anyone?"
"Once." he thought of Lou.
"Then I'm jealous of her; whoever she is." Victoria had to admit. Jimmy's stare burned into her, piercing her deepest thoughts as he touched her long curly hair. His alluring brown eyes were like a powerful magnet she couldn't resist. The thoughts going through Jimmy's head at that moment were very erotic. He had to admit he had thoughts about what the first time with Victoria would be like. His soul yearned to know, to make it not just a thought any longer but a reality. He leaned into her bringing his soft lips to touch hers. His tongue soon pierced through into her mouth joining hers in a deliciously wet kiss. He took his time kissing her, ever so slowly and seductively. The kiss they now shared was their most intense yet as they could both discern were this could easily lead. Jimmy's kisses ventured from her neck to her jaw to her ear. He wanted her. All of her.
"Victoria." he whispered in her ear, "I want to make love to you." These words of his sent a hot streak through her. Her chest pounded like a beating drum.
"Oh Jimmy." she sighed as she held and kissed his hand, rubbing her face against it. "You don't know how much I would like you to...but I can't." Her eyes fell on him as she added, "I've never known a man before and I'm not ready to take that step; not yet. But I know when that day does come, I have no doubt that you'll be the one I want to share everything with."
She saw the disappointment in his face and indeed he was. He wanted to make love to her more than anything but he wanted it to be special, memorable. He understood and said, "Then I'll wait for you, however long it may be." he told her. She smiled and cuddled next to him, pressing her head against his chest, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart. A heart that shared the same beat as hers. A heart that loved her without reservations. A heart she would shower with her love for as long as she lived. Two hearts had become one, and nothing would tear them apart.
Charlotte, after several attempts finally convinced Victoria to attend the
next meeting of the ladies social club. Victoria reluctantly accepted Charlotte's
invitation and agreed to attend on the simple fact that they were friends. Not
wanting to suffer the entire afternoon alone, she drug Rachel along with her
to partake of the most irritating experience.
The ladies of course were just as Victoria had imagined; high and mighty, well-to-do
snobs.
"I don't see how Charlotte can put up with this. It's already driving me crazy." Victoria said to Rachel as they stood watching the activities of the ladies.
"She doesn't have much of a choice poor thing. She is afterall the Mayor's daughter."
"So much for mental sanity. As if that wasn't a burden in itself." Victoria sympathized.
"Well, good thing she has us as friends or she might've become one of them." voiced Rachel.
The mere thought repulsed Victoria. "Don't even think it."
"Ms. Sutton, Ms. Dunne, please do have a seat over here wiht us." invited Mrs. Wilson with a wave of her hand. Rachel and Victoria took seats at Mrs. Wilson's table which was the main one in the room.
"It is so nice for you to join us..." Mrs. Wilson's train of thought changed just as quickly when her eyes saw the fine necklace draped on Victoria's neck. "Dear child!" she exclaimed. "What a beautiful necklace. Where did you ever find it?"
Victoria was embarrassed by the sudden flow of attention and simply said, "It was a gift."
"From Mr. Hickok mother." added Charlotte.
"Why I must say, not only does he have fine taste in young women but also in jewelry. I knew I liked that Mr. Hickok for some reason." Mrs. Wilson commented, smiling.
Mrs. Wilson couldn't contain her admiration for Victoria's necklace, afterall it was a handy piece of craftsmanship and since she could appreciate a beautiful piece like that, made it a point to comment on it to all the other ladies she spoke with much to the embarrassment of Victoria. Now she understood exactly how Charlotte felt.
Kate naturally wasn't thrilled to hear of her rival's token of affection and had to make it a matter of importance to approach Victoria regarding it. Victoria sat at her table alone. She noticed Kate approaching and dreaded the thought of speaking with the woman who was connivingly trying to take her man away.
"Why Victoria, nice to see you again. Do you mind if I sit for a spell?"
"Yes I do." replied Victoria. Kate though ignored her request and sat as she pleased. Victoria was not up to dealing with her today. She asked directly, "What is it that you want Kate?" then added, "Don't you need to go turn some helpless victim into a toad or something?"
Kate wasn't fazed by the sarcasm. "Actually I did that yesterday but, as for you my dear...How ever do you do it? I mean here you are once again; the center of attention." she gestured with a wave of her palm, signifying the wide spectrum of attention she incurred.
Victoria was annoyed. "Kate, why don't you say what's on your mind and get out of here."
"Touchy today aren't we?" she persisted.
"You know, you have got some nerve to even look me in the face after that little stunt you tried to pull with Jimmy. Oh-you are good; using your illness to get him back. How pathetic. You can keep dreaming all you want Kate, but Jimmy's not coming back to you."
"You don't get it do you?" Kate retorted in a lowered voice as a wrinkle appeared on her brow. "Jimmy is mine. He will always belong to me. Victoria, you will never be rid of me dear because I always get what I want."
"Keep fooling yourself if you'd like to but here is the fact Kate, dear. I know why you despise me...you can't stomach the fact that Jimmy is in love with me. I, am the object of his every desire. I can fulfill him in ways you'll only be able to dream of and you can't stand it. Dear Kate, you're the one that doesn't get it." Victoria leaned in to Kate and quietly emphasized, "As long as I'm around, Jimmy will never, ever, look at you again." with that Victoria left the company of her bewildered rival.
Kate didn't believe she could hate the woman any more than she already did. Victoria had exposed the hurt she felt inside when she told her she would never be granted the opportunity to fulfill Jimmy's wants and desires. Such a comment cut her deeply. Her hatred for Victoria grew. The thought that the two of them might've shared intimacy already stabbed her to the heart. She regained her senses in a moments time and said to herself, "You said it Victoria. As long as you're around. I guess we'll have to fix that won't we?"
The ladies had taken their seats and the long awaited meeting was on its way. Charlotte welcomed Rachel and Victoria to their midst by a round of applause and opened the floor for discussion. Several hands were raised for opportunity to speak. A few of the latest propositions ranged from the date of the next dance to organizing the town's first bazaar to the soon approaching pie contest. Victoria hated the notion of being involved in such trivial fruitless campaigns but it was Kate's proposition to push for expansion of the town hall that made her rise to speak.
"If I may address the ladies." Victoria said rising to her feet.
"Please do." encouraged Charlotte.
"I know I am fairly new to this town and to many of your acquaintances as well and, probably have no right to speak out on this matter but it seems to me that there are larger issues that need our attention in view of promoting growth to this town." she said.
"What do you mean Ms. Sutton?" asked Mrs. Wilson, looking up at the young woman with glasses tilted down.
Victoria paused somewhat nervously. Here she was, standing in the midst of snobbish society and all piercing, critical eyes fell on her. She took a deep breath and began, "First of all, I believe more importantly is the condition of our school."
"The schoolhouse?" cried Kate with obvious contempt.
Victoria gave her a quick glance but wasn't intimidated by Kate's obvious disapproval. "Yes. I took the opportunity to visit the schoolhouse and found to my dismay that it is poorly equiped. There are no globes, no maps, an assortment of old books and very few writing aids for the children. These children cannot possibly receive an adequate education under these conditions. Do we really need to waste resources to expand a town hall that is already in fine condition?"
The Town Hall was the one building in Rock Creek that the ladies of the club had total control of. It was granted to them by Mr. Wilson to change and improve in whatever way they thought was best, seeing most of the town's social activities were held within those very walls. The monetary contributions the ladies themselves made was evenly matched by the town's council so a healthy store of funds they did enjoy.
"Ms. Sutton," began Kate, mildly. "You are very correct in saying that you are new to this town, so you really don't quite understand the way things are done here. We do so appreciate your heartfelt plea in behalf of the schoolhouse but you're missing the real purpose of this forum. We are a social committee" she emphasized, "and we take pride in our duty. We are not here to cure the ills of this town but to help people forget about them for a moment." Kate's tone had become directly condescending as she spoke.
Victoria couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her blood started to boil. "What good does that do when you fill the body's pleasures but not the minds? I'm not saying it's an ungodly thing to organize a dance or other fun activity; I personally enjoy such, but there comes a time when we have to get our priorities in order. Are we really giving these children a chance to make something better of themselves?" As she spoke, she thought of Taylor Adams and who knew how many other children like him, lived in Rock Creek. She continued, "Back in Philadelphia,..."
"Well this is not Philadelphia Ms. Sutton." interrupted Kate. "This is a small country town where farming and manual labor is a fact of life. These children will become farm hands, farmers, horse and cattle breeders just like their fathers and grandfathers. People don't come out West to become lawyers or doctors." she added smugly. "It is a simple fact of life."
"Then we're making the decision for these children. Are we telling them they're not good enough to pursue their dreams because they don't live in a big city?" she retorted.
Kate was not backing down. Both women stood their ground. "Are you then saying Ms. Sutton that the abilities of our fine Mayor are inadequate because the schoolhouse is not equipped to your liking?" argued Kate, taking a shot at Victoria.
At the sound of Kate's controversial question a murmur began to fill the room. Victoria was taken aback for a split second. Leave it up to Kate to make a big, huge stink over nothing she thought. Charlotte at once took control and quieted the murmuring ladies.
Victoria composed herself quickly, trying to extinguish Kate's fiery accusation. "That is not what I meant." she sternly denied. "Mr. Wilson does a fine job running this town. All I'm saying is since this committee has a considerable amount of influence, we can make a difference."
"I agree with Victoria." supported Rachel, taking the courage to stand and speak. "These children could use our help."
Kate looked with disdain upon Rachel, her brows raised conveying her feeling of superiority. "And may I ask Ms. Dunne, are you qualified to make such an assessment? I don't mean to embarass you but you are of limited education."
Rachel realized she wasn't viewed by the majority to be in the same catergory as their refined station. Still the Stationmistress took the low blow and handed one back in their direction by saying, "That is true, but I don't recall universities handing out certificates for plain human decency either."
Another wave of murmuring resonated through the room. "Ladies please." exhorted Charlotte. "As with all issues, we will put this proposition to a vote. Personally, I feel it is a fine idea to reach out in a wider spectrum to include the basic needs of our town." voiced Charlotte.
"If I may render my opinion." said Mrs. Wilson as she placed her
spectacles on the table.
"I find the pleas of Ms. Sutton very passionate and ambitious but I must
agree with Ms. Wescott. The basic duty of this committee, as she so beautifully
stated, is to develop a more neighbourly, friendly social interchange in our
town, not to tackle the issues that our Mayor and the fine men who aid him are
entrusted with. To step beyond such boundaries would be out of our place as
supportive daughters, sisters and wives."
This was one time the girls wished Mrs. Wilson hadn't spoken her mind for when the vote was tallied, only three other ladies were counted in favor of improving conditions at the schoolhouse while the majority voted against the notion, much to the grand pleasure of Kate. It was a moral defeat for Rachel and the girls who left the meeting both disappointed and angry.
"OH Buck! I wanted to kill my mother. How could she be so...so...Argh!"
"I know you're upset Charlotte but you have to understand that your mother and some of the other ladies are stuck to the old ways. They're used to doing things a certain way." he tried comforting.
"Well the old way is not what it's all about today Buck! Things are changing. Victoria says that back East women are starting to take steps to make a difference in this world. We're not sitting idly by anymore."
"But you don't live back East, you live in Rock Creek." he said sweetly,
pulling her to him.
She rested her head on his chest and said, "Don't remind me."
"Hi Charlotte, what are you doing here?" asked Rachel, entering the bunkhouse.
Charlotte undid her embrace on Buck, turning to face the Stationmistress. "I had to get away from my mother. She was lecturing me about setting the right example and knowing my place in this town. I wouldn't want to embarrass them any."
Just then Jimmy and Victoria walked in and greeted their friend with the same question. Charlotte informed she sought refuge from her mother's latest tangent and knew she could find a measure of sanity here amongst her dear friends.
"I still can't believe we hardly got any support. There are more than enough well-to-do people in this town to pitch in. I don't see how some of them go to sleep at night knowing they turned their backs on those poor children." admitted Victoria.
"Some don't have a conscience and if they did they wouldn't risk their reputation to be on our side." added Charlotte.
"So why don't the three of you do something about it?"
"What do you mean Buck?" asked Charlotte of her beau.
"It seems to me you all have just as enough pull with the townspeople." he brought to their attention.
"And go against my mother?!" cried Charlotte, who couldn't believe he'd actually made such a suggestion.
Victoria added, "And I'm new to this town. I can't be so presumptuous and take this whole affair upon myself."
"And I may be the Stationmistress here but that don't account for much in my case."
"It don't matter." stated Jimmy. "Buck's right. The townspeople'll do what's right if it needs doing. They'll do it."
The threesome pondered the boys suggestion. It would be a difficult decision indeed. Not wanting to be seen as the enemy, as the ones taking a shot at the established group, was not their idea of getting their purpose accomplished. Charlotte's dilemma was especially hard. She believed in her friends and in the moral issues involved but, she couldn't rightly continue as President of the club seeing how her stand would be in opposition to theirs. Charlotte was very well aware of the rumors regarding Kate's desire to occupy her seat and it pained her to leave the door wide open for the likes of her to take the reins over such influential people. That was a nightmare in itself. Her mother though was of most concern. How would she take her dissention? What would she say? She had never really been at odds with her mother, even when her romance with Buck came to light. Her mother was her most stern supporter. Charlotte though realized that one day she'd have to break away from her parents yoke and make her own way. She loved her parents but in her heart she had to stand for what she knew was right.
The small group of ladies that showed their support joined Charlotte, Victoria and Rachel in their campaign to obtain necessary funds for the schoolhouse. They were also joined in their efforts by Lou and all the boys. Teaspoon even got into the act. The funds though were slow in coming and soon discouragement started to befall them.
"Okay, we can't give up. We've come too far." said Lou.
"That's right. At least all the town knows what the situation is at the schoolhouse so the message is out there." added Kid.
"I guess I was wrong about these people. They don't seem to care a lick." said a frustrated Jimmy.
"Maybe we're going about this the wrong way." said Rachel.
"Explain?" asked Lou.
"We've been trying to plead to these people's good nature but they're more concerned with their own lot in life to really care about anyone else's." she said.
"If you mean Kate's menacing threats to these business owners, I can see their point." Charlotte admitted.
"I figure the easiest way to get people to part with something they like is to give them something in return." she continued.
"I don't follow." said Buck puzzled.
"What about if we made a fund raiser for the school into a bazaar?" Rachel said beaming.
"Great idea!" cried Charlotte. "It'll be perfect. A little food, dancing, games, booths. People love that sort of thing."
"And since this town's never officially had a bazaar, why I couldn't think of a better reason to have one now." the Stationmistress encouraged.
The group of ladies eagerly began to plan the fund raising function to meet their precious goal. It wasn't long before news of the event spread quickly and enthusiasm over it was becoming more evident as many of the towns folk volunteered their services for its sure success, wether it be selling some delicious dish or homemade preserves and pies to raffling quilts and providing pony rides and the like.
To the dismay of Kate whose efforts had been to discourage any of the ladies from active participation, some left the ranks, being swept away by the lure of the bazaar's wide appeal and joined in, including Mrs. Wilson who had taken over the seat of Presidency after her daughter's unfortunate departure. A new wave of thinking was spreading through these young women who saw themselves as more than idle by-standers. They had numbers and with that came power. It was to the town's benefit that they should start really putting their influence to use. Mrs. Wilson applauded their courage, so joined the cause in support of her daughter and her friends.
"I've been waiting for your return for over a week now. Where have you been?" Kate demanded of Marcus.
"Business is business Kate. You may be my loveliest client but you're not my only one you know." he said taking a seat in the living room.
"Where you able to find anything?" she inquired, hoping he'd brought back something of value.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there is nothing to dig for. The woman's reputation is as pure as they get, so assured me my contact in Philadelphia." he informed.
Kate was aghast. "You don't really believe that do you?" she stated.
"Other than a close friend who still resides there and some family in San Francisco, there are no other connections. Seems our Ms. Sutton has been a very good girl. Although," he paused, "you may find this tid-bit rather interesting.
"What?" she asked with peaked curiosity.
"There was a Mr. Garret Brown whom she was to have married last spring. He still resides in her home town, rather bitter I was told since she refused him after finding out the scoundrel was already married." he chuckled.
Kate released a pleasant smile. The news wasn't what she had hoped for but it gave her a sense of pleasure. "I guess luck hasn't always smiled on her. I was though hoping for something better. I want to make her regret she ever stepped foot in this town."
"And how do you forsee to do that may I ask since her reputation is lily white?"
"I've given this a lot of thought Marcus." she said standing from her seat. "It seems that Victoria's popularity may just be her downfall."
"Come again?"
"She's been leading this campaign to improve conditions at the schoolhouse which I have taken as a personal attack, seeing she's tried to make me look like a heartless member of this town. In the past week support for this little project of hers has grown immensely and I think we need to put a stop to it."
"How are we going to do that?" he asked, resting both elbows on his knees.
She turned to him with a wicked smile. "Burn it down."
Marcus was shocked at the mere suggestion. "The schoolhouse?!" he cried. "You're joking."
"I am dead serious Marcus. No schoolhouse, no bazaar and who would we have to thank but Victoria Sutton."
Marcus didn't agree. "I don't think..."
"I don't pay you to think!" she shot at him. "I expect you to take care of it. By tomorrow night." she ordered.
Marcus nodded, conceding to her request. "As you wish."
The night was clear and warm. The humidity felt, gave definite assurance that summer was now here. Teaspoon stepped out of his office to catch a breeze of the not so cool evening.
As he patrolled the street of his town, a horrendous sight appeared before
him. "Fire! Fire!"
he shouted at the top of his voice. In the distance he could see the schoolhouse
slowly being engulfed by streaks of yellow flames. As Teaspoon's urgent calls
were heard many of the townspeople rushed to try and extinguish the growing
blaze. Jimmy, Victoria, Kid, Lou, Rachel, Buck and Charlotte spilled out of
the restaurant where they had been enjoying dinner together. The boys ran ahead
quickly to Teaspoon and Noah's aid, joining the water bucket chain as some of
the townsfolk grabbed shovels full of dirt and began tossing the dirt in order
to quench the blaze.
"I think Adderson is still inside." shouted Teaspoon, alarmed.
"We have to see if he's still alive." yelled Jimmy over the commotion.
The girls soon caught up and at hearing Jimmy's suggestion, Victoria ran to try to stop him only to be restrained by Kid, who had grabbed her from behind.
"Jimmy!" she yelled, but it was too late. He had gone into the blaze following closely behind Teaspoon. Victoria's heart raced anxiously as her eyes roamed madly over the burning building, seeing it become ever more enveloped by the fiery flames. She tried desperetaly to get out of Kid's tight hold on her but couldn't. He was much stronger.
"Jimmy!" she screamed at the top of her voice, tears starting to stream down her face. They had disappeared into the burning building and the minutes they spent inside seemed like an eternity as the seconds ticked away slowly. Suddenly, Jimmy and Teaspoon appeared out of nowhere, coughing and barely being able to breathe from the heavy smoke. Victoria quickly let loose from Kid's hold and ran to Jimmy, throwing her arms around his neck.
"Victoria...I can't breathe." he said, gasping for every bit of fresh air he could muster into his lungs and her tight hold on him wasn't helping him any. Victoria let go, a chuckle escaping her. Her teared-filled eyes consumed his beautiful face as her hand gently wiped the black soot from his cheeks.
"Don't you ever scare me like that." she ordered.
"Don't worry." he said coughing. "I ain't going anywhere."
The others quickly joined them, feeling the sense of helplessness that overshadowed them as they watched the schoolhouse go up in flames, thinking also of the schoolteacher that had been taken right along with it.
The events of the past evening weighed heavily on all their minds. They still couldn't believe as they looked at the schoolhouse that it was gone. The blackened piles of wood stood there as a sign of the fiery blaze. The smell of smoke still lingered in the morning air.
"How could this have happened Teaspoon?" asked Kid as they were gathered together at the Marshal's small office.
"Far's what we can tell, it was an accident." he reported.
"How do you know that?" inquired Noah.
The Marshal took a deep breath before answering, still trying to put two and two together in his own mind. "Fire started inside. I mean Mr. Adderson was known to be on the clumsy side. We found his body next to his bunk. He could've fallen, bumped his head, knocked the lamp and she went up." he said looking heavenward.
"But you don't know for sure." said Rachel.
"Jimmy, I know she had something to do with this." Victoria told Jimmy. Her tone firm.
He tried to reason with her seeing she was the most upset. "Victoria, I know you don't like Kate but this is even low for the likes of her."
"Well a snake, is a snake, is a snake. I wouldn't put it over her." she retorted.
"Now we all have our doubts, but there ain't no proof anything was done, so I don't want any of you's starting any rumors. Last thing I need is for this town to be goin' to war too." the Marshal sternly charged.
"So this is it? Aren't you going to do anything Teaspoon?!" she cried.
"Victoria, I know you're upset but there ain't much that can be done. All we can do now is move on an rebuild. The Mayor's already takin' measures to get the schoolhouse back up soon. I hate to say it but maybe this thing'll bring this town together for once."
"How could you be so stupid?! If they ever find out we killed that school teacher by setting that fire we'll both hang!"
"Relax Kate. There's no need to panic. They all think it was an accident." said Marcus.
"How did it happen?"
Marcus began a very dry explanation of the events that led up to this disaster. He seemed unfazed that a man's life had been lost. He figured the end result was all that mattered.
"I didn't know the old fool was in there. He caught me by surprise, we got into a scuffle, I pushed him and he knocked the lamp over. I got out of there just in time. The place went up quickly." Kate still wasn't comforted by the fact it was deemed an accident. Marcus noticed her concern and added, "Look; there are only three people that know what happened. We ain't telling and he's sure not going to be talking to anybody...so just relax." Kate gave out a loud sigh, though she still didn't feel much better.
"Is Hickok worth all of this trouble?" he wanted to know.
Kate shot him a burning glare. "He is to me. I am going to get him back and I don't care who stands in my way."
"Kate?" called a voice entering the house. Phillip who had been out
of town on business made his way to the living room where he saw Marcus Stiller
and his sister together.
Phillip's disapproval of Kate's company could readily be seen by the look on
his face. Marcus picked up the glaring darts right away.
"Don't worry Phillip. I was just leaving." he said.
"Make sure you see your way out." he stared as Marcus tipped his hat to Kate and bid her farewell. The door opened, then closed marking his exit.
"What is he doing here Kate? I already told you I don't want you keeping
company with the likes of him." She gave no answer. Phillip's anger grew
hot and he grabbed her arm.
"Answer me Kate." he demanded. Kate pulled away from him defiantly.
"You cannot run my life for me Phillip!" she cried. "I will see whoever I damn well please wether you approve or not."
"Kate, I swear, don't defy me." he sternly voiced. "If I see him around here again, I will kill him." Kate looked at her brother with a cold rebellious stare and turned away, walking out of the room.
Phillip knew the kind of man Marcus Stiller was. They had been good friends at one point until Marcus took the way of the easy money, bringing them into contention over their ethical standards. It didn't make matters any easier for Phillip on finding out Marcus' involvement with his sister and the Flynn mine. He kept this revealed truth to himself in order to protect his sister. He knew Marcus' ways would catch up to him one day and he didn't want Kate to be a casualty along the way.
Phillip though knew his sister to be stubborn, more so than their father who was impossible to deal with at times. Seeing Marcus back in the picture was a sure sign of trouble and he knew there wasn't anything he could say to convince Kate otherwise.
A memorial service was held at the town hall for the now deceased school teacher. The mood was dark and somber. The man was well liked by all. Still some doubts lingered as to the true nature of the fire but, it became generally accepted that it had been an accident.
"So Marshal Hunter, are you going to investigate this so-called accident and find out how this fire really started?"
"No, the case is closed. It was an accident unless you had something you'd like to bring to light Ms. Wescott?" he responded.
"Well it is a well-known fact Marshal that there were some among the community that disapproved of Ms. Sutton's controlling tactics about the schoolhouse. Some viewed it as a threat to their authority. Maybe if Ms. Sutton had listened to our committee and just let matters rest...well, maybe this entire incident would not have occurred."
"I don't think getting a few books and supplies for the school could threaten anyone can you?"
"You may be surprised."
"Is that so?"
"I know Ms. Sutton is a very dear friend of yours but she is a virtual stranger among us. I mean, how much do we really know about the woman? Who knows what she's capable of doing to get her way."
Teaspoon's expression showed his dislike at Kate's accusing comment. "Many would say the same thing about you Ms. Wescott. All I know is that Victoria is a good, kind woman who wouldn't hurt a fly. I'd watch what I said about her Ms. Wescott. Slander is a very serious offense and you wouldn't want to add me to your growing list of foes." he warned and then excused himself from her presence.
Kate watched as the Marshal walked away to join Rachel, Mrs. Wilson and the Mayor. She hated each and everyone of them. She realized deep down none cared for her either but that was of no importance. The only approval of any sort she sought was from the one person that mattered the most to her; Jimmy. A sense of relief she felt as the matter regarding the schoolhouse had been finally put to rest. Now her efforts could be directed on the business at hand; getting rid of Victoria.
Kate followed Victoria into the back room of the town hall were she was refilling the punch bowl. Victoria noticed her entrance but said nothing, hoping Kate would just leave her alone. With Kate though, that was an impossibililty.
"Well Victoria dear, I hope you're happy. If it weren't for you we'd still have a schoolhouse."
"Are you blaming me for what happened?" Victoria asked, as she stared at Kate, an angry look on her face.
"Of course it's your fault." Kate sternly charged. "You should've just listened to us and left it alone. Now the school teacher's dead and the children have no place to learn. I'd say you've done more than enough damage."
"I had nothing to do with that." she defended.
"I'm sure you'd like to think so Victoria. You're so proper and good. You've got half of this town eating out of your hand. But I know you. Little lost rich girl looking for a purpose in life. Didn't daddy shower you with enough gifts to last you a lifetime, that you had to try to use these children, this town to show how self-righteous you are?"
Suddenly Kate felt a blazing sting across her cheek. Victoria's hand slung in one motion and she slapped her. The shock of what she'd just done hit her fiercely. Victoria had never lost control like that. She prided herself on being a lady of class and now she had allowed Kate to make her stoop down to her level. Kate stood there holding her burning cheek as Victoria exited the town hall upset.
"I can't believe I let her get to me like that Jimmy. To think she would say those horrible things to me. I would never do anything to hurt those children, you know that don't you?" she said, seeking comfort from Jimmy as she looked at his warm, caring eyes.
"I know."
"I mean, I love children. I want to have a ton of them myself. I was just trying to help."
Jimmy took her in his arms. "I know darling. Don't pay any mind to what Kate says. She just doesn't care for you because of me."
"Then I guess she'll have to hate me forever because I'm not letting you go." Jimmy smiled and gave her a gentle kiss on her lips.
"You know though, I wish I could've seen the look she had when you laid than one on her." he remarked. Victoria giggled. "You're terrible."
Just then Charlotte, Lou and Buck stormed into the bunkhouse. "Oh my goodness Victoria, you will not believe what I have to tell you." she said excitedly, her eyes beaming happily.
"What?" asked Victoria anxiously.
"My father has adopted the idea of the bazaar for the new schoolhouse and he wants us...well you to be in charge of arranging it!"
"You're kidding?!" she said leaping into Charlotte's arms.
"He made the announcement just a little while ago." added Buck.
"You should've seen the shocked looks on those ladies faces especially Kate's; it was priceless." joined Lou, a wide smile as she recalled the expressions.
Victoria turned to Jimmy, a smile spread from ear to ear. "Jimmy can you believe it?"
"Of course I believe it. Anything you touch just seems to turn to gold." The sound of "Ahh's" rang through the room. "It's time that father of yours came to his senses."
"I'm sure with some help from my mother." voiced Charlotte.
"Well let's go find Rachel, we've got lots of work to do." encouraged Lou.
Kate was once again defeated. What did she have to do to get rid of Victoria? She met once again with Marcus and ordered him to follow Victoria's every move. There must be something they could uncover she thought. She didn't realize how right she was. Marcus himself took this task on personally as he followed and watched Victoria inconspicuously. What he found was better than he could've imagined and couldn't wait to return and tell Kate of Ms. Sutton's daily whereabouts.
"She's what?!" asked Kate almost not believing her ears.
"She goes every day down to the creek at the border of her property and meets the boy." reported Marcus.
"Taylor Adams. Surely a god-send. Oh! It is perfect. Do his brothers know?"
"They've no clue."
"This is better than I could've expected. I guess we didn't have to go all the way to Philadelphia to find out Ms. Sutton's little dirty secrets." she grinned.
"So how would you like me to handle it?"
"I'm not sure yet. I'll keep you posted. It's bad enough she's taking their property away from them but, to think of alienating one of their own, I don't forsee Mr. Chet Adams taking much kind to that. Little Taylor, the future of his family influenced away from him, right under his nose." Kate's devious mind started working to use this bit of news to rid herself of Victoria.
The Adams boys would be a perfect coverup. They hated Ms. Victoria Sutton possibly just as much, which was no secret. Everyone in town was very well aware of the feud between them but there was still a deeper secret Victoria and her friends at the Pony Express were hiding. A secret that no doubt would certainly bring mass devestation to their lives.
