Journey of Jealousy

ONE

The rider sits motionless at the opening of the woods watching the sun rise. He is astride his horse just watching the sun peek out from the horizon. The sky is bright red, orange, and yellow and the bright colors seem to be pushing the blue and black of night away. As he watches some movement catches the corner of his eye. A second rider is seen coming out of the nearby gate and is riding towards the fields. The man smiles as he first recognizes the horse. The horse is the only one of its kind in the area. He is of perfect conformation and startling beauty. his color is that of black and white splashes. The man turns his look to the rider. She is barefoot and rides the large stallion bareback. Her legs dangle over the sides of the horses body. She is wearing a white lace nightgown and rope that flies behind her as she rides the galloping stallion. The man next notices her hair.

It has grown a lot since last time I saw her. He thinks to himself. He remembers back in Virginia when her hair was cut short. She had told him long hair would get in the way when you did farm work.

Her hair is now down to the middle of her back. It hands loose for the first time since her arrival in Four Corners. It is shiny and curly with weaves that bounce with each of the horse's strides. It flies behind her as they gallop along.

They race past the man without realizing he is there. They pass close enough for the man to see the smile on her young face. The man urges his horse out of his hiding place and into a gallop. He quickly closes the distance between himself and the woman. As he draws up next to her he sees surprise and then a smile cross her face. She urges her horse to greater speed and the horse surges ahead. The man urges his mount faster and they once again pull even with the woman. As they race along the man remembers a time when they raced like this everyday.

She rode her bulky plow gelding while he rode a spirited sleek mare. They bet that the loser had to clean the stalls in the large 20+ stall barn that was located on the farm that her family owned. They both knew the plow horse was no match for his mare but they made the bet anyway. She always ended up cleaning stalls but she never complained. He never knew how to clean stalls anyway.

The woman looks at him once more and smiles. he sees a look of mischief in her eyes as she urges her horse faster still. With a final burst of energy the big stallion shoots forward. The man knows that he has lost.

The woman is walking her horse to cool him out when the man reaches them. He pulls his horse down to a walk and looks over to the woman.

"Carlton is a vast improvement over the drafter you used to ride." he says with a smile.

"Looks like you will be cleaning his stall today." She says with a look of triumph.

"I was hoping you had forgotten that bet of ours." He looks at her outfit just then. "That isn't an outfit I would think a woman would ride in. Especially on as cool a morning as this is."

"I wasn't expecting to meet anyone out here. I wanted to enjoy the sunrise. It's my first one of my new life in Four Corners. I slept in my new bed in my new home last night and this seemed like a good way to bring in the day."

"I don't want you to catch cold. Here, put this around your shoulders." With that he stops his horse and takes off the fiery red jacket he was wearing. He places it over her shoulders.

"Come on Ezra, you have a stall to clean" She says with an amused smile.

"Michele, I hope you realize that I have never in my entire lifetime cleaned a stall."

"I know." She smiles mischievously."That is why it is going to be so much fun to watch."

They reach the house from which Michelle now resides. It is a single story wood house with a large wooden barn behind it. It was already furnished when Michelle moved in. It was only a half hour ride to town and it was set on a beautiful hill overlooking a lake. The forest surrounded it on the other three sides.

They walk to the barn and dismount. They lead the horse into the barn and Michelle puts Carlton in one of the stalls and then takes Ezra's horse and places him down further. She grabs a pitch fork and bucket and drops it in front of Ezra. He looks at it with disgust and then back at Michelle who has seated herself leisurely on a bale of straw.

"Don't get my coat dirty." Ezra says grumpily.

"You are the one that will be getting dirty my dear." Michelle says laughing. Ezra slowly begins the job.

An hour later Michelle and Ezra ride into town. As they dismount and tie their horses Ezra brings up the reason he had come to see her that morning.

"Michele, my mother is arriving in town today." He beings.

"Lovely! I can't wait to meet her!" Michelle says sincerely.

"Believe me darling you can. She is a woman of impeccable taste. She likes you if you are rich. I told her about you when you were poor and that is who she is expecting to meet. I hadn't mentioned to her that you now live in Four Corners and were a good deal richer. She may not understand why we have become simply acquaintances."

"Don't worry Ezra. I know how to handle women that think only of the money involved in a situation. Just look at my mother." With that Michelle walks towards the mail station.

Ezra heads for the tavern with a grim frown on his face. His mother had a way of putting him into a discouraging mood. He walks behind the bar and begins his task of serving out drinks.

Michelle is walking down the street as the coach drives speedily by her kicking up dust in all directions. She stands a moment to watch who will walk out of it. She sees Ezra come out of the tavern and over to the coach. A woman steps out of the coach and embraces Ezra.

"Time to meet the illustrious Mrs. Standish." Michelle says to herself.

Ezra had seen the coach arrive and walks unwillingly to meet his mother. He knows exactly what she is going to do when she meets Michelle and he wasn't looking forward to it. He stands in front of the coach door as his mother emerges. She wears a deep red velvet dress covered in lace and a feather sticks out of her hair. He then glances over at Michelle. her dress is light blue with ruffles, pearls, and lace. It is long and drags on the ground behind her in a train. It looks much more expensive than his mother's outfit and his mother would definitely notice it. Michelle's outfit also includes white gloves and a small hat with netting rests on her head.

Ezra turns his attention back to his mother who has reached him and is giving Ezra a hug.

"Hello mother."Ezra says.

"Hello dear." Maude replies." It's always so comforting coming to this quiet little town." Maude scans the town until her eyes land on Michelle. The smile vanishes from Maude's face." Who is that young woman?"

"Do you remember when I wrote to you about a Miss Michelle Carpenter?" Ezra asks

"The poor farm girl you proposed to much to my disapproval?" Maude asks

"Yes that's her. That young woman over there is the one and only Miss Carpenter." Ezra says with a smile.

Maude looks at Ezra to make sure he isn't lying to her and a smile comes back onto her face."Am I correct in assuming you are going to wed that beautiful young lady?"

"Actually mother I will not be escorting Miss Carpenter down the wedding aisle" Ezra says trying to hide his amusement at his mother's sudden change in heart to Michelle.

Maude's smile melts once again from her face. "You mean she is marrying someone else?"

"No mother. She has decided to postpone the decision to marry."

"Well then all isn't lost! Go sweep her off her feet my darling! Tell her all well brought up young ladies must marry before they become too old. Tell her you can't live without her. Anything that will allow you to become her one and only."

"Mother am I correct to assume that you want me to marry her for her money?"

Maude merely smiles as Ezra continues, "I am content to wait until she is ready."

"If you wait you might lose your chance at being rich." Maude points at where Michelle is standing.

J.D. is now next to Michelle and they are laughing and talking together. J.D. asks Michelle something and she shakes her head yes. She takes his arm and they head toward the newspaper building. Maude looks back at Ezra. His eyes hadn't left the pair and his eyes were afire with jealousy.

TWO

J.D. and Michelle walk into the office of the newspaper for Four Corners. Mary sits at a desk writing when the walk in. She looks up and smiles.

"Good afternoon J.D. You must be Miss Carpenter. I have heard a lot about you." Mary gets up and extends her hand towards Michelle. "My name is Mary Travis."

"Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Travis." Michelle says eloquently.

Mary smiles and turns her attention to J.D. "I was hoping you could pick something up for me. I have a delivery coming from New York and the coach is coming all the way to Four Corners unfortunately. The town it is stopping at is approximately a 3 day ride from here."

"Sure, I can ride out and get it for you. I have asked Miss Carpenter to ride with me to keep me company." J.D. replies.

"I haven't seen much of the country since my arrival. I thought it might be a good way to see the surrounding areas." Michelle says.

"That would be great. It's beautiful country. Let me give you the directions and arrival information." Mary says returning to her desk.

Ezra leads Maude up the steps to her room. He can't keep his mind off the scene he had just witnessed with J.D. and Michelle. As they reach Maude's room she turns to Ezra.

"You seen a little preoccupied Ezra. What's the matter?" she asks showing a small amount of concern.

"It's nothing mother. I am just a little surprised by your visit that's all."

"I am only here to see how many financial interests are holding up." Maude says with a smile. "And of course to visit with my darling son."

Michelle rides Carlton out of town and towards home. They were to leave early the next morning in order to be in town on time to pick up Mary's package. Michelle couldn't help but feel excited and nervous about the trip. She couldn't wait to head out and see the country in all its rugged glory. For the moment it was all she could think about. She reaches her home just as the sun is setting.

Ezra walks out of his room and walks down to the street. He scans the area for a moment and then his eyes land on Michelle. I wonder what's going on he thinks. she isn't dressed up like she normally is.

Michelle is wearing a light brown dress that just barely reaches the ground. It is a very plain dress but it molds her figure elegantly. She wears her hair in a long braid that goes down her back. Ezra sees that she is tying something to her saddle.

Ezra walks over to her. He watches a moment and then says, "What are you doing?"

Michelle looks over at him and he can see the excitement in her face immediately."I am traveling to the city with J.D. We have to pick up a package for Miss Travis." Michelle looks back at the bag that she is tying to her saddle.

Ezra looks stunned. He searches in him mind for an excuse to keep her from going."It is incredibly dangerous out there. When they see you coming on this fancy horse they will try to kill you and take him. There are murderers and crooks all over the land. One look at this horse will tell them he is worth a lot of money."

Michelle laughs a little and then turns her gaze back to Ezra. "I don't think you have to worry about Carlton. He won't let men ride him or handle him. He doesn't trust men." Michelle smiles at Ezra's confusion.

Ezra sees J.D. walking his horse over to wear they were standing. He had to come up with an excuse and he had to think of it now. Not being able to come up with one he says to Michelle,"I will go with you then." Certain she can't deny that he smiles at her.

Suddenly Ezra hears his name being called. Michelle and Ezra turn to where it came from. Maude is walking out of the hotel and in their direction.

"You can't just leave. Your mother is here to visit with you. Don't worry Ezra I will be fine. J.D. won't let anything happen to me." Michelle says smiling. J.D. reaches them then.

"Ready to go?" J.D. asks. Michelle shakes her head yes and mounts Carlton. They turn and ride down the street.

Maude reaches Ezra then and looks at him with a scowl."I was hoping I could get here before she rode away. How could you let her ride away with that boy?"

Ezra just looks at Maude and starts to walk toward the tavern.

The sun is high overhead and glares down angrily at the two riders galloping across the open meadow. A light breeze was stirring the leaves on the trees but the sun still was hot upon their heads. Michelle now wears a worn cowboy hat over her brown hair and J.D. has his derby perched on his head. The horses bodies glisten in the sunlight and their muscles ripple under their skin. The two riders reach a small blue lake and dismount.

Michelle leads Carlton over to the lake. She lets him drink while she cups some water in her hands and splashes in on her face. J.D. takes off his hat and splashes the water over his face and hair. Michelle walks Carlton over to a tree and as he grazes she sits down in the shade. She closes her eyes and leans against the tree trunk. J.D. walks his horse over and ties him to a smaller tree and walks over to where Michelle sits. After debating for a few minutes he sits down next to her. He leans against the old tree and starts to relax. He had thought about a lot of things as they had traveled. He liked Michelle but he didn't want to make Ezra mad or scare Michelle away. He had to gain her trust before he told her.

"How are we doing on time?" Michelle asks, eyes still closed. J.D. gives a start not expecting her to say anything. "We are making good time. We should reach the city earlier than expected." he says.

"Should we leave now?"She asks opening her eyes and turning her head so she could see J.D.

"We can. The horses look rested enough." They both stand up. J.D. puts his hat back on his head and they mount the horses. After one last look at the serene beauty of the lake they set off.

Dust has fallen and the two riders are exhausted. They dismount and untack the horses. Carlton shakes with pleasure and after a minute lowers himself to the ground and rolls. Michelle smiles as he gets up and shakes off the dirt. Both riders tie their horses and J.D. starts a fire. The flames lighten up the small clearing they had stopped at.

Michelle sits down by the fire and watches J.D as he rummages through his bags. He finds what he is looking for and holds it up. It is a small trap.

"Do you know how to use one of those?"Michelle asks

"Sure, everyone knows how to use them." J.D. says uncertainly still examining the trap.

"I don't know how." Michelle says smiling.

"Neither does J.D." a third voice ads.

Michelle jumps up and activates the small derringer she carried in her sleeve. She aims at where the voice came from as J.D. aims his gun. Vin steps out of the bushes leading his horse and his hands in the air..

"Mr. Tanner you shouldn't sneak up on an armed person. Some people may not hesitate to unload their artillery upon your person." Michelle says replacing the derringer.

"I'm sorry if I startled you. I happen to be traveling to a town just north of where you two are headed. I didn't think I would catch up." Vin says tying his horse.

"You assumed that Mr. Dunne is unable to operate the trap...."

"I don't assume ma'am. I know he doesn't" Vin says cutting her off. He takes the trap from J.D. and walks out of the clearing.

Michelle looks at J.D. He is looking at where Vin has gone into the woods. Anger and embarrassment were written on his face.

"Don't worry about it Mr. Dunne. I am sure you are an excellent trapper." Michelle says reassuringly.

J.D. looks at Michelle and then walks over to where she is sitting. He sits down next to her.

"Call me J.D." he says.

"Only if you call me Michelle" Michelle says smiling.

Vin arrives back just then carrying a rabbit. J.D. stands up guiltily.

It is totally black out as Vin sets about skinning the rabbit. The fire is casting its light across the three figures. The horses rest in the background. Vin starts to cook the rabbit. When it is done Vin passes out pieces to both J.D. and Michelle. Michelle looks at it a moment unsure of what to do with it.

"I have never eaten rabbit before."Michelle says worried.

"Don't worry, it won't kill you." Vin says taking a bite.

"It tastes like chicken." J.D. says jokingly and placing a piece in his mouth.

Michelle slowly raises the piece of meat to her mouth and takes a bite.

Back in town Ezra stands at the door of the tavern waiting for Maude. All he could think of all day was what Michelle and J.D. were doing. Unlike his mother he didn't want to marry Michelle for her money. He loved her and was content to wait forever for her. Ezra didn't want J.D. to beat him to her though. Ezra sees Maude and walks out to meet her.

"You look worried Ezra. Is it that girl?" Maude asks with a hint of concern.

"Of course not mother. I was just worried that you had forgotten about meeting me for dinner" Ezra says forcing a smile. They walk into the tavern together.

The three riders are finished eating and are leisurely sitting in front of the fire. Vin gets up and gathers his horse.

"I am going to keep watch on the other side of the woods" Vin says walking away. J.D. looks after him gratefully.

Michelle unrolls her sleeping roll and places it on the ground. J.D. does the same placing his on the opposite side of the fire giving Michelle enough room. Just as Michelle is about to lie down a piercing cry fills the air. Michelle gives a start and abandons her roll. She runs over to J.D.'s side. Once the cry has died down J.D. looks at Michelle.

"It was only a coyote." J.D. says reassuringly.

"I have never slept without the comfort and security of a house surrounding me. Do you mind if I bring my sleeping mat over here?" Michelle asks.

"Sure." J.D. says and when Michelle's back is turned he smiles happily. She was trusting him to protect her from the wild animals of the night and he wouldn't let her down.

Michelle sets her roll by J.D.'s and lays down on it. J.D. lays down on his and looks up at the starts. When he looks over at Michelle she is laying on her side and she is asleep. J.D. closes his eyes and never sees the black enemy form over him.

Michelle wakes up to the sound of a nearby rumbling. Michelle sees J.D. and Vin packing up to leave the clearing. The sun is rising but it is hard to see. It is hidden behind dark storm clouds.

"Good morning gentlemen." Michelle says sleepily.

"We have to head out before it rains." Vin says.

Michele gets up and helps pack up. After a few minutes everything is packed and the three of them mount up. They gallop out of the clearing.

Back in Four Corners the rain has already started. The rain comes down in sheets. Ezra looks out the window and watches in come down. He sees his mother walking with Josiah, Chris talking to Mary, and Buck and Nathan standing around the sheriff office door. Ezra strains his eyes for any sign of the black and white stallion or J.D.'s little derby.

How could I let her go. Ezra thinks to himself. she could be in trouble, or hurt or sick......

Ezra's thoughts are interrupted by a knock at the door. He walks to the door and opens it. A shot is heard as Ezra crumples to the floor in pain. Ezra looks up at his assailant to see only a retreating back before he blacks out.

Michelle leads Carlton into the cave behind J.D. Vin had left them about an hour before and it had just started to rain. They had decided to try and wait out the storm. Lighting split the sky as the thunder sounded over their heads. They both were dripping wet and the temperature had dropped dramatically.

"How long are we going to wait?" Michelle asks shacking out her soaked cowboy hat.

"Let's wait about an hour and if the rain doesn't stop we will have to travel in the rain." J.D. says removing his jacket to dry it out.

All of a sudden Michelle shudders and a pain slices through her gut. The shudder was not from cold however, it was a feeling of something bad happening.

Michelle stops dead."I just had the strangest feeling something bad has happened." she says.

"Are you ok?" J.D. asks

"Yes. It's probably just the cold." Michelle says shaking it off and sitting down on a rock in the cave.

Ezra opens his eyes and looks up at the ceiling of his room. He is lying on his bed and his head aches and a terrible feeling is coming from his stomach. He looks around the room and sees Nathan and Buck talking in the corner. Nathan looks over and sees that Ezra is awake. He walks over and leans over Ezra.

"How are you feeling?"Nathan asks.

"Dreadful. I feel as if a stampede of horses is running around in my head and that someone is slicing my stomach open with a knife." Ezra says with a moan.

"Someone shot you in the stomach. Luckily the bullet wasn't deep." Nathan says seating himself by the bed.

"You're lucky I had decided to stop by here and see you." Buck says approaching."Do you know who did this to you?"

"I haven't the faintest idea. All I remember is opening the door, hitting the floor, and seeing a man dressed in black walking down the hall." Ezra says leaning back against the pillows.

"Did you see his face?" Nathan asks.

"I saw his back and from his outfit I thought it might have been Chris." Ezra says.

"Chris wouldn't have shot you." Buck says defiantly.

"I know that Mr. Wilmington. I saw him only moments before talking to Mary." Ezra practically shouts in exasperation.

"You should rest Ezra. Come on Buck." Nathan says leading Buck out the door and shutting it behind them.

Ezra turns his head towards the window and watches as the rain falls down the pane.

THREE

The two riders make their way through the crowded streets of the city. Michelle looks at all the sights and sounds and a wave of home sickness comes over her. J.D. looks at the commotion with awe. It seems as if everyone is in a hurry to be somewhere and do something. Eventually the two riders reach the city's hotel. The dismount and tie their horses. J.D. escorts Michelle into the hotel and they sign in. They slowly climb the stairs still watching the people coming and going in all directions.

Once Michelle is in her room she sheds the brown traveling dress in relief. She quickly washes herself and changes into a much fancier red velvet gown with white lace. She abandons the cowboy hat for a little red cap with netting. She walks out of her room just as J.D. emerges from his which is located across the tiny hall of the hotel.

Michelle blushes as J.D. whistles and grins. He has changed into a fresh outfit and together they walk back down the stairs and into the lobby. Michelle sees many of the men turn and stare and some of the woman do the same.

They have arrived in town a day early and have to spend the night in town to wait for the package. They walk out into the brilliant sunlight a welcome change from the rain which had only lasted a brief time but had been very severe. J.D. looks undecided about where to go but Michelle knows exactly where she is headed.

"J.D. you can go ahead to the tavern. I have a few stops that I must make." Michelle says.

"I will meet you back here then?" J.D. asks

"Meet me for dinner. City hotels always have fabulous buffets." Michelle says with a smile.

They part and Michelle heads towards the seamstress shop. As she walks in the seamstress looks up in awe. Michelle looks around the store for a few minutes before seeing a dress she likes. It is a royal blue with a low cut in front and back and the sleeves are short and ruffled. The dress is floor length and has a very layered look.

"May I try this on?" Michelle asks turning towards the seamstress.

"Of course." The woman stammers standing up to remove the dress from the stand.

"It's beautifully done. Did you make it?" Michelle asks

"Yes" The woman says shyly.

"You have wonderful skill. You should be very proud." Michelle says smiling.

The woman blushes and leads Michelle to the back room where Michelle can try on the dress.

Ezra gets out of bed slowly. His head and stomach still throbbed but he couldn't stand being in bed any longer. He had to find out who shot him and why. He reaches the chair where his coat is hanging and pulls a flask out of the inside pocket. He lifts it to his mouth and takes a large swig of the stinging liquid.

"If this doesn't help ease the pain nothing will." Ezra says to himself steadying himself. Just as Ezra was balanced Maude comes running into the room.

"My poor boy!" She says rushing to Ezra. "What in heaven's name are you doing out of bed! Sit your behind right down" with that Maude pushes Ezra back onto the bed.

"Mother you are just making it worse." Ezra says with a groan. He hasn't felt this bad since...he can't even remember when.

"If you don't rest then the wound can't heal and you can't play cards when your mind is all fuzzy with pain." Maude says covering him with the blanket.

Ezra didn't want to argue with his mother but as soon as she left he was getting up and finding his assailant. He wasn't about to let some mangy coward pump him full of lead without a fight.

"Here darling I brought you some relaxant." Maude produces a flask and waves it in front of Ezra's face. When Ezra goes to grab it Maude pulls it away. "Not without a Thank you." she says with a smile.

"Mother, as much as I appreciate all your help I think it would be best if you would just leave. You said it yourself, I need to rest." Ezra snatches the flask from Maude's hand and leans back against the pillows without taking a sip. Maude gets up and walks out of the room. Ezra lifts the flask to his lips and takes a long slow drink.

Michelle walks into the darkness of the tavern in search of J.D. Her eyes adjust to the darkness and she moves forward to the bar. She doesn't realize that all of the eyes in the tavern are on her. She scans the bar for J.D. and sees him talking to one of the call girls by the end of the bar. Michelle smiles and walks over to him. She lightly taps him on the shoulder and as he turns around to see who it is he jumps up from the stool he is sitting on. J.D.'s smile vanishes and he turns a bright red, he twists his hat in his hands as Michelle smiles politely to the girl.

"uh um...I uh..."J.D. stammers and quickly grabs Michelle's arm and steers her out of the tavern. As they reach the street Michelle bursts out laughing. She laughs so hard that she has to stop and lean against a pole to keep her balance.

J.D. turns a deeper red and says, "It's not what you think...I was just talking.....it doesn't mean anything....what the heck is so funny??" J.D. says getting angry.

"I...am..so...sorry...J.D." Michelle finally says between bursts of laughter. "Its just...the look on ...... your face....when I tapped you on your...shoulder." Finally she can't hold it in any longer. She collapses onto the steps of the tavern in a fit of hysterical laughter.

J.D.'s anger fades away. How could he be mad at her? Her laugh is the most beautiful thing he has ever heard and it is contagious. Finally J.D. starts laughing with her (although not quite as hard). "Come on." he says taking her arm. "If we don't get going we won't get a table for dinner." J.D. is still smiling and Michelle still is giggling as they walk down the street.

Ezra slowly creeps down the stairs and out the door. As he walks out into the street he is momentarily blinded by the sunlight. When his eyes adjust he looks around him making sure Maude isn't in sight. Ezra walks slowly down the walkway and reaches the tavern. He slides inside and scans for Maude. She is no where to be seen. Relaxing a little he makes his way to the bar. As he reaches the bar he turns his head back to the door just as a man dressed in black is walking out. Ezra recognizes him as the man that shot him. As Ezra tries to run after him the wound in his stomach slows him. Ezra pulls out his gun and with his free hand clutching his stomach he makes his way out the tavern door in time to see the man turn and walk down an alleyway between two buildings. Buck sees Ezra and runs over.

"What are you doing out here Ezra!" Buck yells trying to take Ezra's arm and pull him towards his building. Ezra still tries to move forward and wrings his arm our of Buck's grasp.

"Mr. Wilmington this isn't the time for interfering. The man that shot me is escaping." Ezra says still clutching his stomach and trying to run after the man.

"Well why didn't you just say so! Where did he go?" Buck says drawing his gun.

Ezra points towards the alley and Buck runs the rest of the way to it. But by the time Buck reaches it the man is gone.

As Ezra reaches the alley and sees the man is gone he collapses onto a crate. "Thank you so very much for your help Mr. Wilmington. He couldn't have gotten away much easier." Ezra says with exasperation.

"Sorry Ezra, I didn't realize." Buck says. "Come on, lets get you back to bed."

"I would rather sit in the tavern and drink myself out of my misery." With that Ezra gets up slowly and walks back into the tavern.

"When is the stagecoach arriving again?" Michelle asks with boredom.

"About noon" J.D. says leaning back in his chair.

"We have 3 hours. What do you want to do?" Michelle asks watching the people travel by the hotel sitting room window.

"We could ride out and see the area around the city if you want." J.D. says looking over at Michelle.

"That's better than sitting around here all day." With that they get up and walk out of the hotel.

As they walk towards the livery shots are heard behind them. J.D. pulls Michelle over behind the water trough and the sit there tense with expectation. Michelle pulls out her gun and looks for the shooter. J.D. scans the crowd and finally sees five men walking out of the bar. Four of the men seem to be dragging the fifth. The fifth man is gagged and his hands are tied. Michelle looks at J.D. and they both know what they have to do. They run crouched the rest of the way to the livery and mount up. As they reach the main street again the see the five men riding out of town. They take off after them trying to stay as far back as they can without being seen.

J.D. and Michelle look down at what seems to be a camp. The four men that were in town sat around a fire while the prisoner was tied to his horse. Michelle lays down on her stomach and aims her gun while J.D. goes around the trees. J.D. silently makes his way to the opposite side of the camp. When he is in position he shouts down to the men.

"Release the prisoner or we will open fire."

The men spring to their feet and draw their weapons. They look for where the voice came from.

"We have you surrounded so if you wish to live release the man." J.D. shouts again.

"If you have as so surrounded why doesn't anyone else speak." The leader says smartly.

Before J.D. can answer a shot is fired and the bullet hits the tree by which J.D. is laying. Michelle sees this and opens fire on the men. J.D. also begins to fire his gun. The men scatter and hide behind trees shooting at their invisible adversary. Michelle runs out of bullets and has to reload and as she is doing so someone grabs her from behind. She lets up a scream and struggles to release herself from the hold. The man drags her to the middle of the camp.

"If you want your girl friend back you better show yourself." the man says.

"Don't do it J.D.! Just go!" Michelle yells.

"You better shut your trap before I do it for you." the man says lifting his gun to her head. "Maybe I will just keep you for my self." with that said the man grabs at Michelle.

Michelle screams again and manages to free herself. She activates the derringer and shoots the man in the head before he can react. Michelle collapses onto the ground and wraps herself in a ball. The rest of the men had fled leaving the prisoner. J.D. ran to Michelle and wrapped his arms around her. She throws her arms around his neck and sobs.

"It was just like that night" Michelle cries.

"I know. Shhhh....its ok....Its over" J.D. says soothingly. Michelle just cries and cries.

FOUR

Dusk has fallen and the two travelers sit silently by the crackling fire. Michelle stares straight at the flames and J.D. watches her.

She hasn't said a word since this afternoon. J.D. recalls. I have to do something.

J.D. gets up, walks over, and sits down next to Michelle.

"Not everyone will try to take advantage of you. If you hadn't killed that man I was going to. Nobody should try to do that to a woman." J.D. says encouragingly.

Michelle looks over at J.D. and studies his face for a moment. Then she begins, "Thank you J.D.. Thank you for holding me when I needed it and thank you for this talk." With that Michelle leans towards J.D. and kisses him lightly.

Michelle stands up and walks over to the dying fire to throw more branches on it. J.D. sits stunned. His head reels and his face is a light red but his eyes blaze with excitement. Michelle lies down on her mat and J.D. watches her sleep for a moment before lying down himself.

Ezra's eyes follow the man's movement towards the barn for a drink. The man hasn't seen him yet because Ezra is seating at a table in the corner. Ezra waits for the man to sit before he gets up and slowly makes his way to the bar. Buck watches Ezra as Chris watches the man. Josiah sits with his back to the man. Ezra reaches the bar and stands next to the man. The man looks over at Ezra casually, then as he realizes who it is he starts to get up and draw his gun. Josiah swings around and pushes the barrel of his gun into the man's back. Chris stands next to the man and takes his arm. Ezra smiles at the man.

Chris and Josiah take the man outside as Ezra and Buck follow. As they reach the street the man swings around to hit Chris and but Buck fires his gun into the air warning the man of his fate if he continues to resist. The man freezes and then looks at each face one at a time. Finally his shoulders sage and he admits defeat.

"What do you want from me." he says.

"You can begin with your name and then you can tell us why you shot Ezra." Chris says.

"My name is Jack Dwain. I shot that man right there because he..." Before Jack could finish a shot is heard and Jack crumples to the ground. Josiah, Buck, Ezra, and Chris turn to see the shooter turn the horse he is riding and gallop out of town. Buck fires at the man but he is too far away.

Chris kneels down next to Jack "He's dead. Guess we won't know why he shot you Ezra, but someone certainly didn't want anyone to know the reason."

Ezra looks after the rider and saying nothing returns to the tavern.

"We should get back to town by mid afternoon." J.D. says. The morning dawned bright, clear, and cool. The horses were full of energy and were tugging at their bits. Michelle had been in a better mood that morning and had been joking around with J.D. like they usually do. J.D. was happy that she had gotten over the experience and he was in such a good mood that he had been cracking tons of bad jokes all morning.

"It was a nice trip but I am glad to be getting home." Michelle says cantering her horse next to J.D.

"I wonder what the rest of the guys have been up to." J.D. says.

"Probably just sitting around the tavern drinking themselves to death." Michelle says laughing.

J.D. and Michelle stop and rest their horses at the same lake they had visited when they had first started their journey. They sit under the same tree and they just talk for a few minutes. J.D. falls silent for a few minutes and then looks over at Michelle. He turns his eyes to the ground before speaking.

"Michelle.......I have something I want to tell you..."J.D. stops and looks over at Michelle again. She is watching him closely. Her face shows her confusion but she doesn't say anything. She waits for J.D. to proceed. "I really liked having you along......you are a really nice girl...er..lady..er...well see what I am trying to say is...I don't want you to think I am too forward but I was....kinda hoping...when we get back if you might want to take a ride with me..." J.D. stops talking and turns a deep red.

Michelle sits silent for a few minutes with a shocked expression on her face. She looks over at J.D. and then out over the lake.

"I never realized..." Michelle starts slowly

"I know you probably don't want to. I understand." J.D. interrupts.

"I would love to J.D." Michelle says smiling.

"I know Ezra probably wouldn't like you to.."J.D. goes on.

"I would love to J.D." Michelle says laughing.

"I am sorry I asked. Just forget it...what?" J.D. says turning to Michelle

"I said I would love to." Michelle says turning to J.D.

"You do?" J.D. says amazed. Michelle shakes her head yes. "Great" J.D. smiles widely and leans back against the tree.

"How are you feeling Ezra?" Nathan asks.

"Better. I have been felling much better since I have been able to elude my mother and any conversations about marriage. However I feel my luck is about to run out." Maude is walking towards them.

"There you are! I have this feeling you are trying to evade me." Maude's says smiling.

"Good morning mother. I trust you will be leaving soon?" Ezra asks with interest. He wanted his mother to leave town before Michelle got back.

"You aren't going to get rid of me that easily." Maude says laughing."I am going to meet your lady friend and persuade her to become your bride to be."

As she finishes the two riders trot slowly into the town. Ezra sees the flash of black and white color as they pass quickly by but so does Maude. She turns on her heal and quickly makes her way towards the two riders.

Michelle and J.D. tie their horses in front of Mary's office. Mary comes out and greets them. J.D. gives Mary the package just as Maude arrives.

"Good afternoon J.D." Maude says pleasantly.

"Afternoon Mrs. Standish," he says.

At the mention of the name Michelle spins around and is face to face with Maude. Michelle smiles pleasantly and searches for Ezra. She sees him coming and turns her attention to Maude.

"Mrs. Standish? My name is Michelle Carpenter. I am an old acquaintance of your son's." Michelle says politely.

"I know who you are Ms. Carpenter." Maude smiles innocently. "I was hoping to get to know you better however. How about dinner tonight? Ezra and I are eating in the tavern and I was hoping you would join us." Maude finishes as Ezra arrives.

"I would love to...."Michelle says.

"I am positive Ms. Carpenter has many things she must catch up on since she has been absent and we mustn't keep her from her tasks." Ezra offers.

"I get the feeling you don't want me to get to know your mother Ezra." Michelle says smiling.

"He is merely looking out for your well being. He is such a considerate, dignified man." Maude says smiling at Ezra. He grimaces at his mothers attempt at impressing Michelle but she continues."Any woman would love to be his."

"I am sure they would. If you could please excuse me I do have some errands I need to run." Michelle says. "It was a pleasure meeting you." Michelle says starting to leave.

"A pleasure meeting you too." Maude says smiling. When Michelle is far enough away Maude turns to Ezra and says, "She is so young and independent, but definitely an interesting woman Ezra." With that Maude turns and leaves Ezra and J.D.

Ezra looks at J.D. as J.D. says, "Ezra, would you mind if I ask you something?"

"Go ahead J.D." Ezra says leaning against the tying post.

"Why is your mother so determined to get Michelle to marry you?"

"Isn't it obvious? My mother is a deceitress and a con. She wishes for me to find some way to get into Michelle's good graces and hopefully her wallet."

"Do you think it will work?"

"I think Michelle can see what my mother is and I wouldn't be surprised if she pulls a trick of her own." Ezra says smiling at the thought of his mother being tricked.

"Do you only want to marry her for her money?" J.D. says looking a little disgusted at the thought.

"No, I want to marry her because she is perfect. I asked her when she was dirt poor much to my mother's dismay and now that she is rich and doesn't want to marry my mother is all for pushing her into it." As Ezra leans down to fix a twist in his pant leg he grimaces with pain.

"What's wrong Ezra?" J.D. asked concerned.

"It's nothing. Just something that happened while you and Michelle were on your little journey." With that Ezra gets up and walks away. But not before J.D. sees the jealousy in his eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezra escorts Michelle towards the hotel from the tavern. They had just finished dinner and much to Ezra's dismay the topic all during dinner had been that of marriage and money. His mother had basically described Ezra as a loyal loving gentleman and had gone on continually about how he would make any woman a wonderful husband. Ezra wanted to crawl under the table and out of the tavern. And through it all Michelle had been so wonderful. She politely answered all his mothers questions, told a little of her life, and never seemed to mind his mother's banter. Oh, how much Ezra adored her!

Ezra glances over at Michelle and smiles. She is so lovely. She never grew tired of his mother's constant flow of questions of compliments. Or if she did she hid it well. She smiled all through dinner and never complained.

"Ezra you have told me how your mother used you but today I saw nothing of the sort. Just that of a loving mother." Michelle looks at Ezra and smiles."However, I did observe a woman who was mostly concerned in how much money a man who marries me would get."

Ezra bursts out laughing at Michelle's sly expression. "You my dear have something brewing in that beautiful head of yours. As I knew you would you saw right through my mother's seemingly good intentions. I thank you for behaving so elegantly throughout dinner however."

It is Michelle's turn to laugh. She says nothing more and as they reach the hotel Michelle reaches up and lightly kisses Ezra on the cheek before heading up to her room alone.

All the rest of the week Maude tries everything in her power to get Michelle to say yes to Ezra. Michelle merely shrugs her off and politely refuses Maude's attempts. By her last day in Four Corners Maude is quite discouraged. She corners Ezra in the tavern just before she is scheduled to leave town.

"Ezra that girl is as stubborn as a mule." Maude says.

"Mother she has a mind of her own and is able to make her own choices." Ezra says cleaning the shot glasses in front of him.

"Don't spend your life chasing her my darling boy. She will just leave your heart broken. Although, if you could turn the charms on a little bit more you might just be able to charm her into your arms."

At that moment Michelle walks into the tavern. her eyes shine with the knowledge of some juicy secret and her face is bright with excitement. A huge smile is spread across her face.

"Ezra, Mrs. Standish, I believe I have a bit of news that may interest the both of you." Michelle seeing that she has her full attention continues," I have just purchased this wonderful establishment in which we are currently standing." Michelle smiles as an expression of complete shock crosses Maude's face. Ezra shakes his head and smiles a triumphant smile.

Maude looks from Michelle to Ezra and back to Michelle. Her expression turns from shock to one of pure humility.

"I suppose I must admit defeat. You my dear are one spirited girl. I do like spirited." Maude smiles.

"If possible before you leave Mrs. Standish could we discuss ownership of the hotel? I would be more than willing to take it off your hands if you are interested in selling it. I am willing to pay a generous amount. Or perhaps you would be interested in playing for ownership. Ezra tells me you are quite a card player."

"That is a very interesting wager. What would I get if I were to win?"

"If you win I will marry Ezra."

Maude's eyes open wider and a smile slowly spreads across her face. "I suppose one game wouldn't hurt"

Ezra's expression turns to worry. Michelle was a fantastic card player but his mother knew how to cheat and how to make herself win. Michelle didn't know anything about cheating.

Michelle deals as Ezra sits down next to the table. He didn't want to see either hand. They played for a few minutes with Ezra becoming more worried by the minute.

"Alright, lets see your cards." Michelle says.

The pot included the hotel dead, a signed contract that Michelle would marry Ezra and a little over $1000 in cash. Ezra closes his eyes as his mother lies down her hand with a smile. Maude looks pleased with herself and her card which is 4 of a kind. The 4 jacks stare menacingly up at Michelle. Ezra hears a faint gasp escape from Michelle and he opens his eyes to see Maude's hand. Ezra leans back in his chair and looks at Michelle. Her eyes look at the cards laid out in front of her for a moment and then looks over at Ezra. Ezra closes his eyes, lays his head in his hands, and curses his mother silently. Suddenly he hears Maude gasp and when he looks up he glances at Michelle's cards. Ezra lets out a yelp of joy. Michelle had a royal flush! She had won! Maude couldn't take her eyes off the cards. Michelle smiled broadly up at Ezra and then stands up. She takes the dead, rips up the contract, and pockets the money. She leans down and kisses Ezra before heading for the door. As she reaches the door she turns back to the table where Maude still sits.

"Nice game Mrs. Standish. However, keep this in mind. Cheaters never prosper." with that Michelle walks out of the tavern and towards her newly acquired hotel.

"Ezra, she played fair and still won." Maude says confused.

"Did I forget to mention she was an excellent car player? Oh dear. I'm sorry mother." Ezra says feigning innocence.

Maude looks at Ezra and then her face breaks into a grin."I have taught you well my boy. You can lie like the best of them." Maude smiles, kisses Ezra lightly on the cheek in farewell and leaves the tavern for her coach. Ezra sits looking at the cards a moment before getting up.

Later that night Michelle was sitting across the bar from Ezra when J.D. walks in. He walks over and seats himself next to Michelle. Michelle smiles at him and then turns her attention to Ezra.

"Ezra, I have something I want to give you." she says. She pulls out a piece of paper from her small purse and hands it to him. He wipes his hands on a towel and then takes the paper and opens it. His jaw drops as he reads the paper.

"It's the deed to the tavern." Ezra says looking up.

"Yes. I remember you telling him how your mother had snatched your dream business away from you and with a help of a few friends I found out that this was that business." She grins at J.D. who smiles back. They exchange a secret look before turning their attention back to Ezra.

"I can't accept this. You spent your own money on this establishment so it is yours." Ezra says still shocked and quite touched.

"Fine. You can buy it from me for $1. I will consider that a fair trade." Michelle says laughing.

Ezra pulls out a one dollar and hands it to her. He then pockets the deed and takes Michelle's hand. He shakes it and then kisses the back of it. "It was a pleasure doing business with you Ms. Carpenter." he says grinning widely.

"The pleasure is all mine Mr. Standish." She leans over the bar and kisses him on the cheek. "To seal the deal." she says laughing with pleasure.

Ezra smiles at her and looks back down at the deed with happiness. He has one more shot to keep the tavern and he isn't going to let it escape him this time. He pockets the deed and can't help but laugh at what his mother is going to say when he tells her. With that last thought he goes back to serving the drinks.

The End