Anything Could Happen

[Elegant Ella]

Patches brought the telegram into the infirmary.  Seeing Ella busy operating on T.J. with Bill assisting, she waited until Ella put the instruments down before speaking up, "Ella, Doctor at the fort wants to know when the troopers can be moved to the fort and when you have time to talk to him." 

Ella continued with bandaging while she thought a moment before replying, "4 can be moved already.  The ones with bullet-broken bones need to heal more before they get bounced around a wagon again.  Tmorrow morning would be convenient for him to come collect the first load, and talk to me." 

Patches responded, "I'll send the reply."

Bill and Ella moved T.J. back to his bed.  Bill went off to round up a couple helpers to bring the prisoner with the damaged hand to the surgery, while Ella waited with T.J. for the chloroform to wear off.  Lots of patients got sick to their stomach after chloroform.  It was only a few minutes before T.J. groaned and opened his eyes. 

"How are you feeling?" asked Ella, holding a cup of cool water with a straw for him to sip. 

"Alive, which is pretty good," he replied.

"You were awfully lucky with that bullet.  If the shooter had raised the muzzle just an inch, the bullet would have entered at one kidney and gone out through a lung.  Instead, you're going to be uncomfortable sitting for a while, because all that muscle and fat you sit on slowed the bullet down before it got to anything vital."

[Scarlet Angel]

T.J. chuckled at Ella's comment. "My wife always tells me I need to eat more. Spect you're the first one ta ever say I had fat on my body. She says it comes from bein' on the trail to much and never gettin' a good home cooked meal.

Miss Ella, you suppose someone could get a telegram to my family and tell 'em I ain't dead just yet. I'm sure if the army has found the patrol they've told her about what happened."

T.J. looked somewhat sad, maybe a bit guilty.  "My wife begged me to leave the army after the war. She said God had seen fit to spare my life so I'd be around for her. But I don't know no other life, no other way of puttin' food on the table."

[Scarlet Angel]

When Fritz stepped down from the wagon Rose hugged him tightly.  "Alla you boys are going to make my hair gray before my time. I guess I'm gonna be worrying about one of ya all the time, seems like I can't keep you all locked in the house and safe, one of ya manages to wander off." She stepped back and smiled, the same smile Fritz had seen her give Bo, Jimmy and Scarlet. The smile a mother had for her children. Then she grinned. "I just hope you aren't like Scarlet, she just makes my hair fall out, but something tells me you will always be right there with her." Rose chuckled then thought for a moment. "Maybe I should just order one of them fancy wigs now." She laughed again  then walked to the back of the wagon.

One of the hands had come to help Becca move Tensleep so Rose took his horse to the stable.

The look Becca shot Scarlet didn't go unnoticed.

"He's in one piece." Scarlet said looking back towards Becca.

"Don't think we're not going to talk about this." Becca retorted then continued on her way.

Scarlet looked over at Fritz. "She'll cool off in a couple 'o days. But watch out she's got hot temper and a sharp tongue at times."

"I heard that!" Becca yelled back over her shoulder as she helped Tensleep up on the porch.

"I can't blame her." Scarlet said as she and Fritz walked the horses to the barn. "I know I'd be awfully unhappy if she brought you back shot up, but thankful she'd brought you back alive." Scarlet smiled at him.

[Elegant Ella]

"We've got a telegraph here, and I'm the back-up operator.  Tell me where the telegram needs to go, and I'll get it sent," replied Ella.  "We've got house-room here, if she wants to be here while you recuperate.  As for what else to do besides the Army, you've got a little time to think about that.  You won't be fit for duty for a month at least." 

[Scarlet Angel]

"I'll write it down for you, if you have paper."

Ella took a pad from her pockets and handed it to him along with a pencil.

T.J. wrote down all of the contact information for Ella and handed her back the pad and pencil.  "You're offer is appreciated, but I wouldn't want to impose on Johnny and his wife."

"Looks like yer gonna make it." Jimmy's said as he approached.

"Well they weren't no Rebs takin shots  at me, guess it's a good thing. Someone once told me them boys could kill a squirrel at a thousand yards."

Jimmy chuckled at the comment then said  "Ella can I have a word with you please?" 

Ella got up and followed him out the door.

"I heard what T.J. told you about not imposing. Truth is he's a proud man but he just gets buy on his pay. I doubt he can afford to get his wife and son here.  Do me a favor when you send that telegram and tell her there are train tickets waiting for her and her son and passage is booked through to El Paso. They have a place to stay and I will meet her. Miss Jane believes what goes around comes around and she's always been a kind and giving lady. No need to mention this to anybody else." Jimmy looked at her and smiled a bit devilishly. "I wouldn't want to ruin my rotten reputation."   

[Elegant Ella]

"I'll tell her that in the telegram.  I'll send it as soon as I finish in surgery this morning," replied Ella.  "If you hadn't offered, I was going to get the tickets for her to come out here.  I won't tell anyone about you appearing to act out of character.  Those who believe the worst about you would doubt the story anyway."  She grinned at him, then continued soberly, "We need to think about other possible occupations for him.  He just used up his share of luck, and needs to get out of the Army while he is still in one piece."   

Bill with a couple hands came in through the door carrying the outlaw with the wounded hand, and deposited him on the table.  Ella went in.  The outlaw was moaning and carrying on, but Ella thought it was more fear than pain. 

"Don't take my hand, please, don't take my hand," he kept repeating.

"I am not going to cut it off today.  I am going to operate to repair as much of the damage that blown-up gun did as possible.  Calm down and lie still, please," she said soothingly. 

The man continued to thrash around and beg.  The ranch hands and Bill restrained him, while Ella put the cloth mask over his nose and mouth, all the while talking quietly and soothingly.  The chloroform soon took effect, and he relaxed.  Bill moved to assist with the surgery, the ranch hands stood out of the way. 

Finally, Ella stepped back and put the instruments away.  "He won't be able to use the hand much, but it won't putrefy and kill him.  Let's take him back to his cell.  The fresh air outside will help him wake up sooner." 

[Scarlet Angel]

Combined effort of Tensleep & Scarlet

Becca helped Tensleep to a chair.

"How bad is it?" She asked. The tone of her voice told him she'd been worried.

"So bad that it may take thousands of kisses from a beautiful woman to help it heal. I think that my treatment should start right now." He pulled her down until she was sitting on the arm of the chair.

She suppressed her grin and leaned down and kissed him sweetly.

"Possibly a bath is in order too." Her grin reappeared and her green eyes danced. "You smell of death and hospitals." She sniffed at the nap of his neck. "And I want to know why your neck smells like you've been very close to Scarlet."

"I suppose that a bath is close to the top of the list, but first a couple more of those kisses." He kissed her lovingly her nearness reminding him just how much he loved her. "Could be Scarlet's saddle that was under my head on the way here, or maybe cuz Scarlet saved my life or that she was my doctor and nurse....."

Tensleep softly kissed 'Becca again. "You gonna give that bath?"

'Becca raised an eyebrow "Saved your life. How bad is it John?"

"Bad 'nuf that I passed out, didn't know where I was an' Scarlet kept that sawbones at the post from cuttin' my leg off." He sighed. "Just a hole all the way through, but Scarlet knew what to do. Good part is she took charge an' did it. I know that you have seen her like that."

'Becca laughed softly. "Scarlet knows when to follow and she knows when to take charge." She looked thoughtful for a moment. "Scarlet don't like doctors. Ella is the only doctor I ever seen Scarlet let touch her. Between that and her lifestyle she has learned how to do some healing of her own. Ya know she started learning medicine because of the horses, then I understand she did her fair share of patching up on these men around here."

Rebecca was doing her best to fight feelings she was unfamiliar with. She really would have liked to scream at Scarlet for touching John but was unsure why. She knew Scarlet would have done the same for any of her other friends, she'd patched 'Becca a time or two in their travels together.

"If you got a hole all the way through it sounds like you're not gonna be sittin' in to deep o' water for a while. Gonna have to find a sponge I suppose."

"Only one that I'm gonna let touch that sponge or me is you gal, only you. I'll be forever thankful to Scarlet for what she did."

'Becca looked at John "Tensleep" Ross. "Oh yeah? Just what did she do that you are so thankful for?"

"Introducing you to me." Tensleep couldn't help but smile as he saw the worry drain from his future wife's face.

She cupped his cheeks in her hands and kissed him passionately. "I need to get some water, that sponge and check on the boys. Blue Feather is not going far but Wolf Song can be a handful. He wanted to watch Ella do her surgeries this morning. Didn't think the soldiers would like that so I had to get him interested in something else."

She started to walk towards the door then looked over her shoulder. "Do I get to undress you and sponge you off right there?" Her green eyes danced mischievously. 

He chuckled, "Anywhere and whenever you want darling, but I figger you better undress too." His wink didn't go unnoticed.

"Now John Ross, I'm not the type of woman to take advantage of a wounded man that nearly lost his life just a day or so ago. You need to mend, cuz I am the type of woman who expects a great deal on her wedding night." She tried to look serious but a smile was threatening her lips.

"I just don't want you to get your clothes wet darlin', always thinkin' of you." Tensleep was grinning. "As for your wedding night, I sure hope that you aren't looking forward to too much sleep."

She was leaning against the door now. "Oh Darlin' on the contrary I am looking forward to all the 'Sleep I can get."

"Ask and you shall receive my darling, ask and you shall receive." Tensleep winked at her again. "Now get yer sweet butt out there and find us some water wench."

He could hear her laugh as she closed the door behind her.

"Reckon I need to marry that woman quick!"

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Fritz headed to the bunkhouse to grab his cleaning kit.  Upon arrival, he noticed that all his gear was gone.  Somewhat perplexed, he went to the house, and up to Scarlet's room.  There were all his things, neatly laid out on their bed.

"So, it's official," he thought with a smile.

His stripped his blouse and rolled his sleeves.  Fritz field stripped his weapons, cleaned, and oiled them.  He stowed the Springfield on the rack.  He'd miss that '66...it sure was a sweet shooter.  Oh well.

Next he concentrated on the short-barrelled Colt.  It was practically brand new.  He had to fight a bit with the cylinder pin, but it eventually came out.  The kid who'd owned it previously probably never had it apart.  He cleaned and oiled the piece, and put it under his pillow.

Scarlet hadn't come up yet.  Fritz figured she was busy visiting with her family.  He wouldn't disturb her.  He'd stripped off as much as he could to remain decent, and headed to the bath house.  As he closed the door behind him, Scarlet slipped her arms around him.

"I was wondering when you'd be down," she purred.

When the two finally came up for air, Fritz asked, "Is there room in one of those things for two?"

Scarlet slowly turned, dropping the towel as she walked.

"Why don't we find out?'

His grin widened.

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet gently massaged his shoulders, careful of his wound. She could feel him relax as he leaned back against her.  She could feel herself relax along with him. Fritz had a way of awakening feelings in her so long forgotten they almost seemed foreign.

She and Patches had talked about how someone could make you feel safe and content. Scarlet felt safe under fire with the men she trusted, but this was a different kind of safe. Not only did she trust him in the field to protect her but her heart felt safe with Fritz.

Scarlet smiled contently, kissed him on the neck then whispered "Have you thought of where you'd like to spend our wedding night?"

[1stSgt Fritz King]

"As a matter of fact," Fritz replied, turning to face her.  "I do."

She leaned in close.  "Tell me."

He leaned close to her ear, his lips brushing it.

"In your arms of course!"

She splashed his face.  "I'm serious!"

"I know darlin," Fritz said.  "Suffice it to say there's a place for us."

Scarlet got up, water glistening on her body.

"Well, you should come upstairs now, so we can talk about it."

She wrapped a towel 'round herself, grabbed his clothes, and sprinted out the door.

"SCARLET!"   

[Scarlet Angel]

He could hear her laugh as she went out the door, playful and devilish mixed together.

Scarlet figured this time of the day everybody would be outside or in the medical wing. She was right as she slipped through the house and up the stairs to her room, besides he had a towel and her clothes.

Rose had told her she had moved Fritz's things back in her room when they returned. Scarlet grinned as she went to the closet and traded the towel for one of Fritz's clean shirts. She wondered what was taking him so long, he really shouldn't be that far behind her.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

"Okay," Fritz said.  "This shouldn't be too hard."

He stepped out of the tub and grabbed the one remaining towel.  It wasn't quite as big as the one Scarlet had grabbed.  He covered himself to the best of his ability, and with all the dignity he could muster, Fritz stepped out of the bathhouse.

Fortunately, the hands were busy working.  And he hoped the laides were otherwise disposed.  Fritz took the stairs two at a time.  He heard her gigling inside.  Fritz turned the knob and opened the door.   

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet's bit her bottom lip to try and suppress her grin and stop the giggling. The mischievous look in her eyes betrayed any serious look she might try to muster.

She'd forgotten this side of her existed. It was something she'd lost long ago with what she had believed was her ability to love anybody else. He'd found her heart and now he was awakening the playful side she'd buried too.

"Why Mr. King, I don't believe I've ever had a half naked suitor at this door before."  She said as innocently as she could as she sashayed across the floor and put her hand on the other side of the door knob.

"I don't believe my father would approve of such things." She said leaning against the door as she looked him up and down.  The grin that danced across her lips told him she was enjoying this game.

She stepped back and opened the door more so he could come in. "Perhaps you should get in here before he catches you."

"I must warn you. I think that you have awakened the devilish side in me Sugar, and I just can't seem to control myself around you." She said as he stepped into the room.     

[1stSgt Fritz King]

A few hours later, and Scarlet was curled up in his arms.  She smiled sweetly.  He hoped her dreams were pleasant ones. 

Fritz moved slowly from the bed.  He'd been staring at the chest for awhile now.  Fritz opened it up.  The dress uniform was almost new.  He'd only worn it once back at Jefferson Barracks.  God, it seemed like a lifetime ago.  He pulled the blouse on.  Amazingly, it still fit.  It probably fit better now.  All that time behind a desk had put a few extra pounds on him.  He hooked it on the back of the door.

There was a small horsehair brush in the chest.  He broke it out and began going over the blouse.  There were no moth holes, and any lint remaining was flicked away.

He pulled the NCO shoulder scales out.  They were a bit tarnished, as were the buttons.  They'd clean up nice though.  There was a small wooden case near the bottom.  Inside was a small piece of metal, attached to a blue strip of cloth.  It was the only medal he'd ever earned.  Fritz tried to remember the citation.  "For conspicuous gallantry..."

He turned back to see Scarlet propped up on one elbow, looking at him.  Her pose was not quite decent.  He smiled.

"How long have you been looking at me?"

"A while," she said.  "You care for that uniform the same way you do your weapons.  'Meticulous' is the word."

He put the box down and sat next to his love.  "It'll probably be the last time I wear the darned thing.  I want to look my best for you."

She reached up and touched his face.  "You look pretty good right now." 

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet awoke before the sunrise. They'd spent the evening holding one another close talking until they'd fallen asleep.

She'd asked Fritz if his family knew where he was. He had replied "Yes, I think Rose put my things back in here and I'm sure Johnny knows."

Scarlet was glad Fritz felt that way and she knew her family felt the same about him. She wondered if Johnny knew more about Fritz than his own family did. She knew Johnny had checked into his background and guessed it was pretty close to the day Fritz had put the ruby ring on her finger. What Johnny couldn't find out, or wanted to confirm, he asked Fritz directly. He probably knew more than Scarlet did about some things. Scarlet let the subject go after Fritz's comment. She knew Rose had made it clear to him his family was welcome at the Starr. Since they'd talked of his family before Scarlet would leave it up to Fritz whether he wanted to communicate with them or not.

He'd asked about her wedding dress, she'd grinned and told him she wanted to look her best for him too he was just going to have to wait to see that. He laughed when she promised it was indeed a dress, he'd seen her in very few.

He asked how Scarlet had come to know Captain Fields. "Hometown spoiled bully." She'd replied.

"You would have killed him." It was more of a statement than a question.

"He's alive because I stopped Travis from killing him. In some cultures that means his life belongs to me." She laughed softly.

"Did he hurt you?" Fritz sounded irritated.

"Not really, we had words because I wouldn't help him in his Indian hunt, was before he joined up. I made the mistake of turning my back on him. He grabbed me from behind and told me I was going to take him where he wanted to go. Travis went crazy, nearly killed him with his bare hands."

That explained a lot of things but not some of the comments Fields had made, but that didn't matter right now. Fritz pulled her close. "Can't say as I blame him for feeling that way."

Lying here now listening to the steady rhythm of his heart beat made her smile and brought her a great deal of piece.

Fritz traced his fingers gently along her back.

"Good morning." She said softly.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

They had spooned in the night.  It was a comfortable position.  Where their flesh met, they were united.  It was hard to tell where he ended ans she began.  And now, as he ran his fingers lightly down the small of her back, an electric charge passed between them.  She arched her back, her buttocks barely touching him.  She was playing, and he grew warm.

"Okay," Fritz said, "time to get up."  He flipped the covers back and hopped out of bed.

"What's your hurry darlin?" Scarlet whispered, her bare bottom beckoning.

"If we don't get up now, we never will.  'Sides," Fritz replied, "I'm sure there some work to do."  He grabbed a clean pair of canvas britches and put them on.  Outside the door, there was a tray of hot biscuits, molasses and sweet butter, as well as a pot of hot coffee.  A pink card sat on the tray.  It read:

"You'll need your strength.  We won't bother you, but you really should come down.  Love, Rose and Johnny.
P.S.  Is today the day?"

Fritz smiled.       

[Scarlet Angel]

Fritz was right, Scarlet had a whole list of things that needed to be done.
She smiled lopsidedly at Fritz as he carried the tray back into the room.

"You got a secret admirer or something Sugar? Room service just doesn't happen 'round here." She said teasingly as she pulled on her boots.

Fritz chuckled as he set the tray on the small table inside the balcony door then filled the two cups.

"Should I be jealous?" She asked. He could hear the grin in her voice.

Fritz turned to hand her the cup.

Scarlet stood in front of him, she was dressed and ready to start the day with the exception of buttoning her shirt.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Fritz put a cup of coffee in her hand, then slipped his free hand inside her shirt.  He cupped her breast, leaned close, and whispered in her ear.

"You shouldn't do that.  It gives me ideas."

He nibbled her earlobe for emphasis.

[Scarlet Angel]

"I'll make a note to myself I shouldn't do this." She whispered back then kissed his cheek. "And since we both got work to do it'll give you something to think about while you're doing yours." She stepped back and tried to smile innocently as she set down her cup and buttoned her shirt.

Scarlet had been told on more than one occasion she knew how to be a complete tease and a devilish woman. She hoped Fritz enjoyed it like her as her late husband had.

She stepped to the doors and opened them then sat at the table. "You got time for breakfast soldier?" She said pushing the other chair out with her foot.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

They sat, ate and enjoyed each other's company.  Fritz thought about a couple of things while he ate. 

First, he had to get to town.  The reward money he'd recently earned would pay for the rings.  He'd ordered them back east, from the Tiffany's catalogue.  They were simple gold bands with silver filigree.  The silver made the letters "S" and "F" intertwine in cursive.

Next, he'd have to get back to the house and make sure all was ready.  He had to leave in a hurry, and hoped Bo hadn't done all the work.

Fritz finished dressing, kissed his bride and headed for the door.  He grabbed his gunbelt, and the Henry.  Just in case.