Mac's Mountie - Part 2

Monday, 1 July 2002
0105 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac awoke feeling someone gently shaking her.  "Harmon, no!  It hurts too much!  It's too big!  Stop!!" she screamed.  Suddenly she was wide awake and staring into the concerned eyes of her commanding officer.  "Admiral, Sir!"

"You okay?" he asked.  She nodded.  "What were you dreaming, Mac?  You screamed like someone was stabbing you."  Mac blushed furiously.  "Oh," he said.

Mac closed her eyes and turned her head away.  "I'm sorry to have disturbed you, Sir."

"It was time to wake you up anyway, Mac.  Try not to have any more of those... painful... dreams, okay?" 

"Aye, Sir."

The Admiral closed the door behind him and shook his head.  "Guess it's a good thing Mac moved when she did," he mumbled softly to himself.  'Wonder how Rabb feels?  Probably the same... he did have his arm around her as often as he could tonight.  And they did originally sit on the loveseat together... until the little tyke made her move. Smart kid,' he chuckled to himself.

It took Mac a good while to fall back to sleep, but finally she did. And her dream returned...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
15 February 1882
1845 MST
Northwest Territory, Canada

Sarah was getting nervous.  Very nervous.  The falling snow and the howling wind made blizzard conditions outside.  And her husband hadn't come in yet.  He was always inside before dark.  It simply wasn't safe not to be.  But here it was, already 3 hours past daylight, and no Harmon.  "Oh Harmon, please be alright.  Please come inside now.  Please," she begged.

Sarah sat in her rocking chair all night.  She kept the fire stoked.  She knew she couldn't let it go out.  If she did, she would never get it started again.  And she had to have the cabin warm for Harmon when he returned.  And he would return.  She had to believe that.

The sun shone bright the next morning, and as Sarah opened her eyes, she saw daylight through the cracks around the door.  She got to her feet, stoked the fire, and pulled on her boots.  She wrapped her scarf around her head and donned her heavy coat.  "Please God, don't let me find him dead," she prayed as she opened the door.  Sarah trudged through the snow to the barn.  The drifts were so high, she wondered how she would ever get inside to check on things.  But she had to.  Perhaps Harmon had made it that far.  

Sarah made her way to the barn door.  There was no way she could open it.  She looked above and saw the loft window.  "If I can just reach up there," she said aloud.  "Isn't there a window around back just like this one?" she asked herself, noticing that the drifts seemed to be deeper toward the back.  She plowed through the snow and found that, indeed, there was another window in the back and the drift was high enough that she could reach it. She trudged through the snow, climbing the drift, praying that she wouldn't encounter a soft spot. She reached the window and pulled with all the strength she could muster. Finally the window began to give a little, and Sarah pulled once more. Hard. The window flew open, but in so doing, it caught her in the shoulder and sent her flying backwards into the snow drift.

It took Sarah several minutes to work her way back to the open window, but finally she was there. She peered inside the dark barn. "Harmon?" she called. "Harmon! Are you there?!" No response. "Harmon!!" she yelled at the top of her voice. If he was asleep, surely that would wake him.

Sarah didn't hear the Mountie approach; with the snow covering everything and the wind still blowing, it was no wonder. "Mrs. Rabb!" he called to her. "You should be inside the cabin."

Sarah turned around, surprised to hear another voice. She gathered her wits about her quickly when she realized he was a Mountie.   At least he wore a Mountie's hat.  He was so bundled up that she could hardly see his eyes.  She hoped he wasn't a thief and murderer; they were a-plenty in this land.  "My husband didn't come in last night. I am afraid he may be stuck inside the barn."

"He's not in the barn, Mrs. Rabb. He's in the cabin, safely tucked in your bed. He has severe frostbite from being out in the weather last night, but he is alive and should recover if he follows my instructions," the Mountie yelled into the wind.

"He's inside? Now? You found him?" Sarah words rushed out on top of each other. "I must go to him!"

"First you need to take care of yourself; it wouldn't do for you to catch a cold."

"I am no stranger to colds, Sir."

"Perhaps not, Madam. But a cold in this weather, in this region, usually turns to influenza and then pneumonia. The result is not a happy one."

Sarah attempted to reach the window to close it, but he was there first. "I'll get this. You start back to the cabin," he ordered.

Sarah was not happy to be ordered about by this man she didn't know, but she was glad not to have to fight the window. And the warmth of the cabin would feel good.

As Sarah made her way, she noticed a dog sled and a team of Huskies waiting just outside the cabin.  'Those must be the Mounties dogs,' she surmised.  'I wonder if I have anything to feed them?'

Before Sarah knew it, the Mountie was by her side. "Take my hand, Mrs. Rabb, and I'll help you," he said reaching for her.

"I'm perfectly capable of getting back to the cabin on my own, thank you," she said in retort... just 2 seconds before falling flat on her face in the snow. As she tried to stand up, she heard the dogs barking and she felt two large hands around her waist, pulling her up.

"Hush, dogs!" the Mountie called.  The dogs immediately quieted.  

Once back on her feet, the Mountie didn't let go of her until they were safely inside the cabin.  Sarah jerked free from his loosened grasp.  "Thank you," she muttered almost inaudibly.  As the man removed his hat, scarf, and coat, Sarah could see the red tunic appear.  "I'll get something for you to eat.  And for the dogs."

He turned to face her, and seeing she hadn't even removed her scarf, said, "First you must get out of those clothes and warm yourself by the fire.  I'll bring you a blanket."

Sarah blustered, now seeing who the man was... the very man who was loathe to perform her marriage ceremony last year.  "Inspector Chegwidden, you will not give me orders in my own home, Sir!  And I will get the blanket.  And I will not remove my clothing until I am alone."

"Mrs. Rabb..." he started.

"Yes!  I am Mrs. Rabb!  And I will see after my husband.  And myself.  And I'll thank you to be on your waaa-ay!"  Sarah's words ended in a screech of pain as she doubled over and grabbed her stomach.  "Ooohh!!" Sarah moaned as she fainted.  She would have collapsed on the floor had Chegwidden not seen it coming and reached for her.

He picked her up in his arms and carried her into the bedroom.  He first thought to set her on the bed next to her sleeping husband, but he was no longer looking quite so frigid.  The last thing he needed was to have her cold, wet clothing next to him.  So Chegwidden set Sarah in the chair beside the bed and removed her scarf and boots.  He unbuttoned her coat, and pulled her back on her feet to pull it off of her.  He threw it to the floor and sat her back on the chair.  As he unbuttoned her dress, she groaned in pain.  

'She's coming to.  I must have her in that bed before she awakens,' Chegwidden realized, 'or she'll never allow me to help her.'  He worked fast; as cold as his fingers were, it was difficult maneuvering those tiny buttons.  'Women and their foo-forah.' 

Sarah awoke to another sharp pain in her stomach.  She screamed...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Monday, 1 July 2002
0145 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

"Harmon!  The baby!  I don't want to lose the baby!" Mac screamed, bringing the Admiral to her side instantly.

He sat on the side of her bed and laid his hand on her forehead.  "Mac?  Mac, are you with me?" the Admiral prodded gently.

"Harmon!  The baby!" she cried.  "I don't want to lose the ba..." Mac awoke as she was saying the words.  "Baby?" she said, laying her hand over her stomach.  

The Admiral was not smiling.  "Mac, are you sure you and Rabb haven't already "found your way?"  

Mac blushed furiously.  "No Sir!  Honestly, Sir... I was dreaming..."

"Dreaming."

"Yes, Sir.  Dreaming."

"And you were dreaming that you were pregnant with Harm's child?" he asked pointedly.  She nodded.  He raised his left eyebrow, stood up, and left the room.

Mac rolled onto her side away from the door.  "Oh God... what a nightmare!" she sobbed.

The Admiral heard her sobs, and returned to the room.  "Mac?  Are you okay?"

She turned back to face him.  "I was having a miscarriage, Sir," Mac said as her tears fell in earnest.

The Admiral sat back on the bed and pulled her into his arms, rocking her like a small child.  "It's alright, Mac.  Shhh, you're fine.  It was just a dream."  Mac's body shook with her sobs, as the Admiral continued to cradle her.  "Shhh, it's alright, Sarah..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May 27, 1885
1420 MST
Northwest Territory, Canada

"Sarah?  Can you hear me?  Sarah?" Chegwidden lifted Sarah's limp body into his arms and carried her inside the cabin, laying her on the bed.

"Inspector Chegwidden!!" called another Mountie from outside.  "Here, Sir!!"

Chegwidden left Sarah lying on the bed and went back outside.  "MacLaurin?"

"Over here, Sir!" the younger man called.  "Must be the woman's husband."

Chegwidden made his way to the back of the cabin and down the embankment.  Sure enough, there was the body of Harmon Rabb, an arrow through his heart.  Chegwidden knelt by Rabb's body, and broke the arrow off to examine the feathers.  "Damned Métis," he cursed.  "Rabb was a peaceful man!"

"Sir, you knew him?" asked Sergeant MacLaurin.

Chegwidden nodded.  "I knew him."

"I wouldn't mind knowing his wife," the younger man said with a leer.  

Before MacLaurin knew what hit him, Chegwidden had risen to his feet and struck a blow against his cheek so hard, he flew backward and rolled down into the mud.  Chegwidden bellowed, "Don't ever let me hear you speak disrespectful of a decent woman again!  Do I make myself perfectly clear?!"

"Yes, Sir!" MacLaurin mumbled as he scrambled back to his feet, rubbing his face.  "Sorry, Sir!"

"You certainly are a sorry..." Chegwidden mumbled to himself.  "Dig the grave, Sergeant.  When Mrs. Rabb comes to, she'll want to have a burial service for her husband."

"Yes, Sir."  MacLaurin was glad it was late May.  The ground was still somewhat hard, but not nearly as much as even just 2 weeks ago.  And 2 months ago, after the Battle of Duck Lake, he'd rubbed his hands raw digging graves in the frozen earth for the fallen Mounties. 

Chegwidden returned to the cabin and built up a fire in the cook stove.  He put a pot of water on to boil, and then built a fire in the bedroom fireplace.  He made a cup of weak tea and put two teaspoons of sugar in it, carrying it to the bedroom and setting it on the table.  He sat down on the edge of the bed and ran his hand over Sarah's forehead.  She wasn't feverish; that much was good.  Her clothes were dirty and torn, and he wondered if the Métis had raped her when they attacked.  If Rabb had come upon them thus, it was no wonder they murdered him.

Chegwidden knew he had to examine Sarah to be sure she was not in need of medical attention.  Not that there was a doctor anywhere in the vicinity.  He was the only help most of these people had in this part of the north country.  Still, if she needed it, he would see that she got to a doctor, even if he had to take her all the way back to Ottawa!  He'd helped her through her miscarriage 3 years before, though he took his life in his hands every time he touched her then. 

But over the following months and years, she had come to accept him, almost like him, he thought.  She lost another child only last year, this one at almost full term.  Chegwidden blamed himself for that.  He stayed an extra week at Fort Calgary because of a new woman at the saloon.  She had begged him to stay, and he had easily given in to her pleading.  It wasn't often he enjoyed the company of a beautiful woman in his bed.  When he returned to the north, it was too late.  The baby was gone.  Neither Rabb nor Sarah blamed him, but he blamed himself.  He had intended on being there when her time came.  But she came early.  'Sarah would have blamed me had she known why I was late returning,' he knew.

Chegwidden looked down at Sarah, lying on the bed still unconscious.  He tried to waken her several times, to no avail.  He picked up the cup of now tepid tea.  "No sense in wasting this," he decided, and swallowed the tea in 3 gulps.  'Women and their teacups.  Holds nothing at all.'  He spoke to her quietly though she was still unconscious, "Sarah, I'm going to remove your clothing now.  I must, so I can examine you."

He was pleased to find no evidence that she had been raped... not really even beaten.  She had only 2 bruises on her body.  One on her face and one on her upper arm.  Obviously, someone had held her arm tightly and then knocked her unconscious.  So now Chegwidden wondered again, "Why kill such a man as Rabb?"

"Harmon," Sarah's voice trembled.  "Harmon.  My Harmon..." and her tears began to flow as she woke.  

Chegwidden sat on the bed and cradled her in his arms.  "Shhh, Sarah; you're fine.  Just fine."  Sarah's body shook with her sobs as he rocked her.  "Shhh, it's alright, Sarah..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Monday, 1 July 2002
0230 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac's tears flowed freely down her cheeks and she snuggled deeper into her pillow.  But the pillow was hard.  'Hard?'  She woke up to find that her pillow was actually the Admiral's chest.  He was still holding her and his shirt was now soaked from her tears.  Mac didn't know whether to pull away or stay where she was.  The Admiral appeared to be asleep.  She hated to wake him, but he did look so uncomfortable.  His legs were hanging off the bed, and he was leaning back against the headboard at an odd angle.  At least he had kicked off his shoes.  

She tried to move her left arm, and found that it was wedged between their bodies.  That slight movement caused the Admiral to stir.  "Mac?" he whispered.  "You awake?"

"Yes, Sir."

"How's your head feeling?"

"Like someone's inside of it beating a drum."

"Throbbing pretty badly, hmm?" he asked, shifting her so he could look into her eyes.  "Open your eyes, Mac.  Let me look...  Mac, you're crying again.  Is that from pain?"

"No, Sir.  Dream."

"You didn't lose another baby, I hope?" he asked in almost a teasing tone, but just serious enough that she would know he cared.

"Well, yes Sir... but actually, my husband died this time," Mac explained. 

"Rabb?" he asked.  Mac nodded.  "Mac, I think you and Harm need to have a talk.  Soon."  He pulled her back in his embrace.  "But for right now, I just want you to get some rest.  You think you can sleep without dreaming of Harm this time?  He seems to make you cry."

Mac chuckled.  "I'll try, Sir."  AJ moved to get up and lay Mac back on the pillow, but she held on to his arms.  "Do you have to leave, Sir?"

"I'm just going to the living room, Mac.  I think you're going to be fine.  No signs of concussion yet, anyway.  But I'm still going to check on you a couple more times, just to be sure."

Mac felt foolish for having said anything.  Of course he couldn't stay in her bedroom with her.  That would be most inappropriate. 'But why would it be so inappropriate?' she asked herself.  'I don't report to him anymore.  He's not my CO,' she realized.  As he closed the door behind him, Mac rolled back over and grabbed her pillow.  Perhaps she would sleep without dreaming this time.

The Admiral went into the kitchen and was going to get another soft drink.  'Hmm, a cup of tea would really be good right about now...'  He set the water on to boil as he stripped out of his soaked shirt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
June 14, 1885
1635 MST
Fort Calgary, Canada

"And do you, Sarah MacKenzie Rabb, take his man to be your lawful, wedded husband?  To love him, honor and obey him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?" asked the man in the red tunic.

Sarah looked hesitantly into her almost-husband's eyes.  She couldn't quite believe that she had agreed to become this man's wife.  But it was the only way.  Inspector Chegwidden already made her return her to the south.  Had she not agreed to marry again this quickly, he would have made her return to the east.  And she didn't want to return there.  She wanted to go back to the north country.  But truth be told, after living there for 4 years, Sarah now knew that she wouldn't stand a chance of survival alone.  Not there.  Not in the Northwest Territory.

But now she was being married to a man she hardly knew.  Granted, she felt like she hardly knew Rabb when she married him, but they learned to love each other.  She never really let him take her in bed as often as he wanted, but he seemed happy enough when she did.  She certainly hoped this man would allow her the same privilege of denial.  

"I do," she replied quietly.  Her mind wandered back to the last time she said those words.  'Oh Harmon.  I never even gave you a child to carry on your name.'  

She didn't hear the rest of what was said.  Not until, "I now pronounce you man and wife.  You may kiss your bride."

She had forgotten this part.  She had at least kissed Harmon before their marriage.  But not this man.  'A quick peck.  That's all it will be.  I can do this.'

Her new husband put his hands on her upper arms and pulled her to him.  He lowered his face to hers and whispered, "Oh Sarah, I've so longed to do this," and he captured her mouth in a searing kiss. 

Sarah was startled, to say the least.  Even more so at her own reaction.  She pressed her body against his and moved her arms around his waist, pulling him closer to her.

When they heard the officiating Mountie clear his throat, they separated.  Sarah blushed furiously as she looked into her new husband's smoldering eyes.  They turned and faced the small gathering as the Superintendent said, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Inspector and Mrs. Albert Jethro Chegwidden."

The few wives who lived at the Fort had arranged for a small reception for the newlyweds.  But Sarah was anxious to return to the north as soon as possible.  "Inspector," she stopped at his quizzical look.  She lowered her eyes and started again.  "AJ," she corrected herself.  "I'd very much like to begin our trip home tomorrow.  If we stay too long at the reception, you won't be in any shape to..."

"Never you mind about me, Sarah.  I don't drink heavily.  And in deference to you, I shall not drink in your presence, nor when I will be returning at night to your bed."  Sarah gasped at his bold words.  He chuckled.  "I would not want to offend my wife's sensibilities when I make love to her," he whispered in her ear.  Sarah blushed furiously.  "You are easy to embarrass, Sarah.  I will have to take greater care not to do so... in public."  He winked at her and offered his arm as they made their way to the reception.

Several hours later, Sarah felt a hand on her elbow.  She turned to find her new husband beside her.  "I know you'll excuse us, Jake.  Sarah and I have an early day tomorrow."

"You're not heading back to the north already, AJ, surely?" asked his old friend and superior officer.

"Planning to, Sir.  Sarah wants to get home.  I can't blame her.  It's a very nice little place.  And centrally located, so it's perfect for my work.  I can't see making her move.  We'll just live there."

"Very well then.  Good night."

The Chegwiddens thanked their hosts and left, heading for the room he had secured for the night.  It wouldn't do for him to take her to his room; he stayed in the bachelor's quarters.  And Sarah had been staying with Superintendent Jacobs and his wife.

As they reached the room, AJ picked Sarah up in his arms and carried her over the threshold.  But when he set her down and lit the small oil lamp, he saw tears in her eyes.  "Sarah?  Is something wrong?"  She shook her head.  "Why are you crying?"

"It's nothing."  Sarah chided herself, 'Snap out of it, Sarah!  Harmon is dead.  AJ is now your husband.'

AJ wasn't used to being alone with a woman in tears.  And he'd never made love to a respectable woman before.  He'd certainly had his share of harlots and whores over the years, but as he'd never been married, he'd never had a refined woman.  He certainly knew how to treat a woman properly.  He just didn't know what to do with the tears!  He decided to give her a little time.  "I forgot something, Sarah.  I'll be back shortly."  

He left the room quickly and walked toward the saloon.  'What are you thinking, man?  You can't go in there!  You'll smell like the stuff even if you don't drink it!'  He turned around and walked slowly back toward the room.  Then it hit him.  "My God!  It's the same room!  It's the same room Sarah shared with Rabb on their wedding night.  I can't do that to her."

When he got back to the room, he knocked lightly on the door.  "Sarah, it's me.  May I come in?"  She didn't answer, so he eased the door open and peered inside.  He found Sarah kneeling by the bed, praying.

"...Amen," she said.  She rose from the floor and turned to look at her new husband, blushing slightly that he had walked in on her prayers.

"You were praying?" he asked, feeling stupid.

She nodded.  I always pray before bed.  Even if it's only for my 'bless people'."

"Bless people?"

"Something left over from my childhood.  I ask God to bless the people I love.  And I name them.  There aren't many.  My Uncle Matt, my little sister Chloe, and..." she hesitated.  "My husband."  She wasn't about to say AJ's name.  And how could she tell this man who was now her husband that she had prayed for him for years now... that would tell him that she loved him before he was her husband.  And that would never do.  He wouldn't understand.  'Men aren't capable of understanding the love a woman feels for someone who helps her.  Sex is all the love they know about,' she had decided this after she married Rabb.

AJ stepped inside and said quickly, "Sarah, I'm so sorry about this room.  I didn't realize until just now...  We don't have to stay here.  I'll find us something else."

Sarah looked surprised.  "You didn't realize what, Inspec... AJ?" she corrected.

He laid his hand on her cheek.  "I didn't remember that this was the room you shared with Rabb."

She smiled.  "But you did remember," she said in awe.  "Perhaps not right away... but you did remember.  That says something special to me, AJ.  Thank you."  Sarah was completely surprised by this.  'Maybe this man is different.  Maybe he would understand.'

"Let me go talk to..."

"No, please.  This room is fine.  It's only for one night.  And we'll be sharing the same house when we get back to the north anyway..."

"Sarah..."

"Shall we go to bed, AJ?" she suggested, hoping he would allow her to simply climb in bed and not touch her.  She knew better, but she hoped. 

"You're sure, Sarah?"

"I'm sure."

AJ stepped in front of her and reached his hands to her left arm.  He slowly unbuttoned the sleeve.  Then he moved to her right arm, unbuttoning that sleeve.  He slowly walked around her and carefully unbuttoned the back of her dress.  He gently eased it off of her shoulders and let it pool at her feet.  He brushed kisses along her back and shoulders through her camisole.  AJ moved back in front of his bride and took her hand while leaning over to hold the dress.  "Step out of it, my dear."

Sarah did as he asked.  She lifted one leg and stepped sideways.  Then moved the second, AJ pulling the gown away from her.  He carefully hung it on a hanger and placed it on the clothes rod.  Sarah was surprised.  Harmon had always left her clothes on the floor, or at the most, thrown them over a chair.  

AJ turned back to his bride and saw her watching him.  He approached her and kissed her gently on the mouth.  Then he pulled her camisole out from her petticoat and began lifting it over her head.  Sarah was surprised yet again.  Harmon had always pushed it down over her hips, ruining more than one of her nicest camisoles.  She lifted her arms as AJ raised the delicate garment over her head and pulled it off.  He laid it on the chair.

AJ pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then her nose... her lips... her neck... her shoulders.  He lifted her right arm and kissed his way down to her fingertips, sending a shiver of pleasure through Sarah.  Harmon had never kissed her this way.  He was gentle enough in his kisses, but they were always on her mouth or her breasts.  This was a new sensation.  'I wonder when this man will undress himself?  Harmon always did that first.'

As AJ released her arm, his hands moved to her waist, and he eased her petticoat down over her hips... her thighs... and then let it fall to the floor.  He whispered, "You are so beautiful.  So very lovely."  AJ quickly picked her up in his arms and stepped to the bed, laying her in the middle of it.  He kissed her mouth as he released his grip around her.  Then he ran his hands from her face all the way down her body.

Sarah's eyes were still fastened on him as her thoughts whirled in her head.  'He thinks I'm beautiful?  He likes the look of my body?  Oh God, he's touching me... he's... oh... oh...' 

AJ's thoughts spilled over and over in his mind. 'I can't make out the emotion in her eyes.  Is she afraid of me?  Angry with me?  She's not new to sex, but that look in her eyes...  If I didn't know better, I would swear she was a virgin, the way she's looking at me.  Watching me.  Perhaps I should give her more time before bedding her.  If she were back east, she wouldn't have married again for at least a year.  And here, it's hardly been 2 weeks.  But that's the way of the west.  Especially the northwest.  I couldn't have allowed her to stay in the north country alone.  But still, I could have given her more time before bedding her.  That would have been the gentlemanly thing to do, I suppose.  But, damn!  I want her so much!'

He finally decided not to take her as his own that night.  She wasn't ready.  She was still in mourning.  'How could I have been so callous?' he wondered.  There would be time enough for sex in the coming months.  He stood up and pulled the sheet over Sarah's body.  "Sleep well, my dear.  I will call for you at daybreak.  We will take breakfast in the mess hall and then begin our trip north."  He kissed her lightly on the forehead and left the room.

Sarah was stunned.  No, mortified.  Here this man had married her, stripped her, touched and kissed her, and then left her in her shame.  He hadn't even consummated their union.  Only gazed upon her.  Sullied her with his hands.  'Dear God!  Surely he means to return tonight!  What did I do?  Why did he leave me?'  Her tears fell in earnest now.  'He regrets it.  He regrets marrying me.  Oh God, what shall I do?'

Sarah jumped up from the bed and dressed quickly.  "I will not stay here and be shamed.  I will not be laughed at by his friends.  No!" she cried.  "I will leave this place.  I'll go... somewhere... and start a new life.  Somewhere where no one knows me.  No one knows... of my shame," she sobbed.  

Once she was again fully clothed, she opened the door and looked outside.  There was still lots of activity in the Fort; of course, it was only just after 9:00; the sun was barely set.  Sarah grabbed her small travel bag and made her way to the stables.  She quietly saddled her horse and secured her bag on the back.  She wasn't used to riding astride in a dress, but that's all she had with her.  She'd get used to it, she knew.  Sarah gently kneed her horse into a walk and she casually made her way to the gate.

"Here now, and where do you think you're off to tonight, Missy?" called the guard from his post, not recognizing Sarah.

"Didn't Superintendent Jacobs tell you?  I swear, he has been forgetful of late.  Must be he just has a lot on his mind with the new baby coming and all," Sarah lied.  She knew that would throw the guard for a loop and he'd forget himself.  Then he'd either let her through, or she'd be able to sneak through when he wasn't paying attention.

"Baby?" the guard cried.  "The Jacobs are having a baby?"

"Shhh now, it's not common knowledge yet," Sarah said.  "Anyway, I'm to be meeting friends only a quarter mile up the way.  We're heading back north, and they want to start tonight."

"Oh?  That's most unusual," he replied skeptically.

"Yes, it is, and I told them so.  But that is what they want... and I do need the escort.  So I'd be obliged if you'd let me pass so they don't leave me behind."

The guard consented.  "Very well, Miss."  

He opened the gate and she walked her horse through it, out of the Fort, and out of Chegwidden's life.  'I hope.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Monday, 1 July 2002
0320 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

"AJ, please find me!  Please come after me... oh AJ, pleeease," Mac sobbed into her pillow.

AJ awoke, hearing Mac calling his name.  He rose from the sofa and went into her bedroom.  Sitting on the edge of the bed, he tried to wake her.  "Mac?  Wake up now...  Mac..."

"AJ, please don't let me go.  Find me...  Oh God, why did I leave you?"

AJ was surprised by her words.  'Me?  Now she's dreaming about me?'  He turned her over to face him and called to her again.  "Mac!  Mac, wake up!"

Mac opened her eyes and seeing AJ, she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her, kissing him hard.  "You found me!  Oh, AJ, I knew you would.  I knew you would find me," she mumbled into his mouth between her kisses.

AJ finally pushed back out of her arms and sat up, Mac still trying to reach him.  "Mac.  Mac!" he finally got through to her.

She looked at him, startled.  "Admiral?"  He nodded.  Mac blushed profusely.  "I'm so sorry, Sir.  I was... dreaming again."

"I could tell that, Mac.  But what were you dreaming?" he asked with a small grin.

"Umm, nothing you need to be bothered with, Sir," she sputtered, now thoroughly embarrassed.  "I'm fine now, Sir.  Wide awake.  No problems.  Just fine."

The Admiral nodded.  "Okay, Mac.  I'll be in the next room if you need me."

"Thank you, Sir."

He stood and walked to the door, looking back at Mac before leaving the room.  He saw her shudder.  "Are you sure you're okay, Mac?"

She sniffed back the tears that were forming and turned over to hug her pillow.  "Oh God...  This is such a weird night!"

He came back and sat on the edge of the bed again.  "Mac, tell me what it was.  What happened?"

"I'd run away."

"From what?"

"From you," she said in a whisper.

The Admiral pulled Mac into his arms and hugged her.  "You can't run away from me, Mac.  I'll always find you," he joked.

"But you hadn't yet.  And I was so afraid that you wouldn't even come after me," Mac hiccupped at the end, and the tears formed in her eyes.  "I'm sorry, Sir.  This is so silly."

"Nothing silly about feeling abandoned, Mac," he replied softly, stroking her hair and back, and rocking her gently.

"Would you..." she started quietly, but stopped, hoping he hadn't heard her  But he had, of course.

"Stay here with you?" he proposed, looking down at her.  She nodded, but wouldn't look up at him.  "I think that can be arranged."  He smiled to himself, remembering that this wonderful woman was no longer under his command.  It had been a good while since he slept with a woman in his arms.  Even just for comfort.  He twisted around until he was lying next to Mac under the covers, and he pulled her against him.  'Just remember, you're only here because Rabb isn't.'

Mac laid her head on his chest and fingered the hair in front of her.  "Mmm, nice," she murmured without thinking.

"Glad you like it," he chuckled.  "Now, go to sleep, Mac.  You need your rest."  He put his arms around her and kissed her forehead.  

She tilted her head up and kissed him, nuzzling her face in his neck.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
July 1, 1885
1635 MST
Medicine Hat, Canada

Chegwidden rode into the tiny village, hoping that someone had seen his wife.  She'd been gone for over 2 weeks, and he hadn't found her yet.  He was so sure she went back to her place in the north, that's where he headed first, thereby losing invaluable time.   'Where would she have gone?' he wondered again.  'Not back east; she hated it in Ottawa,' he remembered the times she talked about her home with disdain when he was sharing a meal with her and Rabb.

The Indians of this village knew and trusted Chegwidden.  But if Sarah was here, would they tell him?  He couldn't be sure.  She was so beautiful, one of the braves might have taken her as a wife.  They wouldn't have cared if she said she was already married.  "Would she even have said so?" he wondered aloud.

"Inspector!" a friendly voice called to him.  

Chegwidden looked ahead of him and saw John Brown, a colorful frontiersman also trusted by the Indians here.  "Kootenai," AJ greeted him in his Indian name.  "How are you?"

"Doing just fine, AJ, just fine.  Found me a woman!" 

"Did you now," AJ chuckled.  "And where'd you finally find a woman who'd have you, Koot?"

"White woman, too!  She rode into the village only a couple of days ago.  Hasn't said much yet, but my bet is she's a widow woman.  Has a wedding ring on, but no man with her.  She's staying with the Chief's wives.  He promised he wouldn't take her; promised I could have her."

AJ's heart leapt.  "Is she tall, Koot?  Brown hair?  Chocolate brown eyes?"  

Koot cocked his head at his old friend as AJ dismounted.  "She's mine, AJ.  I found her.  I laid claim to her.  She's mine," he said possessively.

"If she's who I think she is, Koot, no, she's mine."

"Yours!?  Ha!" yelled the man.  "AJ Chegwidden?  The man sworn to be a bachelor all his born days?  The man sworn that he'd never take a woman to the north country?  And just how do you figure she's yours?"

"If it's her, she's..."  AJ's words stopped as he saw movement to his left and looked.  There was Sarah, standing in the opening of a teepee.  "Sarah," he breathed.  AJ walked slowly over to her.  He didn't want her to bolt.  "Sarah, I've come to take you home," he said softly as he neared her.

"I have no home," she said, her voice scratchy from the dryness and lack of use.

"You do have a home, Sarah.  In the north," AJ replied carefully.  "Rabb built it for you."  He watched as Sarah flinched when he said Rabb's name.  'Damn, she's still mourning his loss.  I had no idea she loved him so much.  It certainly wasn't obvious when they were together.'

"It isn't my home anymore.  It's yours."

"Sarah..."

"Is that all you wanted from me, Inspector?  My home?  Well you have it.  So go now and leave me in peace."

AJ took another step toward her.  "Sarah, you know better than that.  I didn't need your home.  I have a cabin... provided by the Force.  Why would I want your home?"

"As you told the Superintendent, my cabin is more centrally located in your territory."

"Sarah, I don't want your home.  I want you," AJ whispered to her.

She shook her head.  "No, you don't.  You only wanted to make me unfit for anyone else.  You wanted to make me leave the north country.  Well, I did.  I left.  Now you leave me alone."

AJ raised an eyebrow as he stared at her.  'What on earth could she mean by that?  Unfit?  How is she unfit?'  "Sarah, come with me.  Let me take you home.  If you don't want me to stay in the cabin, I won't.  I'll stay in the barn."

Just then, a bright young Indian girl came running through the village squealing for joy, "AaaaJaaaay!"  She jumped into AJ's arms and kissed him full on the mouth.

AJ had no choice but to put his arms around the girl or she would have fallen.  As he did, he watched Sarah turn and go back inside the teepee, folding the flap back down.  "Bright Deer," AJ addressed the girl, setting her back on her feet.  "How have you been?"

"I so fine now, AJ.  You here.  This good.  You come for me?" she bubbled in broken English.

AJ chuckled, "You know better than that, Bright Deer."  AJ looked longingly toward the teepee where Sarah was.

"You see white woman.  Now no want Bright Deer," she pouted.

"Actually, Bright Deer, the white woman is my wife," AJ replied.

"What!?" cried Koot.  "Your wife?  You're not serious, man!"

AJ nodded.  "I am.  Married her just over 2 weeks ago.  She ran away that night."

"My God, AJ.  What did you do to her?"

"Nothing!  I didn't hurt her!" AJ defended himself.  "It was... damn, it was just too soon.  We only buried her first husband 2 weeks before."  AJ shook his head and turned away from the teepee.  He couldn't look at it, knowing Sarah was inside and wouldn't talk to him... wouldn't leave with him... didn't want him as her husband.

"Didn't give her much time to grieve, AJ."

"I know.  But a woman alone in the north country?  I couldn't let her stay there by herself.  And I'd...  Damn, I'd wanted her for so long." He sighed, realizing that he had finally voiced what he knew all along.  He had lusted after Rabb's wife since their second year in the territory.

"AJ, you take me instead.  I be your wife now.  Give white woman to Koot.  He want her.  Let have.  I be your wife now," Bright Deer insisted.

AJ put his arm around Bright Deer's shoulders.  "Can't do that, Bright Dear.  Sarah is my wife.  I can't leave her here.  And I can't take you with me."

Koot grinned.  "You could come be my wife, Bright Deer."

"No!" she exclaimed.  "You too old.  Don't want old husband."

"I'm younger than him!" he said, nodding at AJ.

"AJ different.  He not old man.  He Mountie," she said proudly.

"But he's married, girl.  He'll never take you to wife now," Koot informed her.

Bright Deer turned to AJ.  "This true?  You no take me as wife?  Ever?"  She looked like she was going to burst into tears.

"Bright Deer, you're still a child to me.  I was here the day you were born.  I watched you grow up.  Even if I was not married, I could never take you as my wife.  You're too young for me."

A tear slid down her face, but she smiled at AJ.  "But you love Bright Deer, yes?"

"Of course I love you.  As though you were my daughter.   But that's all it could ever be," he assured her.

"Then I will accept Wild Horse as husband," she said softly.  "You will stay for ceremony tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?!  You haven't even accepted him yet!"

She giggled.  "No, but he want me for long time.  I say yes to him now.  We marry tomorrow."

AJ chuckled.  "Okay, Bright Deer.  If you're getting married tomorrow, I'll stay for the ceremony."

Bright Deer reached up and kissed AJ on the mouth again.  He scolded her gently, "Bright Deer, you mustn't do that anymore.  You're grown up now... and you're getting married tomorrow.  You should only kiss your husband that way now."

"AJ, you love this woman?" Bright Deer asked quietly.

He was surprised that she'd changed the subject so abruptly... but then, that was Bright Deer.  AJ nodded, "Yes, I do love her.  Very much."

"Then I tell you what she say when she cry.  She no know I understand her tongue.  She talk to self, not others.  But she talk and I listen.  She say you take her clothes off and look at her. She say you kiss her and touch her and make her tremble. Then she say you leave. You do not want her. Only to make her no one else want. She feel shame. She say you do not love her. You want to punish her." Bright Deer hesitated. "AJ, what is tremble?"

AJ was shaken by her words. If what she said was true, Sarah had wanted him to make love to her that night. But how could that be? Her eyes were so... 'Could that have been desire?' he realized. "Oh God, what have I done?"

"I'd say you've got some fences to mend, old boy," answered Koot. "Tell you what. If you can get her out of that teepee, you're welcome to use mine for... well, for whatever," he grinned.

AJ looked at his old friend. "I'll take you up on that, Koot. Thanks." AJ walked to the teepee and called inside. "Sarah?"

"Go away."

"Sarah, please. I want to talk to you."

"Well, I do not want to talk to you. Go away." Sarah prayed that he wouldn't leave. She missed him so much. She wanted him so much!

"Sarah, I'm not leaving here without you."

She lifted the flap on the teepee and stood in the opening. "Why are you here?"

"I was searching for you," he replied simply.

"Then why didn't you find me before now?"

"I went north, Sarah. I know how much you love it there. I assumed you went home. I couldn't believe I didn't catch up to you. And then when you weren't there, I..." his voice cracked.  

Sarah was surprised. He seemed as though he was truly upset about her having run away. And more so than just that his male ego was bruised.

"Sarah, when I couldn't find you for so long, I was afraid I'd lost you. And I couldn't bear that."

AJ suddenly reached out and pulled Sarah into his arms, showering her with kisses. He ran his hands through her hair and pulled her head back, devouring her mouth. He sucked her tongue into his mouth and chewed on it lightly. He moved his hands down her body and cupped her bottom, pulling her tighter into his embrace. "Sarah... my beautiful, sweet Sarah," he murmured as he nibbled on her neck. Sarah moaned at the sensations she was feeling, and this time AJ took the sound for pleasure. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to Koot's teepee. He laid her down on the blanket and quickly tore their clothes away.

He knelt over her. "Sarah, I've wanted you for so long. I didn't take you on our wedding night because I thought you were still mourning for Rabb. I wanted only to give you a little more time to get over that loss. I never meant to make you feel unwanted.  I do want you.  Desperately."

AJ lowered his body to hers and kissed her hard.  Then he lifted himself off of her and began to scoot backwards. Sarah screamed, "No! Don't leave me again! Please, AJ!! Don't leave me again!" Tears streamed down her face as she held onto his forearms so tightly, her nails dug into his flesh.

"Easy, Darlin'. I'm not leaving you."

"Promise?"

"Promise," he replied. AJ looked into her eyes. "Sarah, did you enjoy your love making with Rabb? Or was it something you felt you had to do?"

Sarah replied quietly. "I loved my husband, AJ. I truly did."

"I know that, Darlin'. I would never question that."

"No, I didn't enjoy our love making. It hurt. Every time. Harmon thought it would get easier over time, but it never did."

AJ answered her softly, tenderly. "Let me take you to a place you've never been before, Sarah. Let me bring you ecstasy."

Sarah blinked her tears away and nodded. "Very well," she whispered.  

Some minutes later, AJ moved up next to her and pulled her into his arms. "Oh God, you feel so good next to me," he breathed.  "Are you alright, Darlin'?"

"Wonderful. I've never felt so incredibly wonderful in my life, AJ."

He put his finger on her chin and turned her face to meet his eyes. "I'm glad, Sarah. Very glad."

"AJ?"

"Yes, Sarah?"

She looked at him shyly. "I like it when you call me Darlin'."

"I'm glad. Darlin'," he said with emphasis.

"AJ?  Was I good for you?  Did I make you happy?"

"Dear God, Sarah, you are so wonderful.  Absolutely wonderful."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Continue to Part 3.