Transformation
Part 1

By: Deltaqueen

This is a continuing saga based on the TV series “The Rifleman”
and will be updated as time allows for Deltaqueen 
You will find any update info in the North Fork Weekly or
The McCain Ranch messageboard
 

Chapter 1

I counted my thousandth cacti as I stared out the stagecoach window.  Scrunched inside the small compartment with three other travelers,  I kept tugging at my waistcoat in a desperate effort to get comfortable.  How I longed for my dungarees!  But, Frank simply forbad them.   Frank.  The very name made me shudder.  With his black moustache and long Quaker-like beard, he seemed ominous when Mother brought him home.  But as much as I love Mother, I knew she was weak.  She married Frank in order to maintain the lifestyle she was accustomed to. 

Mother was weak.  Not me.  I fought and bucked, like many of Frank's horses, in defiance of his lofty edicts.  But I paid for it.  I winced at the scars that ran across my back.  Frank's whip had seared my flesh and the pain is as fresh today as it was when he lashed me for defying his orders.  But despite his forbidding, I had tucked away a pair of my favorite dungarees in my travelling case.

I sighed.  The dirt curled around the coach's tires like ringlets on a little girl's hair.   Bored with the arid scenery, I studied my fellow travelers.  The elderly lady next to me knitted furiously.  Just the click clacking of her needles broke the silence in the stuffy coach.  Immediately across from us sat two men- one of whom sat sweating profusely.  His banker-gray suit was several sizes too small for him.  He constantly tugged at his collar trying to relieve his reddened face from the sweltering heat.  Next to him and staring out the window, was a Stetson-wearing cowboy, complete with a quick draw holster and two pistols facing backwards.  Thanks to my brother, I knew this was done for cross-drawing in a fight.  His pointed face showed no emotion and his eyes defied description.  As I was absorbing his features, he turned to me.  It was as if he knew I was studying him. His eyes narrowed and his long eyelashes framed squinting hazel eyes.  It was eerie but it seemed that he could see right through me.  I shifted my gaze back to the window. 

I restlessly squirmed.  Those petticoats worn under my dress started riding up on me.  Ugh.  As I leaned to my right, I tried to pull at my petticoats.  I shifted to my other side and attempted to get comfortable.  Acutely aware I was being watched by the two men, I stopped.  I glared at the two of them until finally the banker sputtered in indignation and the cowboy settled back, resting his Stetson over his eyes.  Minutes passed and I noticed his deep breathing which indicated he was now asleep.  I continued digging the tight under things from me.  In the cramped quarters, my hand slipped and I bumped into the older lady's  knitting hands and one of the needles shot from her and like an arrow, targeted the two men.  The now-lethal weapon twanged to a stop, between the banker and the cowboy.  Gasps from the older woman and the banker's shouts woke the cowboy.  He sat up, looked at the needle then back at me.  He laughed out loud.  Dimples flashed on his hardened face, making him look suddenly young and boyish.  I felt the warmth start at my neck and creep over face as I'm sure I turned several shades of red.  I muttered my apologies as I retrieved the offending weapon. 

"North Fork, ahead!"  The lathered horses slowed from a canter to a trot.  I clutched the crumpled piece of paper that Frank shoved into my hand.  The paper soaked up the perspiration from my hands, but the name on it was emblazoned on my brain.  The stagecoach lurched to a stop.  The door swung open and the dirt and grime from the horses flew into the small quarters.  I immediately felt choked and thirsty.  As I stood to depart, the fat banker jumped ahead of me.  I frowned, showing my irritation. Finally, I hopped down from the coach and a sea of Stetsoned men stood around gaping at me.  Standing straight and hopefully looking defiant, I announced to the men, "Which one of you is Lucas McCain?"

 

Chapter 2

A lanky and square-jawed man sauntered over to me.  This had to be him.  Lucas McCain.  I was suddenly aware of how small I was- how really vulnerable I was.

"Lucas!"  A shout behind me averted everyone's attention and my former traveler, the cowboy grabbed Lucas's hand and shook it hard.

"Johnny!  What are you doing here?"  Lucas pushed his hat back on his head and grinned widely.

"How ya doing, Lucas?  How's Mark?"

"He's just fine.  He's now into girls.  I swear I can't get the boy to do anything but dream of girl, girls and more girls!"

"He's becoming like his old man, everyday!"  The cowboy laughed.

Watching the scene, it suddenly dawned on me that I could escape without being noticed.  Lucas turned to me.  "You must be Frank's daughter."

"Step-daughter." I corrected him quickly.  I would never admit to being anything else to that tyrant.

"Frank wrote me to take you in hand.  Apparently, you're a little wild."

I stuck out my chin.  "Only when I need to be."

The cowboy studied our conversation.  I wanted to tell him to go away, but I didn't need to push this McCain fellow right off.  "Lucas, you're gonna have a handful.  She was the hit of the coach.  Almost speared me with a knitting needle."

That was it.  I felt hot tears ebbing at my eyes.  I was hot, and tired, and thirsty and I needed sleep and a bath.  It was all too much.  Being shuttled from Texas to this God-forsaken country and now being insulted by two ignorant cowboys was just too much.  I ran off.  Tears blinding my eyes, I ran into the  first open door.  I flung myself onto the nearest seating.  I sobbed until I felt delicate hands on my shoulders.

"For goodness sakes, what is all this?"  I looked bleary-eyed at the voice.  A young Irish woman with flaming red-hair was standing over me.

She pushed my blonde hair from my dirt-caked face.  "Oh, you poor little lass.  You look completely done in!"  For the first time in several days, I relaxed.  Her soothing voice made me feel better.    

"Lou, did a young gi-  Oh there she is!"  Lucas and the cowboy walked over to me.  Lucas sat on the couch next to me.

"Lucas, what did you do to the little lass?  She needs comfort!  And Johnny Drako!  What are you doing here?"

My insides chilled and all the voices disappeared into the background as that name filled every part of my senses.  Johnny Drako…  It was the cowboy, my ex-traveler.  Him! Unaware of my staring at him, he laughed easily with Lucas and the woman named Lou.  It was if time stopped.  The name that stilled my heart, ruined my life, and caused the death of my Mother was standing in front of me.

"Cady?  Cady Hudson?"  Lucas was talking to me.  I snapped back to him.  "Cady?  "Look, Cady.  I didn't mean to laugh at you.  Now, Frank asked me to take you in hand, and I'm not sure what he had in mind, but in my home, that means respect and hard work.  You're welcome to my home as long as you pull your share of the work.  We live at the ranch on a basis of respectfulness and love.  I want you to respect me and I can assure you'll be amply rewarded with returned respect.  Understand?"

I nodded slowly.  Now I wanted to stay here. 

Chapter 3

It took a few minutes to load my valise and bags onto Lucas's buckboard.   All the while, I watched Drako.  He helped Lucas with my baggage and they stood chatted while I stood, waiting.  The mere fact that Lucas was friends with Drako and Frank made me dislike him.  He helped me onto the buckboard and we headed for Lucas's home.  He chatted the entire way about his place, North Fork and his son, Mick, or Mark, or something.  I noticed the townspeople revered Lucas.  He walked amongst the crowd like a god.  Why?  And why was this stunning virtue of a man friends with a cold blooded killer? 

We pulled up in front of a modest, yet homey house.  Not waiting for Lucas to help me, I jumped down and looked around.  He unloaded the wagon and I followed him inside.  It was small, moderately furnished and I had a feeling in there I hadn't had in a long time.  I couldn't identify it.  Galloping hoof steps heralded the arrival of his son.  Lucas's face melted into a look of pure love. 

"Pa!  I'm home!"  A young dark-haired boy flung the door open and threw his school books onto the chair.  "Oh!  I didn't know- hey, wait a minute… you must be Cady!"  He eagerly thrust out his hand for me to shake it.  I heard Lucas clear his throat and I reluctantly shook it.   He constantly talked about his school and his home and all his friends.  It bored me.  He was a good kid, but I had more important things on my mind.  Then like a thunderbolt, I realized I was missing my golden opportunity.  During dinner, I listened to Mark's incessant chatter about his life while I picked at something they called a "Son-of-a-gun Stew".  I sighed.  My eyes drooped.  Somehow, I got ready for bed and I think I fell asleep before I got in.  My last thought was tomorrow, I would start my plan.

Chapter 4

Well, my plan had to wait.  I was rudely awoken the next morning with Lucas hollering at me to get up.  I squinted at my travel clock. 5 a.m.!  This had to be a joke.  I groaned and rolled over, pulling the afghan high over my ears.  The door banged open.  I clung to my bed when I heard Lucas's heavy footsteps coming over to me.  He flung the cover off me.

"Come on.  It's time to start your chores!" 

I opened one sleepy eye.  "I don't know what to do!" I yawned.

Lucas opened the window, letting the bright sunshine blast into the small room.  I groaned.  This is not happening! 

Lucas threatened to hoist me out of bed if I didn't get up, so I grumpily (and with a lot of protestation) pulled my weary bones from that warm bed. 

"Lucas, I don't know how to do anything!"  I could usually whine my way out of things with Mother.

"Mark'll show you what to do.  Just follow him.  Then you come back and help make breakfast."

"Oh come on now! That's just ridiculous!" But the stern look on Lucas's face told me that I wasn't getting out of my chores today.  I grudgingly took off my nightdress and pulled on my dungarees (at last!) and a warm shirt.  I followed Mark through the misty fog that hung heavily over the fields to the barn.  Mark seemed delighted that he had someone with him.  That or he was one of the unusually chipper morning people.

"This is one of our prized cows, Bessie."  He reached for a stool and sat facing her side.  "Now... what you do first is warm up your hands.  Bessie doesn't like cold hands."  He slapped his together and rubbed them furiously.  Then he proceeded to place his fingers around the cows… uh… under parts.  I blushed hot and looked away.  Shouldn't this be done in private?

"Uh, I don't think so Mark!"  I backed away.  I wasn't about to touch the cow's private parts, even if it was part of my plan.

"This is how you do it, Cady."

"No way. Uh uh."

"You need longer arms if you're going to milk Bessie from that distance!"

I turned to see who said that.  I found myself staring into familiar hazel.  Drako!  My stomach clenched up.  What was he doing there?

"She doesn't want to milk the cow."  Mark told him.

Drako openly grinned.  "Don't forget to warm up your hands first!"

"When I need your opinion, I'll ask for it" I said hopefully in a cold voice. 

Ignoring my tone, Drako turned to Mark.  "Where's your pa?"

"He's inside, I think."

Drako sauntered out of the barn without another look at me.  Mark was still squirting that nauseating white liquid into buckets. 

Plunking myself down on a bale of hay, I studied the teenager with interest.  Clearly, he was happy.  He listened to his father, or his Pa, and regarded him with respect and love.  In the little time I've been here, I noticed they had a bond that I've only heard about.  Nothing ever existed like that in my life.  I sighed.  Feeling just a tad jealous of the lad, I felt a pang of self-pity.  But now was NOT the time to muse about my miserable life. 

"Mark?  Why is your Pa friends with that killer?"

Over his shoulder, Mark replied.  "You mean Drako?  Oh, that's all over now.  He's reformed.  Anyway, he saved Pa's life in the war." 

"So Lucas owes him?"

Mark straightened up and pulled the pail from under the cow and faced me.  "Naw.  Not really.  Drako's his friend.  Plus, he's Johnny Drako.  He's the fastest gun, besides my Pa, in the west."

"That's nothing to be proud of… or to admire, Mark!"

"Well, no one can take him!"  Mark insisted.

"I need some air."  I walked out into the sunshine.  Mark's worship of that murderer made me ill.  A soft breeze blew through my hair and I suddenly felt alone. Deserted. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes.  I gulped some air, trying to calm down.  I had more important things to do.  When the moment passed, I went back to the barn and followed him around as he fed and hayed the horses. 

                We headed back to the ranch and wonderful smells welcomed us.  The air was thick with the smell bacon frying and coffee bubbling.  Mark bounded in and I followed him, suddenly ravenous.  Lucas was at the stove and Drako was perched on a chair. They stopped talking as soon as we appeared.  I ignored our visitor.  "I thought we had to fix breakfast."

                "I thought it better if I did it.  If your cooking is like your milking…" he nodded to Drako who smiled.  "… We'd all be in trouble."

                I flushed.  Marching past Drako, I pushed out my hand to knock him off his perch.  He was so smug, that I wanted to hurt him.  He caught my hand, looked me in the eyes and said, "Whoa… you almost hit me.  You wouldn't want to do that, would you?"

                "Wait, where you going?"  Lucas glared at me.

                "I'm going to the bedroom.  I'm not hungry anymore."

                An hour later, Lucas popped his head inside.  "We're going into town.  Get dressed."

                "I'm not going.  I just want to stay here."

                Lucas shrugged.  "Suit yourself.  We'll be home for dinner."

                I waited until Lucas and Mark left in the buckboard.  Drako had left earlier.  For the remainder or the day, I snooped and looked everywhere I could, until I found it.  There it was, nestled among some of Lucas's shirts.  The plan is now starting.

 

Chapter 5

Days passed but it felt like years.  I worked hard, often collapsing into bed from sheer exhaustion.  I discovered to my chagrin, muscles I never knew I had.  As I set the table for supper, Mark crashed in.  Lucas was extraordinarily quiet.  As we sat to eat and after the blessing, Lucas cleared his throat.  It was clear there was an announcement coming.

"Mark, I'm going to have to punish you."

Mark paled.  "But why, Pa?"

"I found shards of glass and bullet casings in the south pasture.  Now you know, son, that's very dangerous for the horse's hooves, as well as the cows.  I thought you knew better."

"But Pa, I didn't do any shooting.  Honest!"

"Mark, what am I supposed to believe?  I have evidence."

Mark stood, upset.  "I'd never lie to you, Pa!"

Snatching his hat, Mark ran outside.  The door slammed behind him.  There was a heavy silence drifting over the table.  Lucas speared the meat with his fork, lifted it to his mouth, but dropped it back to his plate.  He pushed his plate away.  "I hate to punish Mark, but he has to learn."

"Well, what if he didn't do it?  I've never seen him so upset."

Lucas cleared the table without a word.  I felt bad for the boy.  Suddenly, Lucas dropped the rag and went outside.  I tiptoed to the window and saw Lucas and Mark talking.  Then Lucas pulled Mark into an embrace.  My throat felt tight.

They returned and I could tell Mark was happier. 

"You were wrong about the evidence?" I asked Lucas after Mark went to bed. 

"No.  I still believe someone is shooting in the pasture... but I believe in Mark more."  Lucas nodded to me as he headed to bed.  I walked outside, letting the cool air and dense fog encircle me.    I shivered.  This is what a family was supposed to be like.

The incident was forgotten as Mark left for school and Lucas headed to North Fork to help Micah for the day.  I was given a day off and I scrambled to get ready.  I walked to the pasture and set up the bottles that I hoarded.  I backed off about five hundred yards and took aim and squeezed the trigger.  I missed it.  I swore under my breath.

"A little low and to the right."

I wheeled around.  Drako was sitting on a fallen log, chewing on a blade of grass.  I caught myself before I turned the gun on him.  Catching a glimpse of the backward guns on either side of his hips stopped me.

"What are you doing here?"

He pushed his hat back and squinted in the daylight.   "I heard the shots so I came down."  He stood.  "You're aiming too low and to the right."

"That comes from experience.  All the men you've killed."

He looked steadily into my eyes.  "You want to learn, don't you?"

"You can teach me to be a murderer, like you."

He walked up slowly stopping only a few inches from me.  "I call it self-preservation."

"I call it murder."

"You have no right to call it whatever, lady. You've never been in my boots.  And if the Good Lord is willing, you'll never be.  But don't worry.  One day, there'll be a faster gun and I'll fall to the ground with my eyes open to the sky."

Drako took the gun from my hand and looked it over.  "This is Lucas's pistol.  You need to clean it.  It's getting dirty.  Does he know you have it?"

I lifted my chin up.  I didn't have to tell him anything.  He read my reaction.

"I didn't think so."  Drako's eyes twinkled.  "Well, as long as the pistol is dirty, I may as well teach you."  I started to protest but the irony was too good to pass up.

He stood behind me, reaching around to show me how to hold and aim the gun. But I couldn't concentrate.  I felt his breath brush against my ear.

I closed my mind to his presence and listened instead to his instructions.  He backed off and talking me through it, I aimed and hit the bottle, shattering it instantly.  I did it! 

"I did it!"  I turned to Drako.  He grinned. 

"You have the eye; after all, by the glass on the ground, you must have hit a couple before I got here."

I blushed.  "I didn't hit them with a bullet.  I got so mad that I threw rocks at 'em, breaking them. 

"I'll come back tomorrow to continue the lessons."

"Don't you have other things to do?"  I couldn't believe that I wanted him to come back.

"I doubt Sweeney or a bottle of Whiskey will go away just because I'm not there.  I'll see you tomorrow.  Oh… let me have that gun.  I'll clean it for you."

"No… I mean, I want to clean it."

"I'll show you how tomorrow."

He walked slowly up the hill and grabbed the reins.  He hopped up on a magnificent black gelding.  The horse loped out of sight.

I brought a gunnysack and picked up the shards of glass.  It was almost time for the guys to get home.

 

Chapter 6

As promised, Drako met me in the pasture for more lessons.  I was getting better.  Drako nodded in pleasure at his fast-learning pupil.  Now my shooting was fine tuned.  He stood behind me, close and gave me instructions in my ear. 

"That's wonderful.  You're a fast learner."

"Thanks."  I felt a bit humble.  "You're a good teacher."

"Turn around, Cady."  I did and found myself staring into his hazel eyes and long lashes.  I felt myself being pulled into an embrace.  He pressed his lips against mine and I closed my eyes.  A wave of desire swept over and I felt my emotions pulling me under.  My hand lingered on his neck where I momentarily played with a few curls of his hair.  Drako had such a warm kiss.  Drako!

I pushed against him hard.  Instantly, I punched him in his face, sending him reeling backwards to the ground.  Ow! I shook my hand to relieve the pain.  He looked up startled.  He grabbed his hat and gingerly sat up.  He touched a finger to his nose that was now dripping blood. Astonished at my own fortitude, I never saw his hand grab the heel of my boots, tipping me backwards.  I hit on my rear and winced at the sudden pain. 

"What was that for?"  I yelled.  I couldn't believe he would push a lady!

"I should ask you the same thing!"  Drako looked mad.  His jaw was set and his eyes were like slits. 

"You kissed me!"  I got back up but I knew I would not be sitting pretty tonight.

"Of course I did.  You didn't think I could ignore our attraction, did you?"

"Attraction?  To you?  You're looney!

Drako put his hat back on firmly.  "You can lie to yourself all you want.  But that kiss told me different."  He picked up the reins to his horse and before I could think of a good retort, he was gone.  I plopped back down on the grass and moaned when I remembered my now-forming bruise on my posterior.

I was still sulking later when Mark came home from school.  I helped him feed the animals and turn the horses out.  We each piled up flakes of hay and spread them out in the corral so that each horse would have some.  I patted Razor absentmindedly.  He nickered affectionately.  The stars were just beginning to appear and I played with Razor's mane while staring up at them.  I never felt so mixed up. 

"Pa!  Cady! Come quick! In the barn, hurry!"  I could tell by the tone of Mark's voice, something was wrong.

I flew out of the corral and almost collided with Lucas.  It was a horrible sight that awaited us.  Mark's favorite goat, Esmeralda was in labor but the poor thing was in trouble.  Lucas turned to me and asked for soap and water and some towels.  I ran to the pump and as hard as I could, I pumped the water into the pail.  Next, I grabbed the bar of soap and a few towels and a couple of clean cloths (just in case).  Lucas rolled up his sleeves and was trying to get inside the goat but his hand was too large.  Mark tried as well, but the goat's uterus was prolapsed.  Lucas sighed. 

"I don't know how we're gonna turn the baby around, Mark.  She's in trouble.  We need to get inside."

"I'll do it."  Was that my voice?  It must have been judging from Lucas's and Mark's incredulous faces.  I pulled up my sleeve and inserted my hand gently inside until I could feel the baby's head.  Under Lucas's instructions, I pushed and pulled and prodded until I could start turning it around.  It was hard.  Sweat poured down my face.  It was also tedious.  We must have worked on her for hours.  Slowly, and incredibly, the baby turned around.  Finally, the front feet were present at the opening.  Amazingly the baby slid right through and thudded to the ground.  Lucas and Mark helped me pull the afterbirth from it so it could breathe.  We were rewarded with a plaintive bleat.  The tension was broken and we started laughing.  Not just any kind of laughter, we rolled around in helpless mirth. 

"Well Mark, Ezzie's kid is ok."

"Sure is, Pa!"

Esmeralda bleated and grunted until she finally positioned the baby to nurse.  It was such a soothing sound.  I leaned back and watched in wonder.

"Hey Pa, I know what I'm gonna name her!" 

Still smiling, Lucas looked at his son. "What's her name?"

"Cady!  I mean if it's ok with Cady.  She did save Esmeralda's baby."

I couldn't even utter a word and thankfully Lucas understood.  "I think that's a fine idea, son.  I think Cady does too."

We stayed there watching mother and daughter bond until the wee hours of the morning.  It was all so new to me.  I felt so humble, so content.  If this was happiness, then I've never experienced it before. Only one thing nagged at my happiness: I had to exact revenge on Drako.  I had to kill him. 

Chapter 7

                It was a long day, the next day.  All of us were sleepy and tired but Lucas wouldn't hear of us slacking up on our duties.  It was a great relief when supper rolled around.  I planned on hitting the bed early.   The sound of hooves beating the ground grabbed everyone's attention.  Lucas grabbed his rifle and opened the door.  Micah jumped off his horse and pulled his hat off, wearily.

                "Hello, Lucas boy.  Cady."

                "Well, Micah, I wasn't expecting you, but we have plenty.  Pull up a chair."

                "No thanks, Lucas boy.  I have some serious news for you.  Guess who's in town.  'Tan' Wescott."

                Lucas whistled.  "You're kidding.  Did he say why he's here in North Fork?"

                Micah laughed derisively.  "Why else would he be here?"

                "Who is 'Tan'?"  I got interested in the conversation.

                "What happened?"  I had a deep sense of foreboding.

                "Yucatan or 'Tan' as he called himself, decided to take drastic measures.  Drako's refusal to duel with him impugned his honor.  He slaughtered all of Drako's family."

                My heart stopped and shivers erupted up and down my arms.  The immensity of Lucas's words couldn't seep in.  "You're kidding." I whispered. 

                Both Micah and Lucas shook their heads.  Lucas continued.  "Well, as you can probably figure out, Drako met him out in the street and gunned him down.  Only, somehow, in some way, Wescott survived the ordeal, swearing that he'd have the last word.  And Drako sealed his fate at that point as a gunslinger."

                "And he's here to kill Drako?"

                "What else would he doing here?"  Micah interjected.

                "Drako needs to be told.  Tomorrow I ride out to North Fork anyway, so I'll tell him."  Lucas set his jaw in grim determination.  I watched Micah ride away.  I felt so many powerful emotions.  I should be thrilled that someone is out there gunning for Drako, yet I felt so sorry for his pain.  What kind of assassin am I?  I honestly didn't know.

               

Chapter 8

                I rode along with Lucas and Mark into North Fork.  It was a somber trip, fraught with anxious looks and worried glances.   Lucas drove up to Lou's hotel and hopped out.  "You and Mark meet me at Micah's in a half hour.  Mark, take the horses to the livery stable."

                Mark drove the horses to the stable while I window shopped.  An air of excitement hung over the town.  People were whispering and men were clumped together in small groupings, talking animatedly.   I wondered if everyone had heard about Wescott.  But a huge sign outside the General Store announced a Street Fair two days from now.  The sign promised GAMES, DELICIOUS FOOD, PRIZES AND STREET DANCE.  Interesting.  I kept going until I found a clothing shoppe that advertized the latest dresses.  I smiled, looking longingly at them.  Then I caught a sight of my reflection in the window.  I took stock of myself- messy hair, smudged face, dungarees and a well worn shirt.  My shoes have seen better days as my holes could attest.  I suddenly felt so inadequate.  I was ashamed and humiliated. I wanted to hide, but had nowhere to go.  I slumped to the hotel, instantly wishing I was pretty like Lou.  Drako and Lucas were having a heated discussion as Lou looked on.  She noticed me.

                "What's got you in the dumps, me little darling?"  Her Irish lilt only made her that much more fetching to men.

                I wanted to tell her.  How could I say, help me, I'm a mess?!  I felt tears come to my eyes and brushed them away furiously.  Stop being a whiny baby!  I'm an adult!  I no longer had Frank towering over me, threatening to lash me.  I was different then the young insolent brat that came in from the stagecoach six months ago.  I was respected now.  Lucas and Mark had shown me kindness and praised me regularly.  I squared my shoulders and looked Lou in the eyes.

                "I want to look pretty for the Street Fair."  Lou's face lit into a wide grin.

                "Well, that's wonderful!  I know just where to start!"  She grabbed my hand and pulled me to her room upstairs.

 

Chapter 9

The flurry of activities made the next two days fly by.  With Lucas's permission, I stayed with Lou at the hotel while she helped me shop and do my hair and my makeup.   Occasionally we ran into Drako who was sporting a now suspicious gleam in his eyes.  He nodded to me briefly but otherwise paid no attention to me. 

The day of the street fair dawned with fog and dew that left everything glistening.  I took my time and dressed carefully.  As I was about to leave my room, I fished out the pistol and I hiked up my skirts to reveal my leg.  Using a garter belt, I strapped the pistol to my thigh.  I was ready.

The crowds were already gathering, milling around various booths, food vendors and little kids raced around, squealing in delight.  It was an idyllic sight.  I almost longed for that sense of peace… to be on the arm of a gentleman, squiring me to the street dance like the other proper ladies.  I paused in front of some of the booths, each of them specializing in either a craft or a game.  Delicious smells of roasted corn and various stews wafted through the air giving the fair a euphoric feeling.  Micah was strolling around, vigilant in keeping trouble away from his townspeople.  Lucas grinned at the antics of Lou and Mark, each seeing who could out clown the other.  I smiled.  It was nice to see this. 

Passing by a dress shoppe with a mirror hanging in the window, I paused to look at myself.  I was amazed that I barely recognized the person standing in my reflection.  Instead of long stringy blonde hair, Lou curled it and fixed it with small tendrils that fell about my face, giving me a softer look.  The dungarees were gone.  I was cinched inside a delicately laced dress that flowed from me and spilled onto the street.  My bosoms were displayed in a plunging neckline that embarrassed me at first when I tried the dress on in Lou's room.  But now, I looked more voluptuous, more womanly. I admired myself at great length.

A low wolf whistle grabbed my attention.  Behind my shoulder, I saw Drako appear in the reflection.  "You're breath-taking."

I blushed.  I turned and was amazed on my own.  Drako had on a fancy black and gold vest over a crisp white shirt.  He wore a tie and his hat was buffed shiny, as were his boots.  "Wow!"  It was all I could say. 

He grinned.  He offered me his arm.  "May I escort you?"

My mission momentarily forgotten, I nodded.  We strode arm in arm along the booths, snacking on some 7-layer cake dripping in strawberry frosting.  We paused to chat with Lou and Lucas.  Lou gave me a sly wink, noticing I was with Drako.  I ignored it, in case he saw this.  Drako pulled me to a booth where he had to throw balls to win a prize.

"Want me to win you a prize?"

"If you want to, Drako." I shrugged.

He frowned.  "My first name's Johnny.  Drako sounds more… impersonal."

The steady look he gave me was making me nervous.  I avoided his eyes.  He pulled my chin up and I knew a kiss was coming.  No!  I pulled away quickly.  "Oh look, Johnny… corn, I just love corn!"  I raced off toward the booth.  I suspected that hard breathing was more from my near kiss then running.  I looked back and saw that Drako was pitching balls.  I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. 

I walked hesitantly back to him.  He turned back to me, his face showing no emotion.  "Johnny, I need you to follow me to the livery stable." 

Drako furrowed his brows but said nothing and walked with me to the barn.   The damp smells of hay and manure greeted us when we walked in.  I closed the heavy barn doors and the only light filtering in was from the small windows alongside each side.  I bent down and reached up under my skirt.  Drako leaned against a stall with his arms folded. 

Retrieving my revolver, I kept it hidden behind my back.  I got very close to him and looked him in the eyes.  He smiled and leaned his head down.

I pushed the nose of the revolver into his gut and demanded, "Don't move while I get your guns."  His smiled disappeared and coldness swept over his face.  I threw his revolvers behind a bale of hay.

"About time you made your move." 

I cocked an eyebrow.  "You knew I'd do something?"

"You are Wyatt Hudson's sister, aren't you?"

I felt my face drain of blood.  "How… did you know?"

"I thought you looked familiar in the stagecoach.  Then when I heard your last name, it took me awhile, but I put two and two together."

I brandished the pistol higher at him.  "You should know him.  You killed him."

No surprise, no denial, nothing… "You ruined my life. You killed my brother and my mother died of a broken heart.  I had to live with that-that- animal because of you!"  I willed my right finger to press down on the trigger.  Come on!  What was I waiting for?

Drako reached for the gun, but I backed off, narrowly missing his fingers.  "You can believe what you want, but if you want the truth, then ask for it.  Don't threaten me and not carry it out."

"Fine.  Did you kill my brother?"

"In a way, yes."

I knew it!  But instead of anger, I felt incredibly sad.  The first time I've ever fell in love and it had to be with my brother's killer. Tears streamed down my face.  I let my arm drop to my side.

"I wanted to kill you.  I planned to kill you ever since I heard your name mentioned by Lou the first day I got here.  You were the reason, at first that I stayed. But I must be a-a-a jellyfish.  I can't.  I just-." I sank down on a hay bale.

His face softened and he sat next to me.  "Cady, I didn't pull the trigger.  But it's because of me that he was killed."  He pushed a curl away from my eyes.

"You see, I was in a bar much like Sweeney's when your brother's friends were goading your brother to call me out.  He didn't seem like the sort to be a gunslinger so I avoided any kind of contact.  His friends called him every name in the book to get him to challenge me.  I stood and told them to leave the boy alone.  Instead of helping, I fear that I may have made things worse.  I figured your brother was easily bullied, not a bad sort, mind you… just weak. Well when I stood up for him, his friends went after him all the more.  He ran off with the other two in pursuit.  I drank a couple of sips of my whiskey when I felt I had better check on your brother.  It wasn't hard to follow them since they were whooping and hollering.  I came upon them as they…" He paused and looked at me. "Cady, they shot him just as I was coming in. They   turned to me and I felt my anger took a hold of me.  I shot them down and they fell beside your brother.  I didn't want your brother to be laying next to him, so I took him into town.  I buried him near the church. All I knew was his name." A silence filled the space between us. 

"You didn't shoot him?"  I had to be sure.

"No." He answered quietly.  Evidently he was reliving the scene in his head.

I stood, unsure of what to do or say.  I leaned against a window, looking out at the merriment ensuing outside.  I was a part of that fun, just awhile ago.  It all seemed so innocent then.  I felt years older.  I was tired.  I dropped my pistol onto the hay-strewn ground.

Drako walked over to me.  "You're getting spider webs in your hair."

I tried to brush them off me.  "I just can't do anything right.  Every time you showed up, I was making a fool of myself."

Drako wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close.  "You do everything exactly right.  You know, when I figured who you were, I thought I owed it to your brother to watch over you.  But before I knew it, I was watching you for another reason."

"What reason?"  I whispered.

To answer me, Drako pulled my face to his and kissed me so passionately, my knees buckled.  He used his leg to prop me up.  I threw my arms around his neck and kissed back, giving myself to him.  I closed my eyes and let his body dictate my actions.  His hand cradled my head while the other stroked my back.  My body sighed with pleasure.

The heavy barn doors burst open and we jerked apart.  Drako paled.  "Yucatan!"  He reached for his pistols, but he grabbed air.  Yucatan shot and an explosion sounded near my ear and Drako dropped to his knees.  He fell backwards and to my horror, his crisp white shirt was now becoming completely red. 

"Johnny!" I screamed.

Yucatan, a mountain of a man, laughed heartily.  "Grab the girl."

"No!" I fought the two equally bulky men, with no success.  Yucatan stood over Johnny.  "I've got your girl, Drako.  Now listen to my men have some fun with her…. Before I kill you."

"No! Let me go! Please!"  I begged.  I had to get my gun.

Yucatan, an overly heavyset man, with clotted food stuck in his overgrown matted beard pushed on Johnny's shoulder with his giant claw of a foot, chuckling at Johnny's moans of pain.  "Take her in the back!"

 

Chapter 10

Rough hands pulled me away from Johnny who lay on the floor, watching his life's fluid drain away.  Fighting was no good, it only made the men angrier, gripping me even tighter.  They dragged me to the back of the barn and shoved me to the ground.  One of the men with long greasy hair and a pockmarked face held my arms down while the other stood over me.   Both of them laughed as if they were sharing a joke- a joke at my expense.  With my arms penned, I couldn't move.  The other man who stood at my feet, was of indescribable origin.  He cackled as he played with his belt that held up his pants.  I screamed as loud as I could.

"Johnny!"

As he knelt down, I kicked him hard in the face.  Blood spurted from his nose, showering my dress.  He screamed in pain and stumbled backwards.  Greasy hair let me go to see about his friend.  I jumped up and I saw a pitchfork leaning nearby.  A pair of arms grabbed me from behind and I snatched the pitchfork.  The arms locked on me as I tried to swing the fork.  A shot rang out and a small thud landed nearby.  The arms instantly let me go.  I turned and swung and hit greasy hair's co-hort, cracking him on the skull.  He fell to his knees and grunted.  He was unconscious.  I looked up and to my relief, I saw Micah. I dropped my weapon, suddenly exhausted.

"What's going on here?  That guy with the bloody nose was about to shoot you!"  Micah pointed to a revolver near the dead man's hand.  I felt dizzy and leaned against the barn for support.

"Micah, Yucatan Wescott has Drako inside.  He's hurt bad… Johnny, I mean."

"I'll go get Lucasboy.  We'll get Drako.  Don't worry.  He patted me on the shoulder.  I watched Micah run to get Lucas and I picked up the dead man's pistol.  Silently I crept back inside the barn, from the rear.  I could hear Yucatan's voice, nasally and whiny.  He was goading Johnny, elaborating on all types of scenarios that his men were doing to me.  I hid behind the stacked bales as I watched Yucatan pacing back and forth.  Occasionally there was movement from the ground, indicating Johnny was still alive.  My heart beat so hard, I could swear they could hear it.  I longed to put my arms around Johnny and it hurt me so bad seeing him vulnerable. 

I held the revolver, anxious to use it.  I could imagine the bullet spurting from the nose in a hellstorm of fire, shooting straight for Yucatan.  It would pierce his clothing first, then skin and eventually his black heart, tearing it apart like an old rag, creating an explosion within his body.

"Lookee, what we got here!"  I turned and to my disgust and dismay, the man I knocked out had a gun on me.   I swore under my breath.  He shoved me all the way to Yucatan's feet.  "I found her behind the bale.  Look at what she did to me!"  He showed his boss his bloodied forehead.

Yucatan was obviously upset.  "Where's Ricardo?"

"Dead.  Sheriff shot him."

Yucatan roared in frustration.  "Kill her!  Now!  Just kill her!"

His assistant shoved me to my knees.  Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Drako inching his way to his guns. Go, Johnny, go, I prayed.  I heard the pistol cock and I closed my eyes.  I didn't want to see Johnny's face as I was murdered.

A shower of gunshots rang out and someone pulled me to the ground.  I kept my eyes closed as chaos ensued. 

A hand touched my shoulder and I flinched.  "Cady?  It's me, Lucas.  Are you alright?" I slowly opened my eyes, scared.  Both Yucatan and his man were lying on the ground, dead.  Lucas and Micah stood over the bodies as people from the fair came streaming in to see what happened.  I sat up and reached over to Johnny.  He had his hands around my arm and I knew at once he was the one who pulled me to safety.  Lucas came over and knelt down beside us.  I helped Johnny prop up on a bale as I looked at his wound.  It looked nasty and he winced when I gently pulled his shirt back. 

Lucas fished out a handkerchief from his back pocket and handed it to me.  "Here," He said, "press it on his wound while I get Dr. Burrage!"

I folded the cloth and pressed it on Johnny's wound.  He moaned.  "I know. I'm sorry that I'm hurting you."  With my other hand, I softly caressed his cheek. 

"It looks like I was destined to get shot today."  He attempted to grin but I could tell he was growing weaker.  Where was that doctor? 

Lucas flew back in. "Okay, Dr. Burrage's waiting for you, Drako.  Let me help you there!"  It was if Johnny was a rag doll, Lucas hoisted him up, supporting Drako's bad side. 

"Wait!  Cady, come here.  Look inside my vest pocket."

I reached in and my fingers touched something soft.  I pulled out a  miniature doll with blond hair and a porcelain face. I looked up at Johnny.

"I won that for you."

I grasped his face and kissed him hard.  Tears mingled into the kiss, revealing how I felt about him.

 

Chapter 11

Lucas cleared his throat and I followed them to Dr. Burrage's.  Mark was already there, along with Lou and Micah.  Lucas took him directly into the office.  I sat on a hard bench next to Lou who kept up a lively chatter.  I only half-listened.  Minutes turned into hours and the clock slowed to a crawl.  What was happening in there?  Was he alright?  What if…?  I couldn't even fathom the possibilities.  The street dance was in full swing, by the sounds of the raucous laughter and band music. 

In the remaining minutes of that same day, Dr. Burrage finally emerged.  He looked exhausted and I searched for any signs of Johnny's wellbeing in his crinkled eyes.  "Mr. Drako will be fine.  He needs rest, so I suggest you all head back to your homes until mid-day."

Relief flooded every core of my being.  I felt lighter.  "Can I see him now?"

Dr. Burrage shook his head.  "Like I said, he needs rest.  He'll be awake around 11 or so tomorrow.  You'll see him them."

Lou put an arm around my waist.  "Come on, Cady.  You can rest at the hotel so that you can see Johnny Drako in the morning.  Lucas, you and Mark should stay as well."

"Thank you, Lou.  I think we'll do just that."  Lucas led the tired group back to the hotel.  I uncinched myself from my beautiful dress now torn and tattered and stained with blood.  I slipped into the sheets, closed my eyes and fell asleep.

The sun's rays streamed through the window, waking me.  I yawned and stretched.  Looking at the clock on the night table, it was ten.  Only an hour until I can see Johnny!  A knock at my door preceded Lou's entrance.  "Well there, missy, I must say you look better.  I know you need something to wear, so I took the liberty to find you a dress and breakfast is waiting for you.  Lucas and Mark are on their way downstairs.  I should think you should hasten before they eat it all up!"  She draped a green garment on the chair opposite of the window.  I slipped it on and hurried downstairs.  Suddenly ravenous, I helped myself to mounds of potatoes, ham, bacon and sausage.  I think I actually beat Mark's record for most bacon slices consumed!

I bolted the breakfast and ran to the doctor's office.  He smiled at me, looking much more rested.  "You're right on time.  Mr. Drako just finished a light meal.  Go on in.  But!  But I don't want him excited and you have exactly 10 minutes."  I nodded and charged through the door.

Johnny sat, plumped on voluminous pillows and quilts.  He needed a shave.  I smiled at him.  I suddenly felt shy.  He patted the side of his bed.  I sat down there, gingerly, scared to hurt him. 

"Hi!  How are you?"  That was stupid! He just been shot and here I am, acting like nothing happened.

"I'm fine.  How are you?" 

"I'm feeling better.  I stayed at Lou's last night and this morning she gave me a dress and I went down to breakfast and ate and ate and ate… and…."  Why was I acting like this?

"Come here."

I scooted closer and with his uninjured arm, he pulled me closer.  Our lips met tenderly at first.  The kiss deepened until I lost all sense of direction.  I tentatively put my hand around his neck, enjoying his taste. 

"I thought I said not to excite him!"  Dr.  Burrage bellowed good-naturedly.  We jumped apart.  "You can see him later today.  He has to get rest."

We jumped apart and I felt hot creeping into my face.  Johnny grinned, enjoying my discomfort.  I waved goodbye and returned to the hotel.  The fair and street dance was over but the mess left behind would take days to clear.  I changed into working clothes and pitched in along with Lucas, Mark, some of Mark's school friends, Lou and her girls and Micah.  A fair amount of grumbling cropped up from time to time.  I didn't mind.  It gave me something to do in between visits to Johnny.  After dinner, I got bathed and dressed and returned to the doctor's office.  Johnny was sitting up, looking much more alert.  He still needed a shave, but I didn't mind.  He looked sexy, mussed up like that.

"I was watching you, from that window today."  He pointed to the glass facing the hotel.  Oh boy.  That's just great, he watched me bending over, with my heinie in the air picking up trash all day. 

"Of course you were.  Anytime I make a jackass of myself, you're there." 

"Actually, I was admiring the view."

I rolled my eyes.  "You're incorrigible, you know that don't you?" I kissed him and he chuckled while our lips together, giving a rumble to his lips.

"Johnny. I want to tell you something.  Please don't interrupt me until I'm done.  I… I… Iloveyousomuch!" The words came tumbling out of my mouth.

"What?"

"I said, I love… you… you know… a lot." I felt so exposed and naked in front of him. "Before I met you and Lucas and even Mark, I thought all men were disgusting, depraved animals, like Frank. You fascinated me with your bad guy looks.  You can look so mean, with those narrow eyes, and fierce jaw line.  But when you smile, your dimples appear and you are so handsome, so charming.  Every time you come near me, my heart beats fast, I get all shaky and all I can think of is kissing you.  When I saw you hurt last night, I knew I couldn't live if you… if you had…"

"Whoa, wait a minute.  I'm a gunslinger, a gunfighter.  I won't be in this town much longer."

"But why?  You have friends here. I'm here."

Drako took my hand into his and gazed deeply into my eyes.  "Cady, you had just a taste of how my life is, just a small taste.  I've had my glory as being the fastest gun so now I'll be continually challenged… until I'm up at Boot Hill.  That means that not only is my life in danger, but all of my loved ones as well.  I can't lose another family, Cady."

"But I'm a good shot.  I can be your second pair of eyes.  Johnny, don't do this.  It took me so long to find happiness."

Tears appeared in Johnny's eyes.  He whispered, "It's better this way, Cady.  You know it. I know it.  You need to find yourself someone stable, like a banker or a sodbuster. I can never be anything but a gunslinger.  When I picked up my first pair of pistols, they became everything to me- a wife, kids, brothers, sisters and parents.  I can never have the real life like Lucas has. Nothing but those… those revolvers can be real to me."  He stroked my cheek.  "I've never met anyone like you before.  I doubt I ever will.  You came the closest."  He leaned forward and kissed me gently.  Tears mingled again, but this time it was his.

"Will I hear from you?"

He shook his head solemnly.  "I don't think so.  I'll keep up with you though, through Lucas.  It'll be too painful to talk to you, or read your letters and know I can never have you. He lifted up my chin.  "You'll be safe with Lucas around."

I got up and without looking back, left Johnny Drako's room.  I felt like I left a part of me with him.

Transformation Part 2