Six Months Later

“So, what's on the agenda for today, Phil?” Louisa asked, picking up her glass of orange juice and taking a hearty swig.

“I'd like you, Gray Eagle, and Antonio to check the fences in the north pasture,” answered Mr. Johnson. “Our new hand will be arriving today as well.” He shook his head. “I wish Red Elk had decided to stay on. He was a hard worker and a good friend.”

The young woman smiled. “I'll miss him, too,” she said softly. “But, he has a family to support now. Sandra is a very lucky lady to have landed him.”

“You sure you're not just a little bit jealous, cousin?” teased Antonio. “Seems to me you were trying to get his attention, too.”

Louisa blushed. “Well, maybe a little,” she admitted. “But, I'm not ready to settle down just yet. I have too much to learn before I get married and start a family.”

“You'll have plenty of time for that, young lady,” put in Dorothy from the foot of the table. She pushed back her chair and began gathering the dirty dishes. “Be sure to dress warmly,” she instructed. “It's cold out there this morning.”

Two hours later, Louisa, Antonio, and Gray Eagle were just finishing repairing a section of fence that had fallen down. The young woman looked up when she heard a long, spine-chilling howl coming from the woods near by. “Sounds like someone is looking for company,” she grinned.

“If it were only that easy to attract a human female,” joked Gray Eagle. Antonio burst out laughing at his cousin's sour expression.

“True, but women are as unpredictable as wild horses,” he commented.

Louisa snorted contemptuously. “Like you men are easy to figure out,” she grumbled. “Last guy I dated liked me just fine until he found out I work on a ranch.” A wide smile crossed her lips. “Maybe he was afraid I would out-work him or something,” she giggled.

“Nah, it was because he saw you rope that bull, cousin,” chuckled Antonio. “You have to admit, seeing a woman do that can be a bit intimidating.”

The young woman grinned mockingly. “How else am I supposed to catch a bull, silly? It's not like you can just walk up to them and expect them to follow you like a dog. You do that , and you're asking to be gored.”

“Especially Brutus,” put in Gray Eagle. “He's a good stud animal, but sweet-tempered he's not.”

“Kinda like someone else I could name,” laughed Antonio, shooting a glance at his cousin.

Louisa pretended to be shocked. “You can't be talking about me , cousin,” she joked. “I'm as sweet as honey.”

“Uh huh, and the Earth is flat.”

“You mean it's not?!?” giggled the young woman.

Gray Eagle watched the cousins banter back and forth for a few minutes before stepping between them. “All right, you two,” he said sternly, “that's enough. Lou, I happen to think you're a very nice young woman, but you can be a mite stubborn at times.”

“Yeah, like all the time,” needled Antonio.

“I'm not stubborn, you braying jackass. I'm determined. There's a big difference.”

“If you say so, little Louie. Are you done there or what? We've got another four miles of fence to check.”

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

Present Day

“Did you and Antonio always fight like that, honey?” Hank asked, looking at his wife.

“Except when we were asleep,” chuckled Louisa. “I had to find someone to spar with, since Marco was back in L.A. ”

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

By the time the trio returned to the ranch, the sun was beginning to set and the air had turned sharply colder. A stiff wind had kicked up, driving the wind chill down to below freezing. As a result, they were all thoroughly chilled by the time they went into the house.

“Lordy, it's cold enough to freeze the nose off a brass monkey,” chattered Louisa as she warmed her hands before the fire.

“Yeah, I said that, too,” came a voice from across the room.

The young woman jumped. She turned around, seeking the source of the voice. Her eyes widened when she saw who had spoken.

“I'm sorry,” she stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “I didn't know they was anyone else here.”

“That's quite all right, ma'am,” said a tall, blond-haired man. He stepped forward and stuck out a calloused hand. “I'm Tom Parker, the new hand. And you are?”

Louisa gaped at Parker's sun-browned features. “Louisa Martin Lopez,” she answered finally, blushing even redder. “Pleased to meet you.”

“Pretty name for a pretty lady,” replied Tom, smiling broadly. “Have you been working here long, Miss Lopez?”

“Please, call me Louisa. No, only about a year.” She looked down at her dirty hands. “I guess I should go wash up before dinner. Excuse me.”

Parker watched as she dashed out of the room, then whistled in appreciation. “You told me you had a young lady working for you, Mr. Johnson, but you never told me how beautiful she was.”

Phillip laughed. “Don't let her looks fool you into thinking she can't handle the work, Tom,” he chuckled. “Lou's as tough as they come.”

Tom grinned. “The thought never crossed my mind,” he answered. “She dating anyone special?”

“Not that I'm aware of,” replied Johnson, “but watch yourself. “Antonio is her cousin and he's very protective of her.”

Louisa stood at the kitchen sink, lathering her hands. Dorothy noticed her rattled expression. “Something wrong, Louisa?” asked the older woman.

“No, ma'am; I just met the new hand and he kind of shook me up a little, that's all. He's really handsome. Is it just me, or does he look like a young Robert Redford?” she questioned, her cheeks still flushed.

“I noticed that, too,” smiled Dorothy. “If I was only thirty years younger,” she mused.

“I thought you were, Mrs. Johnson,” said Tom from the doorway. “A young Robert Redford, huh?” he joked, winking at Louisa. “That's quite a compliment, miss.”

The young woman blushed to the roots of her hair. She looked down at her feet, wishing for the floor to open up and swallow her, just to ease her embarrassment.

Parker laughed. “I guess I should have kept my mouth shut,” he grinned, leaning against the door-frame. “Can I do anything to help out, ladies?”

Dorothy smiled. “That's a first,” she commented wryly. “A man offering to help cook a meal. You could set the table, if you're a mind to.”

“It'll be my pleasure, ma'am,” answered the cowboy, opening the cupboard door and taking out a stack of plates. He looked up at Louisa, winking at her flirtatiously.

“Louisa, would you go out and ring the dinner bell?” Mrs. Johnson asked.

“Okay,” answered the young woman, grateful for the chance to get away from Tom's intense gaze. The chilly winter air nipped at her hot face as she rang the bell, calling the rest of the hands to dinner. Parker watched her from the window, his eyes shining brightly as he took note of her well-proportioned figure.

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

Present Day

“It sounds like Tom had quite an effect on you, Mama,” smiled Emma, patting her mother's shoulder. “Was he really that handsome?”

“Just as handsome as your father, sweetie,” smiled Louisa. “But looks can be deceiving, as I soon found out.” She shook her head, remembering the Hell Parker had put her through. “I never realized that those good looks where hiding a real devil.”

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

Louisa laughed out loud as she entered the local grange's annual square dance on Tom Parker's arm. “You have to be kidding,” she protested. “I've never square danced in my life!”

Parker raised his voice to be heard over the loud music provided by the band that had been hired. “Don't worry, darlin'. I'll teach you!”

“Just don't get upset when I stomp on your toes, cowboy,” replied the young woman.

Tom chuckled as he led his date to a quiet corner and began to show her the steps. “No, honey, like this,” he instructed, showing her where to put her feet. Louisa giggled when she stumbled, tripping over her long, flowing skirt.

“I'm hopeless,” she grinned. “Maybe I'll get lucky and the band will play a slow song.”

“That can be arranged,” answered Tom. He approached the band's vocalist and whispered in the man's ear. The singer grinned and turned to the other musicians. “This one is for a certain young lady who wants us to play something a little slower.” The crowd paused as they began to play Lorena, a sad ballad dating back to the Civil War. Couples all across the dance floor smiled and began to sway to the soft music.

“May I have this dance, Miss Martin?” smiled Tom, offering Louisa his elbow. He drew her gently into his arms and they moved around the floor, gazing into each other's eyes, completely caught up in the music's spell.

The local sheriff, Andrew Daniels, grinned and nudged Antonio, who was standing beside him. “Should we get a crowbar and pry them apart?” he joked.

Antonio chuckled. “Are you kidding me? My cousin would nail my hide to the barn door if I did that.” He smiled as he watched Louisa and Tom glide by, kissing and whispering sweet nothings to each other.

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

Present Day

“You never told me about that, honey,” commented Hank. “You actually went to a square dance?” he added incredulously.

Louisa blushed rosily. “Yeah, but we didn't do that much dancing, if you catch my drift. Tom and I left early and ended up going for a walk instead.”

“Did he kiss you, Mama?” Hannah wanted to know, her eyes dreamy.

“Many, many times, baby,” chuckled Louisa. “I think I fell in love with him that night. Too bad he didn't show his true colors until it was too late.”

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

Six Months Later

“Damn it, Louisa!” shouted Tom angrily, a blood vessel beating in his forehead. “How many times have I told you not to flirt with that filthy redskin? Huh?” He drew back his hand and slapped the young woman hard across the face. Louisa stumbled back and lost her balance, falling to the ground with a muffled exclamation.

“I wasn't flirting with him, Tom,” whimpered Louisa, her hand on her stinging cheek. “Buck and I are just friends.”

“Don't give me that, you whore! I've seen the way you two look at each other! How long have you been sleeping with him?!?” The enraged man kicked her in the ribs, sending the young woman rolling in the dust.

“Tom, if you're going to accuse me of flirting with every man I see, I think we should stop seeing each other,” gasped out Louisa, her ribs aching from the brutal kick.

“We'll break up when I say so, bitch,” panted Tom, moving forward to stand over her menacingly. He drew his foot back and delivered another hard kick to the young woman's mid-section.

“What the Hell is going on here?” hollered Buck from the barn door. He strode forward, his face plum-colored with fury. He bent down to help Louisa to her feet.

“Mind your own damn business, redskin!” snarled Tom. “She's nothing but a two-timing slut!”

The foreman roared and charged at the cowboy. His fist connected with Tom's jaw and the fight was on.

Louisa shrieked in horror as Parker knocked Buck to the ground and started to kick his head, face, and ribs. She winced when she heard bones snap under the brutal assault. She rushed forward and attempted to grab Tom's arm as it swung out behind him. Parker roared with fury and backhanded her across her face, knocking her sprawling.

Phillip, Richard, and Antonio sped from the house, drawn by Louisa's screams. Antonio dragged Tom away from the fallen foreman and threw him against the corral fence. “That's enough!” he growled. “Knock it off!”

Louisa got to her hands and knees and crawled over to Buck, who lay on his stomach, groaning in pain. “Buck, just lie still,” she whispered, ignoring the blood running down her chin from her split lip. “You're gonna be okay.”

Off in the distance, a wailing siren approached. A few minutes later, Sheriff Daniels pulled up in his cruiser. “What in Hades is going on out here?” he demanded, his hands on his hips.

The young woman turned to face him, still on her knees. “Tom and I were fighting. Buck tried to help me and Tom beat the crap out of him,” she panted.

“Is that true, Parker?” asked Daniels.

Tom sneered. “I ain't saying a word, cop,” he snorted. “He had it coming, considering the way he's been messing with my girl.”

Richard knelt down and slid his arm around Louisa's shoulders. “Dorothy called for an ambulance, sweetheart,” he whispered. “It should be here any second.”

Dust plumed upward into the breeze as the ambulance sped down the dirt road towards the ranch. The attendants jumped out, nodding to Daniels. The taller of the two men crouched down and gently turned Buck over, wincing in sympathy at the darkening bruises on the man's face. The foreman groaned in agony and tried to sit up.

“What happened here, ma'am?” he asked, his eyes settling on the young woman's bloodied face. “Looks like you need medical attention yourself.”

Louisa sat back on her heels and pointed at Tom, who stood against the fence sneering at her. “Tom and I were fighting and he started knocking me around,” she said, her voice thin with restrained anger. “Buck saw what was going on and tried to help me. That son-of-a-bitch knocked him down and started kicking him.” She turned to glare at the Sheriff. “I want him locked up, Andy!” she growled. “I'll give you a full statement! Just get him out of my sight before I'm tempted to strangle him with my bare hands!”

“I'm shaking in my boots, you little bitch,” snickered Tom. “Just come over here and try it.”

Louisa's nostrils flared and she bounced to her feet, launching herself at Parker. Before she could reach the man, Antonio and Phillip dragged her back. “Louisa!” shouted Johnson. “Settle down this instant !”

The young woman struggled, trying to get loose. Both men tightened their grip on her arms, alarmed by the rage in her eyes.

The attendants carefully lifted Buck onto the gurney and loaded him into the ambulance. As they sped down the drive, Sheriff Daniels shoved Tom into the backseat of his patrol car. “Louisa, I want to see you in my office after you get that lip tended to. I'm gonna want a statement from you about what happened.”

Louisa nodded. “It will be my pleasure,” she said angrily. She wrenched away from Phillip and Antonio and walked towards the house. “I'll be there as soon as I get cleaned up.” The young woman went inside, slamming the door behind her with a crash.

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

Present Day

Johnny shook his head. “I knew Parker was a bastard, but I never realized just how bad he really was, Lou.”

“How badly did he hurt you, Mama?” asked Robert, his forehead furrowing in concern.

“He gave me a black eye, split my lip, and cracked three of my ribs, honey,” answered Louisa, stroking her son's soft cheek. “But, even with all that, I think I got off easy. Buck wasn't so lucky. He spent ten days in the hospital with seven broken ribs and a punctured lung.” She looked at her hands, tears welling in her eyes. “We weren't sure he was going to make it there for a while.”

Buck grimaced at the memory. “Yeah, I was in rough shape for a long time,” he said. “When I saw him beating you up, I just went crazy. If I hadn't intervened, who knows what he would have done to you, Louisa.”

The woman's lips twisted grimly. “Believe me,” she chuckled mirthlessly. “He did a lot worse to me, the second time he came after me.”

Roy laughed. “He must have scared the living daylights out of you, considering how you reacted when Johnny and I found you in that warehouse,” he grinned. “I thought you had busted my jaw!”

Emma, Matthew, and Hannah gasped. “What did he mean by that, Mama?” asked Matthew.

Johnny smiled widely. “She socked him in the face, thinking he was Tom,” he told them. “Knocked him flat on his keister, too,” he snorted.

“I said I was sorry, didn't I?” giggled Louisa. “How did you expect me to react, Johnny? There I was, locked in a warehouse, frightened out of my mind, wondering what Tom had in store for me! My survival instinct took over and I fought back. I didn't know it was you two until you cornered me in the office, Johnny.”

Desoto nodded. “When we found you, I wasn't even sure you were still alive, until you screamed,” he recalled. “I was thinking about how I was going to tell Marco and Cap that you were gone.”

Hannah interrupted. “What happened to Tom after he was arrested, Mama?” she asked.

“He went on trial and went to jail,” replied Louisa. “But like the bad penny he was, he showed up again and again.”

“Doctor, are you sure Buck will be all right?” Louisa asked anxiously. “He took quite a beating.”

Dr. Steven Burns smiled. “Yes, miss, he will be. I've repaired the hole in his lung and taped the broken ribs. Mr. Red Deer will be sore for a while, but he won't have any permanent damage.” He looked down at the young woman in front of him. “You look like you could use some fixing up yourself.”

The young woman waved a dismissive hand. “I'm fine,” she answered. “I've been hurt worse than this climbing trees back home.”

Phillip Johnson stepped forward, laying a firm hand on her shoulder. “Louisa, get your lip stitched. That's an order,” he said quietly. He turned to Dr. Burns. “She got kicked in the ribs a few times herself, Doc. I'd like you to check her out.”

Louisa started to protest, then saw the expression on her employer's face. “Okay, okay, I'll cooperate,” she grumbled. “But I'm not leaving here until I see that Buck is gonna be okay.”

“Come with me, miss,” instructed a nurse, gently pulling on the young woman's arm. Leading her into a room, the white-clad nurse handed Louisa a gown. “Take off all your clothes, except for your underwear and slip this on, dear. The doctor will be with you shortly.”

Louisa did as asked and sat on the examining table, impatiently swinging her feet. She looked up as the doctor came into the room. “Make sure your hands are warm, Doc,” she grinned. “Otherwise, I might be tempted to jump across the room.”

Burns laughed. “You know what they say: cold hands, warm heart.” He gestured for her to lie back. “Can you show me where you were kicked?”

“Mostly my right side, but I caught a few in the gut, too,” replied Louisa, pointing to the tender areas. She grunted in pain when Dr. Burns pressed a particularly sore spot. “Ouch! That smarts!” she gasped.

“Sorry. I'd like to take some x-rays, Miss Martin. I can't be positive, but I think you might have a couple broken ribs.”

“Wouldn't be the first time,” muttered Louisa. “Let's get it over with,” she complained, making the doctor smile in amusement.

Half an hour later, Louisa was released, with instructions to go home and rest. The young woman refused, determined to see her friend before leaving the hospital.

“All right,” allowed Dr. Burns, “but just for a few minutes. Mr. Red Deer is still coming out of the anesthesia, so he won't be fully coherent.”

Shortly, Louisa stood at Buck's bedside, gently holding his hand. “Buck, can you hear me? It's Lou.”

The foreman groaned and opened his eyes a fraction of an inch. “Hey, little miss,” he whispered. “You okay?”

“I am now,” she answered softly, blinking back tears. “How do you feel?”

“Like I got caught in a stampede. What about you?”

Louisa chuckled. “A couple broken ribs, a split lip, and a black eye,” she grinned, wincing when her stitches pulled at tender flesh. “Nothing a little make-up and a bucket load of aspirin can't cure.”

“Better save some of that war paint for me,” joked Buck painfully. “You talked to the cops yet?”

The young woman's mouth thinned. “No, but I will, as soon as Dorothy lets me out of her sight. Tom is going to pay for what he did, mark my words.”

“Go get him, little firebrand,” teased the foreman. “Lou, honey, no offense, but I'm tired. Can we talk another time?”

“Sure. Get some rest. See you tomorrow.” She got up and left the room, looking back in time to see Buck close his eyes again and surrender to the morphine he had been given.

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

Present Day

“Did you have to testify in court, Mama?” asked Matthew.

“Yes, honey, I did,” replied Louisa. “I'll never forget the look in Tom's eyes when I took the stand. It was like looking at the Devil himself.”

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

“All rise,” intoned the bailiff. “This court is now in session. The Honorable Cedric Lewis presiding.”

“Be seated,” instructed the Judge, taking his seat behind the bench. He looked out over the courtroom, his steely eyes settling on each face for an instant. “Mr. Prosecutor, are you ready to proceed?”

“Yes, Your Honor,” replied Charles Moran, the prosecutor.

“All right, then call your fist witness,” said the Judge.

“The People of the State of Montana call Miss Louisa Nicole Martin.”

Louisa stood just outside the courtroom, nervously waiting for her chance to testify. She bit her lip, wincing in pain when her tooth dug painfully into the line of stitches holding her flesh closed. She looked up when the bailiff motioned to her, and followed him into the packed courtroom.

“Miss Martin, place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand,” said the bailiff. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”

“Yes, sir,” answered the young woman. She made an effort to still her trembling hands as the Mr. Moran approached. From the defendant's table, Tom Parker stared at her, an evil smirk twisting his mouth.

“Miss Martin, will you tell the court your version of what happened on the day in question?” said the prosecutor, flashing her a fatherly smile.

“Tom, um, I mean Mr. Parker, and I were having a discussion in front of the Johnson's house. We had been having problems in our relationship and I wanted to break it off with him. Tom became enraged and we started fighting.”

“Moran interrupted. “What exactly do you mean by ‘fighting'?” he asked.

“We exchanged heated words and he hit me, knocking me down,” answered the young woman, her cheeks flushing. “We carried on that way for a while, until Buck Red Deer, the foreman at the ranch, came out of the barn to see what was going on.”

“Damn nosy redskin,” muttered Tom, just loud enough for the Judge to hear.

“Mr. Parker,” said Lewis, glaring at him sternly. “Keep your comments to yourself. You'll get your turn. Please continue, Miss Martin.”

“Yes, sir, thank you. Like I said, Buck came outside to see what was going on and saw Tom knock me to the ground and kick me in the ribs. He told Mr. Parker to stop it, and Tom turned on him like an oiled rattlesnake.” A wave of muted laughter buzzed through the courtroom at her analogy.

“Did Mr. Red Deer intervene?” asked Moran.

“Yes, he did. He and Tom started fighting, but Buck was getting the worst of it, so I tried to help him. But, I only ended up taking a few more punches. Some help I was,” she grumbled ruefully.

“Thank you, Miss Martin. No further questions,” replied Moran, returning to his chair.

“Ms. Riley, do you wish to cross-examine this witness?” questioned the Judge.

Suzanne Riley, Tom's attorney, rose, a faint sneer on her face. “I certainly do, Your Honor.” She walked to the bench, her mouth set in a disdainful line.

“Miss Martin, isn't it true that you and Mr. Red Deer were having an affair behind my client's back? Isn't that the reason you wanted to end your relationship with him?” she asked, her voice ugly with accusation.

Louisa's jaw dropped and her face darkened with barely suppressed anger. “No, ma'am, it's not !” she hissed, clenching her fists. “That's a low-down, dirty lie!”

“Then why did you want to end your, uh, liaison with Mr. Parker?” she demanded.

“Because I was tired of him accusing me of sleeping with every man I spoke to on the street!” growled the young woman furiously, her eyes hardening. “According to Tom, I was fooling around with every man in town.”

“Miss Martin, is it true that you spent most of your childhood in foster homes?” asked Ms. Riley, changing tactics.

Moran leaped to his feet. “Objection, Your Honor! he shouted. “Irrelevant.”

“Sustained. Get to the point, Ms. Riley. The witness's childhood has no bearing on this case.”

“I believe it does,” argued the attorney. “How could a child without a steady upbringing know anything about morals?” she said, turning to the jury, her voice thick with mock sympathy.

Louisa lost the last tenuous hold on her temper. “Are you calling me a slut?!?” she yelled, rising from her seat. “I may have been raised in foster homes, that much is true, but I know more about morals than you ever will, lady!”

The Judge banged his gavel. “Miss Martin, control yourself!” he demanded. “Ms. Riley, you're skating on very thin ice.”

The lawyer grinned triumphantly. “I think I proved my point, Your Honor. No further questions.”

“You may step down, Miss Martin. Mr. Moran, Ms. Riley, I'd like to see both of you in my chamber this instant! Fifteen minute recess.”

Louisa stepped down from the stand, shaking with rage. Tom winked at her as she passed, further stoking the young woman's anger. She stopped in her tracks, glaring at the man. They stared at each other for a full minute, then Louisa's lips curled into a mocking smile. “Kiss my ass, you bastard,” she whispered, just loud enough for Tom to hear before walking towards the rear door of the courtroom and disappearing into the hallway.

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

Present Day

Chet burst out laughing, holding his sides as he rocked in his chair. “Oh man,” he said finally, wiping his streaming eyes. “I would have given everything I own to have seen that !” he hooted.

Louisa grinned wickedly. “It sure had an effect on Tom, I'll tell you that,” she said. “I thought he was gonna burst into flames right there in the courtroom, he was so mad.”

Buck smiled broadly. “Lou always was a sassy little miss,” he snickered. “There was no way in Hades she was going to let that guy keep her down for long.” He winked at his hostess. “I'm real sorry I missed that,” he teased.

“You saw the result when you testified, Bucky,” said the young woman. “Clem Rogers told me what happened in that room after I left. Looking back, I'm kind of sorry I missed seeing Tom handcuffed to his chair,” she laughed.

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

On the final day of the trial, Louisa sat in the front row of the gallery, surrounded by the Johnsons, her cousin Antonio, and the rest of the ranch employees. As the Judge shuffled the papers in front of him, Tom Parker turned around in his seat to glare at her.

“Mr. Foreman, has the jury reached a verdict?” asked Lewis, silencing the murmurs of the crowd.

“Yes, Your Honor. We the Jury in the above action, find Thomas Richard Parker guilty of all charges.”

“Will the defendant please rise? Mr. Parker, what you did defies all reason. Not only did you violate the laws of this state, you violated God's law as well. I hereby sentence you to five years hard labor in the Montana State Penitentiary. In addition, I order you to pay all medical expenses incurred by Miss Martin and Mr. Red Deer. This court is in recess.”

Tom sat stunned until the Court Deputy pulled him from his chair. As he stood, Parker turned to face Louisa, his face ashen. “I'll get you for this, bitch,” he growled. “Even if it takes me the rest of my days. I swear I'll pay you and that filthy redskin back for this.”

“Bring it on, you scum,” replied the young woman. “I'll be waiting.”

“Come on, Parker,” grumbled the deputy. “Shut your mouth and keep moving.”

Antonio stood up and put an arm around his cousin's shoulders. “You all right, Lou?” he asked, seeing the odd expression on Louisa's face.

“What? Oh, yeah, I'm fine,” she answered. “I can't explain it, but mark my words, cousin, I haven't seen the last of Tom Parker. He'll turn up again some day, like the bad penny he is.”

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

Present Day

“Sounds like you knew exactly what you were talking about, honey,” commented Hank. “Parker did come back, and in spades.”

“Is that what made you come back to California , Mama?” asked Matthew.

Louisa smiled. “No, baby, it was a letter I got from your Uncle Marco that did that. After reading about what he was doing and what was going on back here, I realized just how much I missed him and Mami .”

Buck grinned. “That wasn't the only thing, if I remember correctly,” he said. At Matthew's curious look, he went on. “Your Mama got sick that winter, so sick, in fact, that we weren't sure she was gonna make it. All the time she was lying in her bed, she kept calling out for Maria.” He shook his head sadly, tears welling in his eyes. “Almost broke my heart.”

Marco stared at his sister in surprise. “You never told me that, Lou,” he gasped.

“I don't really recall much of that time, big brother,” whispered Louisa. “Dorothy told me after I recovered what I had been saying. I had a lot of time to think about things and finally made up my mind to swallow my pride and come home. I have to admit, I should have done it a lot sooner.” She chuckled, smiling affectionately at her husband. “But if I had done that , who knows who I might have ended up with. No, I think I made the right decision in staying away as long as I did.”

“I'll go along with that,” put in Johnny. “If you had come home sooner, you could have ended up married to Chet of all people!” he joked. “Spirits help us if that had happened.”

The room erupted in joyous laughter. “Hey! I resent that!” protested the Irishman. “Would that have been so bad?”

Louisa smothered her giggles with her hand. “Maybe not, Chester B., but we probably would have ended up killing each other. I love you as a friend, and always will, but you can be a royal pain in the ass sometimes.”

“All part of my charm,” grinned Kelly. “But the best man won in the end. Cap, have I ever told you just how lucky you are?”

Hank grinned, his eyes twinkling warmly. “Numerous times, pal, and you're right,” he said, drawing more laughter. “Lou and I have been through a lot in all the time we've known each other, but I wouldn't trade in one single minute of it. Like McConikee once told me, God has a purpose in everything He throws our way and all of our troubles only made us, and our marriage, stronger. Louisa and I have been through Hell and back together, but nothing was ever bad enough to break us. Even after she thought I was having an affair, we were able to get past it and came out more in love than ever.”

“It's a good thing you weren't, Henry; otherwise I would have nailed your hide and hers to the barn door,” teased Louisa. “But I can see why that woman fixated on you. Not only are you handsome as all get-out, you're a wonderful husband and father. Even if we hadn't ended up together, I would have considered myself lucky to know you.”

Hank blushed. “Have I ever told you just how much I love you, Mrs. Stanley?” he asked huskily, leaning over to plant a kiss on his wife's lips.

“Yeah, but it bears repeating every so often,” grinned Louisa.

“Wow, that was some story, Mama,” broke in Hannah. “I hope when I go out into the world, my life goes a lot smoother than yours did.”

“It will, sweetheart, trust me,” answered her mother. “I promise you that. You've already got a head start. You've grown up in a stable, loving household, something I never really had until Mami and Papi adopted me. Your father and I took a vow when all of you were born that none of you would never have to go through what I did growing up.” She looked down at the floor, blinking back tears. “Lord, listen to me! I'm getting all sentimental. Hank, if you would be so kind as to open that bottle of champagne in the refrigerator, I'd like to toast Mami 's memory, along with everyone else who isn't with us anymore.”

Hank did as asked. When everyone had their share of the bubbly liquid, Louisa raised her glass. “Here's to you, Maria Gracíela Lopez. You taught me how to trust again. And to my sweet Papi , you taught me to follow my dreams. Consuela, my loving sister, even though we had our differences, you accepted me for who I was and never judged me. I drink to your memories.”

“Hear, hear!”

After everyone had drunk, Johnny stood up, tears running down his weathered cheeks. “To my Grandfather, Gray Eagle,” he said, a crooked grin lighting up his face. “You taught me about life and all it can offer a man.”

Hank rose as well, lifting his glass again. “To Sarah. When she died, I was lost. I couldn't understand why God took her from me, but now I know that He was just making room in my heart for Louisa.” He chuckled suddenly, remembering another important person in his life. “To Chief Patrick McConikee. He took a green, still wet-behind-the ears probie and molded him into a fireman and engineer worthy of the title. I toast to your memories.” He turned to the group, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Robert, if you will, get my Captain's hat from the closet? There's something I've always wanted to do.” Taking the pristine headgear from his son, he led the way out to the backyard.

“Hank, what in the world are you up to?” asked Louisa, completely mystified.

“Be patient, honey, you'll see,” answered Hank, dropping the hat onto the grill. With a flourish, he pulled a pack of wooden matches out of his pocket and set the hat ablaze. “Here's to you, Chief!” he shouted to the sky as flames engulfed the object.

Hank's former crew burst into hysterical laughter. “When does the lightning strike?!?” shouted Chet.

Louisa giggled, leaning against Mike Stoker. “Hank, that was beautiful!” she snorted, overcome with glee. “A perfect tribute!”

Buck stood on the edge of the group, baffled by the hilarity. “Firemen,” he muttered. “What a crazy bunch.” He cleared his throat, capturing everyone's attention. “To the rest of our loved ones: the Johnsons, Andrew Daniels and Clem Rogers, killed in the line of duty, and all those I've forgotten. We will see you all again some day. You're in our hearts and minds. May you rest in peace for eternity.”

“Amen,” murmured the group, sending up silent prayers for their departed friends and family members.

Louisa brushed away her tears, a broad smile lighting up her pretty face. “All right, you guys,” she said quietly. “ Mami always said that death isn't an end, but a new beginning, and that the dead shouldn't be remembered with tears, but with laughter. I, for one, plan to honor that sentiment.” She turned to her family with a grin, her eyes sparkling with laughter.

“Kids, you might not remember this, but your father and I had a tradition that we carried out after each of you were born,” she began, edging towards the house. “A few days after we brought Matthew and Emma home, there was a certain event that began that tradition.” Turning her back to the group, Louisa bent down and picked up the nozzle of the garden hose. Facing her friends and family again, she said, “Anyone up for a good, old-fashioned water fight?” She aimed the hose at Hank, drenching him from head to foot.

“Hey! That water is cold, honey!” gasped Hank, dodging the spray. He grinned widely, suddenly remembering something. “What's a water fight without…………….. mud !” he shouted, throwing a handful at his wife.

“Great shot, Cap!” hollered Chet as the sodden dirt splattered the front of Louisa's dress. He yelped when the young woman sprayed him, soaking his hair and clothing.

“You were saying, Chester ?” grinned Louisa. She dropped the hose and, kicking off her shoes, ran across the lawn to the corral, the Irishman hot on her heels. Hank and the others followed, whooping loudly, gleefully joining in.

Unseen by the mourners, the spirits of Armando and Maria Lopez stood by the children's old jungle gym, smiling in amusement. “You know what I think, querida ?” asked Armando, squeezing his beloved wife's hand.

“What, my love?” answered Maria.

“They're going to be all right,” he replied. “Our family is going to make it through this just fine.”

“Yes, ‘Mando, our whole family,” said Maria.

Louisa stopped suddenly, staring back into the yard. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the misty figures of her parents disappear from view. A soft breeze moved past her cheek, blowing her hair back from her face. A faint whisper reached her ears: “We love you, querida . Be happy.”

“Lou? Honey, are you okay?” asked Hank, seeing the odd look on his wife's face.

“Louisa smiled. “I'm more than okay, Hank. I'm terrific!” she answered, tears welling up in her eyes. “Don't ask me how I know, but Mami and Papi are together now.”

Marco grinned. “So you felt it too, huh, little sister?” he asked.

“Yeah, Marco, I did,” replied his sister.

The End

Disclaimer: I don't own the guys. They are the property of Mark VII and Universal. I've just borrowed them for this story and the other stories in this series. Is this the end of Hank and Louisa's saga? Only time will tell.