Drama In My Life

"Are you Maria? There can't be two as lovely as you. You do have the look of an angel!"

Maria was shocked that this woman knew who she was. "Yes, I am Maria Casey. And you can only be Ellen Lander."

"So you know me? Have you seen, I mean, do you know a man, tall and handsome, that went to sea many years ago? I probably sound crazy, but I must know."

Cathy stepped forward. "Miss Lander, Maria isn't giving out information today. You'll have to excuse us."

Maria knew Cathy was trying to keep the Lander woman from Emerson and loved Cathy for it. She also knew that would solve nothing, only delay it.

"You are asking about Emerson?" Maria asked Ellen.

"Emerson? That would be his name. He seemed like an Emerson. Have you seen him in the past year and a half?" Ellen asked.

"Certainly. We are staying at the same hotel, the Casa Diaz. He is probably there now." Maria answered.

"He is? Is he all right. I mean is his health good?" Ellen was holding Maria's arms as she spoke.

"He is quite well, except for the bullet wound in his shoulder, but that is improving rapidly. It only happened a couple of weeks ago, but he is a fast healer." Maria answered.

"He has been shot again?" Ellen cried.

Carmella had been listening to the conversation and making little sense of it. "Could I ask what is going on? You have completely lost me."

"Mother, this is Ellen Lander. She is as wealthy as she is lovely. She and Emerson seem to go back a ways, and she is obviously anxious to see him again."

Carmella had noticed Maria's softening toward Emerson since their arrival in Santa Fe. It was quite apparent Ellen Lander was not a person with whom Maria felt she wanted to compete. Emerson seemed to have a way of attracting desirable women. She felt some of the emotions her daughter was experiencing and was proud of Maria's control.

Ellen could not contain her pleasure. "I can't believe my good luck. I was hoping I would find him, but I had almost given up. Hearing the name Molly Hernandez brought it all together. That and seeing this beautiful woman." She indicated Maria as she spoke. "Emerson really does have good taste."

"Thank-you so much! I haven't much time so I must go find him. Will I see you at the Ball? We can visit then. There is so much we can share!"

Again it was Cathy that answered. "We'll be there. Maria has promised Emerson a dance. He's really sweet on her you know."

"I sure do! I'll see you there," Ellen answered as she headed back out the door.

"Mother, isn't she beautiful!" Maria whispered to Carmella. "She is a real lady, in every sense."

"She is lovely, but certainly no more so than you. I've seen the way people, especially men, look at you. You are second to no one, and I'm sure Emerson will agree," Carmella responded.

Cathy moved close to Maria. "She does seems to be up on fashion, but you didn't have to make it easy for her to find Emerson. Why did you tell her where to find him?"

"Cathy, you are a wonderful friend, and I appreciate it, believe me. She would have found him sooner or later, and I have no right or reason to keep them apart."

"Well, I sure don't see it that way, but you are probably right. Did you see the heads turn when she went down the street? I think we'll have to work really hard to get ready for the Ball. She said she would be there."

By this time, Carmella and Molly were unable to contain their curiosity. Questions came faster than answers. There was much Cathy and Maria did not know, but were determined to find out.

Ellen Lander went directly to Emerson's hotel after leaving Maria, only to find Emerson was not in. She decided to finish her errands and check back at the hotel afterward.

Later that day, Cathy and Maria volunteered to carry the group's purchases back to their rooms, while the rest continued browsing through the city.

"This trip has been so good for my mother and Molly! They really do need to get away from the ranch now and then. Nancy is really enjoying herself, too. That cattle drive really did turn out well, didn't it?" Maria asked as the two women strolled toward the hotel.

"I should smile! We haven't been able to dress up, or see anything but home for quite some time. We also have a couple of pretty good men interested in us. Who knows how well this will turn out!"

"You are always so optimistic, Cathy. We shouldn't expect too much, or we could be disappointed," Maria cautioned.

"You are always so careful, Maria. I thought you were getting over that. I do expect a lot and I'll do what I can to help make it happen. I'm willing to take the chance. For you, it is practically a done deal. That man worships you."

Maria was smiling at her friend's words as they turned into their hotel. As they entered the lobby, Maria suddenly stopped. Cathy looked to see the cause of Maria's action. In the center of the room, Ellen Lander had her arms around Emerson, kissing him on the lips.

Maria sobbed quietly, turned and left the building. Cathy followed, not knowing what to say. Maria simply kept walking and Cathy worked to stay with her.

Finally, Maria slowed her pace. Cathy saw the tears winding down her cheeks and tried to cheer Maria up. "It doesn't have to be that bad, Maria. They could be friends that haven't seen each other in a long time. Emerson might have been trying to be polite."

"Cathy, don't treat me like a fool, although I am one! We both saw it. He wasn't being polite! What man would be able to resist a woman like that? I was fine on a cattle drive, but in civilization, she wins hands down. I can't compete with a beautiful, rich Anglo!"

Cathy was surprised at the emotion Maria displayed. She began to realize Emerson meant more to Maria than she let on. For one of the few times she could remember, Cathy could think of nothing to say.

Ellen Lander had returned to the hotel to find Emerson in the lobby. With no concern for anyone else in the room, she rushed to him.

"Emerson! That is your name. I am so glad to see you! I was so afraid you didn't make it that day!" With that, careful to avoid his tender shoulder, she wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him.

Emerson was embarrassed but amused at Ellen. "You didn't think I'd stay in that town long after that business, did you? I got back to the ship and we sailed immediately. I know where I'm not welcomed. How is your brother? And your father?"

"Dad is the same as always. I'm leaving today to meet him at one of our mines, but we'll be back for the Ball. I met Maria. She is beautiful!"

"You did? Did she know you? What did she say?" Emerson didn't try to hide his surprise.

"She told me your name and where to find you. I heard the name Molly Hernandez. I knew the ship in port that day was called The Molly Hernandez and that if you lived, you must have left on it. Then I saw a woman I had heard described once by you, and asked if she was Maria. Did I tell you she is beautiful?" Ellen asked.

"Yes, and you are right. It sounds like she knew more than I realized. How is Dan?"

He is doing well. He'll always have a game leg, but after what he went through, we'll live with it. He is running the office in Chicago. He's in love again and engaged to a really nice girl. We owe all that to you." Ellen again gave Emerson a hug as she spoke. "I'm running late. My wagon was supposed to leave an hour ago, but I put it off, looking for you. When I get back we'll have to talk. Dad will want to see you, I'm sure. Are you going to the Ball?"

"That is the plan. Have a good trip and I'll see you when you get back." Emerson realized Ellen still had her arms wrapped around him. People had to notice. Ellen was considered to be a bit of a princess in Santa Fe.

Ellen had no interest in who was watching. Reaching up, she kissed Emerson again. "I'm so glad I found you and you are healthy, and that things are going well with Maria. You deserve it! So long for now, Emerson. Dad will be wondering where I am. I have to leave town, but I'll be back for the Ball. If Maria doesn't mind I would like to have a dance or two with you, Emerson." She turned and left.

Emerson turned to see Bob, Tom, and Billy looking his way, their mouths still open. It was apparent they were impressed with Ellen Lander.

"I assume that was Ellen Lander?" Billy asked. "I guess everything I heard about her was true, and then some. Was that another display of gratitude we just witnessed?"

Emerson had a sheepish smile. "You're exactly right, Billy. Heck, she didn't even know my name before today. She said Maria told her where I could be found."

"How do you become so friendly with someone that doesn't know your name?" questioned Tom. "If we could find a way to market your attraction to the opposite sex, we could be rich."

Emerson laughed. "It is part of the favor I did in South America for Major Reynolds. It's a long story."

"You wouldn't want to go through the things Emerson did to win a woman's affections, believe me," added Billy. "If you gentlemen have the time and care to buy a beer or two, I'll tell you the story."

"Billy, I think that story can wait, if you don't mind. I promised the major I would never connect him with that situation, remember? Just stow it, please."

"Since you put it that way, all right. I still have some good stories, if you gentlemen care to join me for a drink," grinned Billy.

Cathy and Maria wandered the sidewalks for half an hour. Finally, Cathy prevailed upon Maria to return to the hotel.

"I suppose we can go back now. She must have relaxed her grip by this time," Maria pouted.

They saw no one as they returned to their rooms. Maria was depressed and Cathy could not bring her out of it. "I'm going back out to see if I can catch up with the others. Will you go with me, Maria?"

"I wouldn't be good company, as you must realize by now. I'll stay here for awhile, Cathy, thanks. I would appreciate it if you didn't say anything to the others about Emerson and Ellen Lander. I don't want everyone to know how much it hurt. I especially don't want to give that satisfaction to Emerson!"

Later that evening, Maria joined the other women for dinner in the dining room. She was still subdued, but feared she would arouse suspicions if she remained in her room. She was intent on not letting the others know how much Emerson's interest in Ellen Lander distressed her. It became difficult as the evening progressed.

"I bumped into your cousins today, Maria. They seem to think you and Emerson are romantically involved. Are you aware of that and where do you suppose they came up with that idea?" questioned Carmella.

Cathy could hardly contain her laughter as Maria gave her best straight-faced answer.

"Mother, you know how those girls have always been looking for men. They think I am the same. They met Emerson when they were shopping with Cathy and me. They assumed more than there was."

Carmella was looking past Maria as she finished talking. Maria turned her head to see what so interested her mother. Cathy was also looking behind Maria. Cathy's mother and Molly also turned to look.

Maria could not believe her eyes when she saw Jake and his brother Eli, approaching her table.

"Hello, Mam. We stopped to get some dinner. When Eli saw you he thought it would be impolite not to say hello. It's good to see you made it to Santa Fe. How is your husband feeling? Is his shoulder healing okay?"

Cathy raised a napkin to her face to hide her laughter as Maria answered Jake's question.

"He is much better, thank-you. He was here somewhere. You can check around if you really want to see him. Or simply wait. He should be eating dinner before too long." Maria was aware the others were totally confused, but Jake and Eli still frightened her and she knew they would never bother her if they felt Emerson was around.

"I didn't think he would be very far from you. I could tell the other day the way he watched you all the time that he was the jealous type. He probably worried about Eli and me, being so good lookin' and all." Jake's eyes were all over Maria as he spoke.

"Yes, he is very jealous. His shoulder was hurt fighting with men that had insulted me. They will not bother any more ladies, if you know what I mean," Maria replied. "It may be best if he doesn't see you talking with me. His temper can be so difficult to control!"

"I guess I understand, Mam. We sure don't want to shoot it out with him! I heard it was the Gustin bunch that winged him," Jake added. "He took care of Tuleya and Miller! We'll steer clear."

The brothers tipped their hats and retreated across the room to a corner table. They took seats that allowed them both the opportunity to watch Maria's table.

Cathy had tears streaming down her cheeks and Carmella was laughing as well. The others were smiling. "I think those two like you, Maria. Did you see the way they looked at you? It sure is a great time for you husband to be off somewhere with those cowboys. Your heart could be stolen by Eli!" Cathy teased.

"Cathy, it wasn't funny. We met them on the trail. I told them we were married. Emerson was weak and I didn't like the way they looked at me. I thought they would be less likely to bother me if they thought I was married. You saw how they were!"

Molly smiled at Maria. "I like that idea. You would make a wonderful daughter-in-law!"

"Thanks, Molly. That is a compliment, but I wouldn't count on anything. I have several suitors and I am certain Emerson enjoys the company of more than a few women."

It was at that moment that Emerson entered the dining room with Tom, Bob, and Billy. He noticed Jake and Eli immediately and stopped at Maria's table.

"I see the dirt brothers are here. Have they bothered you, Maria?"

Maria's coldness surprised him. "It isn't necessary for you to concern yourself about me. I can handle my own problems."

Carmella looked at Maria, then turned a questioning glance to Cathy. Cathy managed a slight shrug of her shoulders and Carmella nodded.

"It's a good thing you got here, Emerson. Your 'wife' was being sweet talked by that Jake fellow. He seems to think you are all that stands in his way of winning Maria." Carmella was determined not to let Maria drive Emerson away. She didn't know why Maria was so curt with him, but had been around Maria enough to know it wouldn't last.

Carmella smiled at Emerson as she spoke and nodded at the brothers seated in the far corner. She watched understanding wash across his face. He reddened and laughed. "I guess they did talk to you! It is so hard to keep a secret in this country. Deceit always comes back to haunt you, doesn't it?"

Again Emerson was surprised by Maria. "That is a good thing for you to keep in mind, although you should be accustomed to it by now."

"Maria, have they been bothering you? I can go over and talk to them."

"Emerson, I'm afraid Cathy and my mother have a strange sense of humor. Jake merely asked how my husband was feeling and these two made a big deal of it. I explained how the story seemed a good idea at the time. I know now it was a mistake."

Emerson was unsure why Maria was so cold toward him, but he knew it would be wise to remove himself from her company. "Ladies, enjoy your dinner. I'll join the sorry looking collection of misfits at that table and attempt to elevate their existence. Excuse me."

It was on the fourth night of their stay, and two nights before the ball, that Maria brought a gentleman to dinner. He was a tall, handsome man around thirty. He dressed the part of a fine gentleman, with a dark suit and a fancy, ruffled shirt.

She had been sitting in the hotel lobby when a handsome stranger approached her. He displayed a wide smile with fine white teeth. "Would you be offended if I took this seat near you?" he had asked. "I'm certain a woman as beautiful as you is constantly beset by admirers."

Maria was still brooding about Emerson and Ellen Lander. The attention of the good-looking stranger lifted her spirits. "Thank-you, sir. You are very kind. You are welcomed to sit near me."

The rest of the day passed swiftly as the stranger engaged her in a long and varied conversation. He introduced himself as Michael Estrada. His stories were interesting and his attention flattering. Maria found herself laughing and enjoying herself for the first time since she had seen Ellen Lander with Emerson.

It seemed natural to invite him to dine with her, and he was quick to accept. To herself, Maria was thinking what a good lesson it would be for Emerson. He wasn't the only one found attractive by the opposite sex. The idea of him being jealous appealed to Maria.

Maria introduced him to the gathering. "This is Michael Estrada, from southern New Mexico, not far from the border. He is in Santa Fe on business and is going to stay for the ball."

Emerson worked at keeping a poker face. The others all seemed to glance his way, judging his reaction. Emerson offered Estrada his hand. "It's a pleasure, sir." Emerson winced as the man shook his hand vigorously.

Maria felt a moment of remorse as she realized Emerson's shoulder was still tender. "Michael, this is Emerson. He was shot in the shoulder a couple of weeks ago and is still sore, so please be careful." She then introduced him to the rest of her friends in the room.

The rest of the dinner was spent listening to Estrada's accounts of his amazing life and experiences. Emerson found his mind wandering as the dandy went on about the things he had seen and done. Emerson had seen men like that before, full of themselves and not interested in others. Before too long, Pat, Billy, Miguel and Emerson were carrying on their own conversation, allowing Michael the opportunity to dazzle the ladies.

Normally, the men would linger over coffee and dessert, but this dinner ended abruptly, with the men retiring to the hotel bar. Pat Casey chuckled as he sipped a beer. "That dude is still talking in there! I haven't met a man as impressed with himself in some time. I sure hope I don't see much of him."

The rest laughed. They all held both Maria and Emerson in high regard and were careful to avoid any insulting comments. Emerson had judged the man to be mostly talk and little else. He found himself hoping Maria didn't find him too interesting, though he felt it was unlikely. She was a sharp girl, not easily fooled.

After that evening, Estrada was constantly at Maria's side. He had become an intense suitor and Maria appeared pleased with his attention. Others were less impressed.

The next day saw a conspiracy, of sorts, as Emerson and Billy decided to eat an hour early and avoid Maria's new friend. Billy mentioned it to Bob in the early afternoon, and soon after Emerson sat down with Billy to eat, Bob came in to join them. It wasn't long before Cathy and Tom pulled up chairs at the table. Emerson had to smile when he saw his family enter with Cathy's parents. Ernie Hooker even made an early appearance. He was a quiet man and said nothing as he sat down, but Emerson thought he looked a little bit sheepish. Soon the conversation was flowing and everyone was enjoying the meal.

"I'm sure my father would be with us if he had stayed," Tom offered. "Before he left, he told me that talkers like Estrada are what made him decide to leave Denver for Morgantown. Dad had as much vacation as he has had in years. He was anxious to get back and make sure the bank was still there."

Cathy was smiling as she sat next to Tom. Their friendship seemed to be developing into something more, Emerson observed to himself. He felt good about that. He really enjoyed them both.

"Pat Casey was fit to be tied when he heard we were going to eat an hour early," Cathy laughed. "I felt like I should explain to him why we were, so he wouldn't be angry that we left Carmella and him out. He told me I didn't have to tell him why, he had thought of doing the same, but was afraid of Maria."

"In our travels, Emerson and I have seen that kind a lot," Billy offered. "He talks a storm, but when the chips are down men like that aren't anywhere to be found. Maria must be going deaf by now. How can she put up with that four-flusher?"

Again, the group laughed. It was an enjoyable meal. Everyone was careful to finish before the Casey family arrived.

"I hope Maria gets the message," Cathy stated as everyone was leaving. "I can't understand what she sees in that dude." Then she added, "Unless, it's that he pays attention to her, unlike some others I know." She looked at Emerson as she spoke.

A short while later Maria and Michael were seated with Carmella and Pat at the table. That no one else had arrived yet seemed strange. After a few more minutes Maria commented on it.

"I wonder where everyone is? It isn't like them all to be late for dinner. I hope there isn't a problem. I saw Cathy and Tom this afternoon and everything seemed fine."

"Actually, they already ate," Carmella told Maria. "There was something they wanted to do and had to be there at this time. Cathy spoke to your father and me about it. We can have a nice family dinner this evening."

By this time, Michael had launched into an incredible account of a battle he had been in with several desperadoes. He seemed oblivious to the fact that his dinner audience had diminished greatly.

Maria looked at her mother and realization gradually crept over her. She became angry. Anyone that was her friend should accept Michael, she thought. They must not be her friends. As the dinner wore on she noticed her father squirm, like a small boy. He was not enjoying himself, either.

Maria knew her father would not criticize anyone she was interested in. He would do anything to make her happy. Listening to Michael carry on could be tiring, she admitted to herself. He was consumed with himself. Most of his stories seemed incredible.

Maria found herself comparing Michael to Emerson. She had found herself doing that often and it irritated her. Why did everyone have to measure up to Emerson? Emerson had been all over the world, but only talked about it when asked. He was a terror in any kind of a fight. She had seen that. Still he never bragged about it. Women were attracted to him, but he wasn't vain. As Michael droned on, Maria knew that she would not see him again. She wasn't enjoying him either. He had simply been a diversion. He was handsome and she had enjoyed the attention, but she admitted, she really didn't like being with him. The others were right.

When dinner was finished, Michael suggested they take a stroll around the city as they had done the previous evening. Complaining of a headache, Maria asked Michael to walk her to her room.

A short time later her mother knocked on the door. "Maria, can I get you anything?" she asked.

Maria went to the door and opened it. "Come in, Mother. I feel fine. It's just that Michael was driving me crazy. Why didn't you tell me everyone thought he was a bore? It's quite embarrassing."

"Maria, no one can tell you who to like or not to like. That is why you spend time with many people. Eventually, you find some one with the traits you like. Finding a man is difficult because they are reluctant to let you see them as they are, at least before it is too late."

"Mother, what happens if you find someone and they don't like you? That can happen."

"Maria, if they don't like you as you are, you are better off without them, no matter how wealthy or handsome they are." Carmella answered. "I doubt a girl like you would have that problem."

Maria began to sob and her mother took her in her arms. "Mother, I seem to have it. I say and do the wrong things all the time. I can't be polite and charming when I am with him. What is wrong with me?"

Carmella was surprised and touched by her daughter's confession. She had grown into such an independent and popular young women, that Carmella never suspected Maria wasn't in complete control of her emotions and her life.

"Dear, if you say and do what you feel is right, there will be no problem. You are a beautiful and popular young woman. I know of no young man that is immune to your charms. You have to be patient. You also have to risk being hurt. When you give your heart, there is a chance the person you love can cause you pain. You have to decide if it is worth it." Carmella continued, "I have hurt your father and he has broken my heart a few times, but the love we share has made it worthwhile."

"I just feel so awkward, like a little girl with her first crush," Maria said. "I am so afraid to admit I like him, even to myself. I have done everything imaginable to make him dislike me. I feel foolish."

Carmella smiled at Maria, "That sounds like love, and I can assure you he does not dislike you. I don't think he could."

"You didn't see him with Ellen Lander! She was shameless, kissing him in the hotel lobby. He wasn't complaining any either. I can't compete with a beautiful, wealthy Anglo."

"Maria, listen to yourself! I never felt I was less than anyone else because I was Spanish! Quite the opposite. I'm proud of it. If someone is foolish enough to feel that way, it is their problem. I can assure you Emerson thinks the world of you, and you know it. I'm growing tired of your excuses and fears. You have been breaking that man's heart the past few days. Now I know why. Jealousy! Maria, I doubt there is a woman in the world that could take Emerson from you, unless you drive him away."

Emerson was awakened by a knocking on his door. He pulled on his pants and opened the door slightly. Bob, Tom. and Billy were standing in the hall.

"If you are having trouble sleeping you could play cards or something. Why did you wake me up?" asked Emerson.

Billy spoke for the group. "Emerson, get dressed. There is something we think you should know."

Billy would not tell Emerson any more until he was dressed and going out the hotel door with the others.

"Bob and I were out checking some of the night spots and we came across that damn Michael drinking with some of his cronies at a cantina a few blocks down. I want you to hear what he is saying. We got Tom up just in case."

Emerson looked at Billy. "What are you telling me? Is there going to be trouble?"

Billy answered, "Emerson, knowing you and how you feel, I would say there will be! When we get there don't let on you know Spanish."

They reached the cantina and took a table. Nearby was Michael, drinking with some men. He was as talkative as usual. The men he sat with were not what Emerson would call model citizens.

In English, they asked the bartender to bring four beers. Michael looked at Emerson's group and addressed Emerson in Spanish. Emerson smiled and waved. Michael laughed and spoke to his friends. He was calling Emerson every bad name he could think of. All the time he was laughing. If Emerson hadn't known Spanish, he never would have guessed Michael's meaning.

The group sitting at Michael's table glanced at Emerson's table and laughed. They were having a good time at Emerson's expense.

"This is no reason to get me out of bed." Emerson told his friends in a quiet voice. "He doesn't like me. I could have lived with that, and even slept through it. Let's finish our beers and get out of here."

"Just sit still and listen," Billy replied softly. "We didn't drag you down here for nothing!"

There was a good sized crowd, Emerson noted. It appeared to be cantina frequented by many of the locals. Emerson recognized several men he had seen working in several of the businesses he had visited in the past several days.

"Men," Emerson told the group. "I am going when I finish this beer. That dude can call me anything he likes. I am not going to fight with a friend of Maria's."

Bob adamantly told Emerson, "He sure isn't her friend!"

At that moment, Emerson heard Michael use Maria's name, and quite loudly. He turned his attention to Michael. Emerson felt his face glow as he listened to Maria's handsome suitor carry on. Suddenly, Emerson stood, sending his chair backward. The noise attracted the attention of the group at Estrada's table.

Emerson, in Spanish, spoke to Estrada. "You are a liar! You are lower than any dog! Tell everyone that you lie."

Michael had heard Emerson was tough, but his friends were with him and Emerson, he knew, had a bad right shoulder. Slowly Michael stood, and as he did so, he produced a knife.

Billy, Tom, and Bob were on their feet behind Emerson. Soon Michael's allies were standing as well.

Billy spoke to his friends. "This is Emerson's play, unless the others want to join in. Stand ready!"

Emerson stood still as Michael shifted the knife from one hand to the other. His sneer indicated he felt little concern for Emerson's ability to defend himself.

Tom spoke, "Billy, Emerson doesn't have a gun and only one good arm! We'd better help him!"

"Hold your ground." Billy replied. "Emerson can handle this tinhorn. If he needs or wants help he'll let us know."

At that moment, Estrada made a lunge for Emerson. Emerson stepped to his left, and tried to deflect the knife hand. Emerson's sore shoulder betrayed him. He was too slow. Estrada's knife sank into Emerson's shoulder not far from his recent bullet wound. Emerson gasped in pain, and then reached across his body and grabbed Michael's knife hand with his left. He then pulled it down and brought it behind Estrada in one quick move. Everyone in the room heard the bone in Estrada's arm break and the knife rattle on the floor..

Estrada began whimpering, like a hurt child. His friends stood where they were, surprised at the swift and brutal outcome. Estrada had sat down again, clutching his arm.

"Now, I want you to speak the truth. How well to you know Maria?" Emerson demanded.

"We are only friends. I have done nothing more than kiss her hand. She will be furious when she hears that you broke my arm," Michael whined.

Still in Spanish, Emerson grimly stated, "She may be, but if I ever hear you defame Maria in any way, I'll take that knife you like so well and cut out your heart."

With that Emerson turned and walked out the door. His friends, alert for any trouble, followed.

On the way back to the hotel, Emerson spoke to his comrades. "I appreciate what you fellows did. Now, I ask that you don't speak of this to anyone. Maria doesn't need to hear what that scum was saying."

"We won't have to talk if we don't get that bleeding stopped," Billy answered. "Maria will be able to read it in your obituary."

Returning to his room, Emerson stripped off his bloody shirt. Billy arrived with some cloths and began working on the cut. After cleaning it, Billy produced some flour and applied it to the oozing wound. As the group watched, the bleeding diminished and finally stopped. Next, Billy applied bandages to the wound.

"I think we have it, but I was worried. Emerson, how did he ever stick you?"

"I forgot my shoulder was stiff. I was too slow, and he was quick. Aren't you going to stitch me up, Billy?"

"Not with this one. It is pretty deep. You'll have to heal from the inside out. It will drain for a few days. This is going to leave a bad scar, not that it will be the first."

Bob had been watching and listening to the two friends. "You two act like you've been through this kind of thing a lot."

"I've been patching this hombre for years now. I guess it is getting to be a habit. Emerson, what are you going to tell Maria about this?" Billy asked.

"I'll keep this cut to myself. If it bothers me everyone will think it is the old bullet wound. The rest is up to Estrada. I'll see what he comes up with. I doubt it will be the truth."

Tom asked, "Emerson, I'll go along with what you say. I just wonder why you don't want to tell Maria what really happened?"

"Tell her what her beau was saying about her in a cantina full of people? I'd rather she never learns that story. I came close to using his knife on him. I knew she'd never forgive me if I did.."

"I think we have had enough excitement for the night. It's late and tomorrow is the Ball. Let's get out of here and let Emerson sleep. I can use some myself," concluded Billy.

Maria was preparing for breakfast, when she heard a knock on her door. She opened it to find Michael, his arm in a sling, standing in the hall.

"What happened to you?" asked Maria.

Michael spent the next ten minutes explaining to Maria how his arm had been broken. He had been attacked by Emerson while playing cards with a few friends in a local cantina. Emerson seemed to be in a jealous rage and may have been drinking as well. Michael knew Maria thought highly of Emerson and refused to fight. Emerson grabbed his arm and jerked it around behind him and broke it before his friends could intervene.

Emerson slept little that night. His pain had been constant and at times he ran a fever. He had never been so glad to see the sun come up. Slowly he dressed and went down for breakfast. His shoulder was extremely sore and he was unable to move it even slightly with out shuddering in pain. Still he had to eat . Over the years, Emerson had learned that food and water were essentials to a man that had lost blood.

Entering the dining room, Emerson saw that most of the people from Morgantown were already there. Billy, Bob, and Tom all watched him closely as he walked to the nearest table. With great effort, Emerson greeted everyone. No one seemed to notice anything different so he felt he was masking his pain quite well. Before he was able to sit, Ellen Lander and her father came through the doorway.

Beaming, Ellen led her father to Emerson's table. "Father couldn't believe I had found you here in Santa Fe. We got in late last night and he insisted on paying you a visit as soon as possible." Having said that, Ellen reached up and gave Emerson a quick kiss.

Before Emerson could even blush, Charlie Lander's big hand was extended to him. Emerson smiled, "Sir, it is a pleasure to see you, but I have to use my left hand . My right shoulder is pretty stiff."

"Ellen mentioned you had been shot again, son. That seems to be a common occurrence for you. I've waited a year and a half to thank you for getting Dan out of that hellhole. Reynolds said you were the man for the job, but I had some doubts. By the time it was over, I realized I had underestimated you, but not as bad as those thugs in San Cristol did!"

Emerson saw the rest of the room was watching this meeting and felt self-conscious. Maria's mother looked puzzled, as did his own mother. This was going to take some explaining, he realized.

Suddenly Maria entered the room and recognized Ellen standing alongside Emerson. She thought she could never be any more upset than she was after Michael's visit. She had been wrong! Maria's fury was complete as she marched up to Emerson.

Carmella had witnessed Ellen's kiss and familiarity with Emerson from her table. She understood that it was friendship and not romance, and felt relief for Maria. Then as her daughter entered the room, Carmella knew Maria did not see it that way. Maria strode up to Emerson before Carmella could catch her eye or in any way signal her.

Maria approached Emerson and he stood his ground, knowing Maria was angry and guessing it involved Estrada..

"I would like to ask you a couple of questions, if I may?" Maria asked in a formal tone.

"Of course, Maria," Emerson responded. "Could we talk some place more private?"

"I want my parents, and yours, to hear what you say!" Maria answered hotly. "I'd like your rich girlfriend to hear it as well! Did you fight with Michael last night? Was it in some cantina, late at night? Was my name used? Did you threaten to cut his heart out?"

Carefully, Emerson framed his response. Clearly, Maria was very angry. "The answer to those questions is yes, but I would like to speak in private with you. It isn't as damning as it looks."

"I have heard enough! What gives you the right to beat a man because he is a suitor of mine? Who do you think you are? I am not a gun or saddle that you can buy, own, or claim! How could you do this? Especially when you already have a lover?" Maria demanded.

"I can't say anymore, not here. I ask that you trust my judgment in this, Maria. You are mistaken about several things. Please wait until you learn everything before you do anything rash," Emerson, aware of the others, almost pleaded.

"Why should I?" Maria replied, her emotions barely in control.

Emerson looked into Maria's eyes for a few seconds, then gave his answer. "I would say that if you have to ask, there is no reason." He turned to the others. "I apologize for this. It is my fault and I hope it doesn't ruin your breakfast."

Maria was furious. Her temper took on a life of its own. "You apologize for me? You have some nerve!" At a loss for more words, Maria's hands closed into fists and she moved close and began to hammer Emerson's chest. Emerson realized Maria was venting her frustration and her blows lacked power. Calmly he weathered Maria's blows.

Having her that close to him always had its effect. He watched her face as various emotions swept through her. Her nostrils flared, like a thoroughbred, and her breathing was rapid. Even in her anger, she was the most beautiful creature Emerson had ever seen.

Maria knew she had allowed her emotions to lie exposed for the entire room to see, and felt ashamed. This man that meant so much to her belonged to another woman, and she had played the fool in front of family and friends. When she looked into Emerson's face, Maria felt that old pull. Why was he looking at her that way with Ellen standing beside him? Anger again controlled her. Suddenly Maria remembered Emerson's bullet wound. It was pretty much healed, but had to still be sensitive. Suddenly, her left fist smashed into Emerson's shoulder at the location of the wound she had tended to for so many hours on the trail.

He would have trouble ignoring that blow! He deserved some pain after all he had caused her. She would enjoy seeing him suffer. He had brought enough to her.

The entire room was captivated by the scene playing out before them. When Maria struck Emerson on his bad shoulder, the spectators were amazed at the results. Emerson groaned and went down as if he had been shot. He was stretched out on the floor with Maria standing over him, fists still clenched.​