~F~ New World

[sanne]

Humble bow to Regina: yes ma'am.......

Sanne

[lucymalta]

Love the story Regina - but you'd think that between us and Diamond, they'd all be satisfied....

Lucy

[emschld]

Never happen Lucy. I got that next chapter done. Hope you guys like the action I put in it.
As always enjoy.

Year 4 Month 9

The other men turned their horses away from the fence and trotted out about 40 feet and turned back to the fence, they all looked one to another and charged the fence. As Eric’s mount went over the fence he yelled “Yippy.” As the men joined Horatio and Lightning on the other side Frank shook a finger at Horatio. “Next fence we are finding a gate. I know I saw Capt Rabb almost do a lift off from the saddle. H- -l he ain’t use to this mode of transportation.” To this the captain replied. “Well I have flown an F-14 before I became the captain of the Enterprise.”

H looked down at the ground and put his sunglasses back on and tilted his head. “It seems we are all still seated in the saddle so let’s move out. Twomoons which way did they go?” Twomoons pointed in the direction that the Borden family was last known to have a campsite. As Twomoons took point the big cat began to pad quickly in the direction of the Borden campsite. One could almost hear the cat yelling for the blood of the one who had hurt his mistress. The cat’s chirps and hissing were audible to the entire group.

“We better get there before that big cat of yours Horatio. I do think he will make quick work of that group.” Tripp told his friend. They continued on in silence for about 5 miles.

As the group of men came to the last hill before the campsite they heard gun fire. They spurred their mounts forward. As they got over the hill they heard the growls of the cat and the screaming of Ma Borden was very audible. “Watch out that cat its fast.” They saw Twomoons on the ground with a bullet in his leg. His horse lay beside him. It too had a bullet in him. As the others rained their mounts in they realized that the gun fire had stopped because the Borden’s were occupied with one very big angry tom cat named Lightning. “Rabb, take care of Twomoons and his mount. Eric, Frank with me.” They drew their glocks at the same time. H pointed to his left for Eric and to his right for Frank. Both men went into position and the three moved quickly to the tent. When they got there both Ma and Pa Borden lay on the ground with slashes across their bodies. The three children were in a corner with the big cat taking very slow steps toward them and growling very low and threatening.

As Horatio, Eric and Frank entered the tent Ma Borden yelled. “That cats a killer. He came in here and killed my husband and now he wants to kill my babies. Shoot him before he hurts my babies.” She was pointing at the Lightning as she yelled at Horatio.

Horatio looked took one look at her and she did not say another word. As he walked up beside Lightning he spoke ever so softly spoke to the cat. “Easy boy, we will take it from here. Now go out side and wait for me.” The cat chirped at Horatio and turned and walked out. As he passed Ma Borden he hissed and spit at her. She in turn cowered back further from him.

H having never lowered his gun or taken his eyes off the three younger Borden children said. “You want to surrender or would you like to try putting a knife in me?” The three were clearly as scarred of Horatio as they were of the big cat, and with good reason. The look in Horatio’s eye was just on this side of controlled. It would not take much to push him to the other side. Before they could answer Frank and Eric were beside him. “Come on buddy let’s get some rope and tie these hoodlums up and take them back for trial.” Frank told his good friend Horatio. “I’ll go hitch up that wagon of theirs so’s we can get them back to town.”

Ma Borden yelled at the three men. “Put my babies on trial, but you wont kill that cat for doing my man in? What kind of people are you?” Eric swung around and looked at her as he yelled. “Shut the f- -k up. Your lucky we don’t believe in vigilantly justice.”

Frank got a wicked grin on his face. “Of course Capt. Rabb was a lawyer we could appoint him judge and with H being the mayor and all, we could carry out the sentence right now. Save on having to lock you people up and feed ya till the trial.”

The three kids were marched outside the tent and searched by Eric and Frank. Horatio did not take his gun off them until they were tied up and in the wagon for transportation. He then went back inside and checked Pa and Ma Borden. Ma had been right the big cat had slashed the man’s throat with his big paw. He had put a large gash across her face and down her right arm. Her wounds were superficial and Eric had applied a bandage.

“We are ready to put her on the cart and transport the whole bunch back to town. We have this under control here. Go home to Kate, she needs you know.” He stood up and slapped his old boss on the back. “Go home H, she needs you there.” Horatio bowed his head and shook it up and down. “Your right, I’m going. I have the evidence in my saddle bag Come by and get it after you lock them up.”

He walked out of the tent and went straight to Dragon. He looked down at the big tawny colored cat and said. “Let’s go home boys; I am tired of this game. I want to see Kate.” He turned Dragon back towards their home and began to walk Dragon down the trail. Then the stallion began to pick up speed with each step until he was at a flat out run. It was as if all three of them wanted to get back to Kate as fast as possible.

[Lian]

ALRIGHT LIGHTNING...good boy...love that kitty cat...love this chapter too.

Lian

[lucymalta]

Yeah.... Go Lightning....

Lucy

[sanne]

Good boy Lightning......Not really a cat-lover (I'm more for dogs) but I loooove this one.

Sanne

[emschld]

thou cheetahs are in the cat family they have many of the dog family qualities.

Regina

[emschld]

I finished the next chapter. As always enjoy

Year 4 Month 9 (latter in the day)

When the boys got back Alexx had gotten me moved into the house. She and Glenn, her husband; had spent all that time sewing me back up. The gash was 6 inches and started with a deep entry wound of 2 inches. As the blade came out it was drug across my chest. No vital organs had been hit but I wouldn’t be playing the violin for some time. They were still working on me when Horatio and Lightning came in the back door. There were so quite a few people there and as soon as Horatio rode up someone offered to take Dragon and give him a good rub down and put him in his stall.

As Horatio went into the house people stepped aside for him and Lightning. Ryan was standing outside our bedroom door and one look at H caused him to grown inwardly. His color that which was pale to begin with was even more so. His eyes were sunken back into his head and he looked as if he had aged 10 years. He had the evidence bag in his hand. Without saying a word he handed it to Ryan. Ryan nodded that he knew what it was and what to do with it. As he looked down at the big cat he saw that his front paws were covered with blood and dirt. “Lightning wasn’t hurt was he?” Horatio looked down at the big tawny colored cat. “No. He put in his licks with the Borden family. They gave up after he showed them we meant business.” H’s hand rested on the cat’s head as he spoke the cat’s eyes turned to his master and he began to purr. “Frank, Eric and Rabb are bringing them back by wagon. They shot Twomoons in the leg and hit his horse. We had to put it down. Mrs. Borden will need medical aid. Mr. Borden didn’t make it. Lightning took him out when he shot Twomoons.”

It was at this moment that Calleigh came out of our son’s room. She took one look at her former boss and good friend and threw her arms around him hugging him as hard as she could. “Horatio, we are here to do what ever needs to be done.” As she said that she saw her husband hold up the evidence bag. “Ryan and I will take that to the lab and log it in.” She gave her big southern smile. “Just like old times.”

“Not quite.” Horatio whispered as he looked over Calleigh’s head at our bedroom door. He released Calleigh and straightened up. Then he turned to address the people that were in his home wanting to help.

“Every one is entitled to a speedy trail. We will need a lawyer for the Borden family and I am sure there will be no shortage of people that want to be the prosecuting attorney. We will look at anyone who is qualified. We’ll need a place to keep them during the trail.” At that point someone in the rear of the living room yelled. “Smoot’s pig farm has an empty pen.” Every one laughed at this, except Horatio. It would be a long time before he laughed again. “We will keep the community posted on Kate’s condition, but I think that we should ask that you all return to your homes. Or go to town and see if there is anything needed there to prepare for the trail.”

People began to shuffle out the doors and wish Horatio and Kate luck. But many did not leave; they just stood out in the yard and waited to hear of my condition. Some of the women that were there were crying.

Horatio turned to Ryan and Calleigh and took a deep breath. “I need to feed Lightning. Can you get me a goat or lamb and put it in his hunting pen? He deserves a nice fat one for all his work today. Maybe I can get Lin Woo to make him a stake of strawberry pancakes.” The big cat licked his lips at the precise moment making Horatio smile at him. “Good cat.” Ryan reached over and scratched the big cat’s ear and received a lick for his kindness. “I’ll go get him the fattest one in the flock.” He then left the house.

Horatio went to a closet in the hall and got a blanket and pillow. He walked down the hall to our bedroom door. He sat down on the floor put the pillow down and as he pulled the blanket over him, he lay down in front of the door. He knew that he was tired to the point of exhaustion and he wanted to be the first person that Alexx spoke to when she came out of the bedroom. Lightning padded up to Horatio and lie down beside him and put his head on his chest. There would be no one allowed out or in without the two of them knowing it.

Calleigh went into the kitchen to find Lin Woo and tell her that they would be needing a lot of coffee when H woke up. She found Lin Woo cooking in the kitchen and crying as she cooked. “This valley has now been stained with bad people.”

Ryan got back with a big fat billy goat for Lightning and had put it in the hunting pen. He went into the house by the back door and was assailed by the aroma of food and coffee. He looked at his wife who was helping Lin Woo; he smiled because she was rarely in the kitchen these days. He walked up behind her and put his arms around her and buried his lips in the nap of her neck. He handed a bag to Lin Woo. “Strawberries, to make pancakes for Lightning.” Lin Woo smiled and took the bag. “I make for cat. He very good cat.”

It was at this same time that Alexx opened the bedroom door. Lightning jumped up and Horatio was up almost as quickly. He looked at Alexx and Glenn; Alexx put her hand on his cheek as she spoke to him. “We were lucky. She is a strong woman. We did inside as well as outside stitching. This way the muscles will be able to heal correctly. She is weak but she is going to make it. You can go in but she is still out.”

Horatio didn’t wait for anything else. He was in the room with his blanket and pillow. He looked at me and then threw his pillow on the floor and lay down. Alexx watched him and when she saw that he was going to sleep she started to shut the door. Then she heard the chip of Lightning behind her. She turned and looked at the big cat. “You know I don’t like you in a patience room, but this time I will make an exception because they both need to be looked after.” She stepped aside and let the cat go in and then she shut the door.

[Lian]

WOW...this epi left me with goosebumps...such a devoted husband...you really gotta love this man...and his cat.
brilliant Regina.

Lian

[sanne]

great Regina, absolutely wonderfull

Sanne

[iluvcsi]

wow, I completely agree with Lian and sanne....

awesome chapter....what a guy.....dreaming..

Chris

[lucymalta]

Oh my - we need more of him.... CHRIS - any clones left - or do you need more stem cells...?

Lucy

[Horatio Caine]

Sigh........ *daydreaming*

Manon

[emschld]

Manon this was just for your daydreaming. I hope that everyone else enjoys it as well. I enjoyed writing it because I would kill to have a man like Kate has.

Year 4 Month 9 (Five Days Later)

All the way in to town Mrs. Borden kept ranting and raving about how that cat should be shot because it attached her and her family for no good reason. Finally Capt Rabb found something to gag her with. He had told her repeatedly to be quite until she talked with a lawyer. After he put the gag on her he said. “I am doing this for your own good. You have been read your rights and your ranting could be held against you when you are brought to trail.” When they pulled into the town square there was a crowd of angry people that had ropes and tar and feathers. Lucky for the Borden family that there was a Marine detail there and Capt Rabb ordered them to take charge of the prisoners. He then called for a chopper to take them to the Enterprise and be put in the brig. He told Tripp and Eric that they would be safer on the ship than here in town. To this Tripp answered. “Wished that cat of Horatio’s had done a little more clean up before we got there. My ears are still ringing from that woman’s constant nagging.”

Not only was New Hope in an uproar over the evil that had crept into our community but New Washington and the sub-communities. Horatio and I were two of the most popular people in our new society. It was a few days after the attack before I come completely out of the drugs to even recognize my hearts desire. But he had not only lost weight but his face had that haunted look of one who had gone to the brink of death and stood watching too long. As he stood at my bed side I realized he had not left it sense Alexx had let him and Lightning in.

“Hey there.” I said to him. He looked at me for a long moment then bent down and gentle brushed his lips across mine. “I won’t break, you know.” At that point he took me in his arms and held me close to him for what seemed like an eternity. I heard a sob from him and realized how little he had really slept in the last few days. With that thought in my mind I asked. “Where have you been sleeping? You smell like Lightning after he has hunted for two days.” Horatio smiled and looked down at the floor beside the bed. There was Lightning’s bedding and Horatio’s pillow and blanket. “For goodness sakes!” I exclaimed. We both looked at each other. And to him I said. “IF you will go take a bath I will allow you to sleep in bed beside me.” He started to say something. I continued with. “Alexx can just go spit in the wind. You are in need of a soft bed and a lot of TLC from me.” He gathered me in his arms again and hugged me to him. As I ran my fingers threw his golden red hair I realized how dull it was and in need of washing. “The hair too partner. Wash it as well.” I ran my hand over his chin. “Yep! You need to shave too.”

He started to get up and go do as I had instructed him to do and I stopped him. “Wait.” He stopped and looked at me. “Did you go mute while I was out? And who has been taking care of Matthew?” He smiled at me and took my hand when he answered. “No I did not go mute and Matthew is with Eric & Natalia.” His voice was low and husky when he spoke. I tugged at his hand when he again started to leave. He turned and smiled at me again and it seemed that the smile caused him to shed some of the darkness that had fallen on him like a mantel the day that I was attacked. “Eat something. I know that you made sure Lightning ate now go put something in yourself.” He bent down and kissed my cheek. “I will do all that you have asked of me my dear heart.” And he walked quickly from the room.

As he left Alexx came in. She was shaking her head and smiling. “You get our boy to go change his clothes and take a bath?” I smiled at her question. “How bad was it Alexx?” She looked at me for a moment with that gentle smile of hers. “We had some touch and go with you due to an infection. But Rabb found some antibiotics somewhere and we were able to get it under control.” She looked at the floor and then at the closed door. “He hasn’t left this room sense we finished sewing you up. OH! He made sure that Lightning, Dragon and Matthew were taken care of but he has had no other contact with anyone outside this room. He would talk with Calleigh, Ryan, Eric, Tripp, and Rabb about what needed to be done to prepare for the trail but he would not leave the room nor would I allow anyone else in.” She looked about the room. “His whole world reduced down to this room for the past five days. He drank coffee and tea only after Lin Woo told him she would have me put a tube down his throat if he did not do as she told him in this.” Alexx paused. “I don’t think anyone else could have gotten him to eat or drink but her. She has become like his mother.” We talked for awhile longer as Alexx took my vitals.

As she was about to leave I called her back. “Have that bedding removed please. And I have told H that he is to sleep in the bed with me.” Alex looked at me for a moment. “Honey, I was about to ask if you thought you could stand to have company in that bed at night. He is in need of your love to pull him back.” Tears began to roll down her beautiful face. “I thought that if we lost you we would lose him too. He has lost so much in the past to bad people I don’t think he could have endured losing you to them as well.” I held up my right hand with my index finger in the air. She looked at me with a questioning look and I asked. “When do I get something to eat?” She laughed. “I’ll get Lin Woo fix you and H something. Nothing but liquid for both of you for a while.” She then left.

I wasn’t left alone. As she went out Lin Woo came in with a tray. She sat it down on the night stand. “First you eat broth.” She held up a small boll of stemming broth. “Then I give you bed bath.” I smiled at her and replied. “OK.” The broth tasted good and it was warm as it went down my parched throat. After she had finished feeding me she gave me a bed bath. Then she went to my dresser drawer and took out one of the gowns that H had brought back from one of the last forays he had gone on. It was apricot in color. She helped me into it. She told me that she had changed the bed linens that morning already. We didn’t hear Horatio come in. But he cleared his throat and we turned to look at him. His hair was still damp but he had given himself a shave and had put on his black suit and black striped shirt. His trusty side arm was also there. He also had put on his badge. “Well now. Don’t we look like the cat’s meow?” Lin Woo put her hand on Horatio’s arm. He looked at her and smiled. “You need to eat something. I bring you both some special tea and for you soft egg.” She pointed a finger at me. “You no get egg only tea.” In unison Horatio and I said. “Yes ma’am.” She smiled at both of us. “I not want lose another family.” Tears began to roll down from her almond shaped eyes. Horatio put his arm around her. “You won’t lose us. I promise.”

[sanne]

Regina, this is soooo beautifull, I always get breathless reading it and only get back to breath again after I finished the whole chapter. I love it

Sanne