Bud's lips claimed hers as they stood at the top of the stairs, his hands running up and down her arms. Michelle gasped, her mind fighting her body when she heard the bedroom door creak open at the other end of the hall. Pulling away, she was overcome by a feeling of impending doom, her heart welling up in her throat. She took a step back but Bud protested, tugging on her arm. "C'mon doll..." He slurred, his eyes narrowing as they focused on her lips. "I want you.... I've wanted you for so long... since we first met..." Michelle was stunned, not only in her inability to react to this outrageous situation, but also in Bud's unusual behavior. Also, it seemed that he had either not heard the door, or had chosen to ignore it. Michelle closed her eyes, hearing the deafening silence before all hell broke loose.
"You bloody bastard!!!" Michelle flinched as she heard Colin's voice. Blinking, Bud turned towards the intrusion. He saw a blur of flesh as it pounded into his face and he was thrown against the wall.
"Colin..." His name came out of her throat in a hoarse whisper. He whirled, shaking in pent-up anger. The look in his eyes caused her heart to tighten inside her chest. Tears welled up in her eyes, "Colin... he's drunk... It was nothing. I couldn't help..." Michelle choked, regreting the words as they fell out of her mouth.
Colin cursed, his chest heaving. He pulled his eyes away from Michelle and glared at Bud, "You couldn't take the hint last time, huh mate?!"
Touching his broken lip, Bud winced as he tasted blood. He straightened slowly, supporting himself against the wall behind him. "She didn't seem put up too much resistance, now did she?Maybe she wants me back... maybe you aren't enough for her anymore?" Michelle's mouth dropped open as she glanced between the two. Bud smiled menacingly before leaping forward and tearing into Colin's ribs with his fists.
"Bud!! NO!!!" Michelle watched helplessly as the two men pounded into each other. Tears streaming down her face, she blindly stepped forward, reaching for them. "Guys please!!"
Bud received a solid right hook to the mouth and staggered backwards. "You son of a bitch..." He hissed, raising his fist in retaliation. Michelle took the chance and grabbed his arm.
"No!!... Please stop this!" She dug her fingers into his jacket, but the momentum and power behind Bud's arm made her efforts useless as Bud's fist found it's mark in Colin's temple. Colin reacted instinctively, using the power in his legs to force Bud back towards the stairs. Michelle screamed as she suddenly found herself pressed against the narrow railing behind her. She scrambled at Bud's arm, trying desparately to grip something solid, however the guys remained focused and Bud raised his right arm to strike again. Michelle's grip found nothing and she fumbled backwards over the railing, falling to the floor below.
"You okay, darlin'?" John asked as they stepped out into the fresh air of the Tavern.
Tina swallowed hard, glancing at the now closed door. "I think so. Yeah - yeah...I'm okay." She enjoyed the safe feeling having the sheriff's arm about her waist, but each time she closed her eyes, she saw Hando's almost lifeless body. "I...I don't see that. No, I never see that."
"Where they're still alive?" he asked, noticing that her trembling although lessening, was still noticeable.
"We just don't normally see someone that badly injured and they're living. I have...maybe a couple of times in eleven years, but even then...well, maybe it was at the hospital or something. I don't know, John, it just...it felt...strange somehow..."
"I understand."
"I mean, I'm glad he's okay, or getting better but..." Tina shook her head. It was difficult believing she was actually finding sympathy for someone she considered a useless SOB. An hour ago she might have even inwardly cheered that he was near death. But seeing him so helpless.... John had been right. Her tender side had emerged, only because he was an injured human being. "But...I'm sorry. That sounds so damn confused."
"No, not really. Not when you're used to seeing *death* in all its' aspects. To tell you the truth..." and he assisted her onto an empty bar stool, "...honestly, I'm surprised he's alive. Do you want anything, sweetheart? You look like you could use something?"
"No crap," she tried to quip, but her usual sense of humor emerged as tired words. Nodding, she managed, "How about a margarita -- not frozen, you know...."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. Hold on a sec. I could use a drink myself after all this, and then..." He sighed, letting his right thumb caress the outline of her jaw and neck. "I really need to get out of this shirt. I'm freezing."
Tina smiled sweetly, taking the left hand in her right. "Could I maybe...well," she shyly said, "could I maybe make you warmer?"
"Etienne, that's the best news I've heard all freaking night." She laughed lightly as he eased away. "I'll be right back."
John moved over to where the bartender was, and placed the order for his bourbon and Tina's mixed drink. As he waited, he looked about, realizing that the tavern was beginning to quiet after all the evening's activity. And not a moment too soon either, he considered, leaning on the counter and rubbing the area where his shirt was torn. He smiled to himself, looking down towards the other end where his companion was sitting, her eyes shut, her head moving to the rhythm of a tune the band was performing. *His companion*. He had liked the sound of that from the moment the two of them became serious. She had brought something so special to his existence there.
For a second, the sheriff's eyes moved up along the staircase. He could just make out figures there, moving in the shadows and he wondered who it might be. Well, considering the things which went on around the Crowes' Nest, perhaps he should just mind his own business. Chuckling, he accepted the two glasses from the bartender and quickly returned to Tina's side.
"Hope I didn't keep you long, Miss," he teased, handing her the glass.
"Nah...I was just scoping out the other guys." She took a drink, amazed at how it soothed her dry throat.
"You were, huh? Planning on switching up?" Tina smiled, laughing that laugh he loved to hear. "What was it that one magazine called me,...oh,...uh...oh yeah...scruffy and slightly pudgy. That's it. Planning on trading in your scruffy, slightly pudgy sheriff for one of these other studs?"
Tina grimaced in pretend shock. "Excuse me John Biebe? Trade in my..." Her voice dropped to a whisper as he bent nearer. "...scruffy, pudgy teddy bear for somebody else? Uh-uh...I don't think so. I always said I'd be a one-man woman. I'm sticking to that. Don't think you can get rid of me that easily."
John laughed softly, even as the sound of voices came to his ears. There was nothing unusual in that,considering they were surrounded by people. No, this was different. He could have sworn those were voices raising in anger or fear -- a woman's and at least two men. He turned back to Tina.
"Didn't say I planned to. I'm not giving you up myself, sweetheart. Hey, and I meant to tell you...thank you for...."
Tina placed a finger aside his lips. "No thanks are necessary. I still can't say I fully understand,...but I'll try."
"That's all I asked." Although John did not normally like to publicly show his feelings, he tenderly kissed the finger against his mouth, then bent down to kiss her on one cheek. He couldn't wait to take her back to the hotel and....
A scream permeated the Tavern, and every eye turned to the second floor, just in time to see the figure of a woman tumbling over the railing, hitting the hardwood floor with a thud. Tina's glass splattered on the floor as she jumped from the stool, and the sheriff practically tossed his aside on the counter.
"'chelle?" Tina whispered, then she repeated, this time louder, "Michelle?! Oh my God, Michelle?!"
"Ah damn!" John exclaimed, and the two of them ran to where Michelle lay, other patrons quickly following.
Michelle's scream resounded through the tavern as she fell then was suddenly cut short as she landed, flat on her back, on the hardwood floor below. The band stopped playing in mid-note, and every eye in the tavern looked to the spot where she lay, limbs splayed out like a child making snow angels. Colin and Bud looked down, over the railing, then looked back at each other with rage in their eyes.
Colin grabbed Bud's lapel and pushed him forcefully against the wall, "Now look what you've done, you bloody sot!" He wrenched Bud's jacket, throwing him off balance, and left him lying drunkenly on the stairs as he raced down taking two steps at a time. Within seconds he was on his knees at Michelle's side, reaching to take her into his arms, but John's hand came down firmly on his shoulder.
"Don't move her," John said in a commanding tone. "If she's hurt it'll make it worse."
Colin sat back on his heels and pressed his hands to his face. "Oh, dear God, what in bloody hell have I done? Oh, 'chelle, honey, please be okay." His words segued into whispered babble as he pleaded for Michelle to be okay.
John knelt by her head, feeling for a pulse and finding it strong. "Tina, sweetheart, could you go get Sy? She can help here." Tina nodded silently, her dislike of Hando being overcome by her worry for Michelle, and rushed to the back room where Syrena and Hando were.
She knocked on the door, a little louder than she was expecting, and flung the door open. "Sy, come quick. Michelle's been hurt!"
"Right, on my way," Syrena responded immediately, patting Hando's hand gently. "I'll be right back to finish up, hon," she told him quietly, grabbed the first-aid kit and turned to join Tina in the doorway. "What happened, T?"
Tina explained briefly as they rushed down the short hallway to find Michelle still lying motionless on the ground with a crowd of people around her. Bud had come down the stairs and was standing, wavering, on the sidelines with a sour look on his face. Colin was kneeling beside Michelle's inert body mumbling incoherently, and John was on his knees near her head gazing down at her with worry in his eyes.
"Right," Syrena said, kneeling at Michelle's head. She took her pulse again, still strong, and leaned down to listen for breathing, nothing. She ran her fingers along Michelle's neck, feeling for any possible fractures and hoping that there weren't any minor breaks, before tilting her head back and opening her mouth slightly. The airway looked open, so she leaned down and breathed into Michelle's lungs, watching as her chest rose then fell steadily. Michelle coughed slightly and took a gasping breath, opening her eyes and looking at the crowd gathered around her. "Someone get me cool towels and water, now," Syrena commanded. "'chelle, just relax, don't move. That was quite a fall you took. You'll be right as rain in a bit now." Max handed Syrena a handful of cool towels, and she folded them on Michelle's forehead to ease the shock.
"I... I'm okay, Sy," Michelle said, regaining her voice and starting to sit up. Syrena watched carefully as Michelle moved to sit up, watching for any indications of fractures or undue pain. Cort handed her a glass of ice water; Syrena took it and held it for Michelle to drink which she did. "Thanks, Sy."
"No worries, 'chelle. You feeling okay? Any aches, twinges, anything?"
"No, just a bit sore," she looked up at the railing over which she'd tumbled before dropping her eyes to cast a scathing look at Bud and turning to do the same to Colin. Both men hung their heads in shame, knowing that it was their fault she had fallen.
John brushed a stray hair away from Michelle's face and knelt behind her, supporting her back. Michelle winced as she leaned back into him. He rubbed gently at her shoulders, "Careful love... you're going to be sore for a while." Syrena nodded in agreement, laying a cool cloth on the back of her neck.
Michelle turned her head, clenching her teeth as her back muscles spasmed. She forced a smile. "I'll be fine... I just need a moment to catch my breath." Michelle looked again at Colin, his eyes wet with tears. She saw the guilt and shame in his face and wanted to say something; something angry, something sad, something soothing. But her thoughts were horribly distracted by the terrible ache that was taking over her body as the numbness of the initial fall slowly receded.
Peaches hovered nearby, "You gave us quite the scare, 'Chelle!" She seated herself down on the floor next to her friend and squeezed her hand. Michelle smiled weakly and gazed around the room, taking in all the people that had gathered around her. She bowed her head, taking a deep breath.
"I'm sorry guys... I guess I've put a bit of a damper on things."
Jeffrey glanced at his watch, "No need to worry yourself, Michelle. It's almost 2am and this old man's got to get himself to bed..." Jeffrey kneeled beside her and patted her leg gently. "You let these guys take care of you..." Michelle smiled softly. "I'll drop by and see you tomorrow." Michelle thanked him and Jeffrey took Wendy's hand as they said their goodbyes and exited the Tavern. The rest of the group grew suddenly restless, glancing awkwardly at each other, and between Colin and Bud before turning their gaze back to her.
"I think it's about time everyone called it a night," Maximus' voice called everyone to attention. "I think we've all had enough activity for one evening." He nodded to the band, "Thanks for dropping in, guys... but it looks like we're going to be shutting things down a bit early."
"No worries, mate..." The lead singer, smiled and winked at Michelle. "I'll save a special song for ya next time, love..." The band retreated into the back and Michelle sighed, closing her eyes as she rested her head against John's shoulder. She felt suddenly embarrassed, knowing that everyone was curious as to what had occurred only moments before her fall. Bud and Colin weren't looking at each other, and everyone was looking at the three of them. She was suddenly exhausted.
"I'd like to go upstairs now..." Colin glanced up as Michelle spoke in a low whisper. "I'd like to be alone..." He made to move towards her but John gave him a warning look.
"You sure you can stand, hon?" Syrena touched her arm. Michelle opened her eyes and felt the tears welling up again. Syrena saw her lip beginning to quiver and patted her hand gently. "Alright... alright... we'll get you upstairs."
"I'll take her John..." Maximus stepped forward, "You stay down here with Tina." He knelt next to Michelle and kissed her gently on the cheek. "Don't worry your pretty head about all this, 'Chelle. Everything will be alright in the morning." He slipped a strong arm under her legs and the other around her back, lifting her slowly and carefully. Michelle wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his neck. John stood up, rubbing his legs. Tina came to his side and squeezed his hand.
"You're in good hands, 'Chelle." Tina blew her a kiss and watched as Maximus started across the room, cradling Michelle against his chest. Tina shivered as she thought about how easily Michelle could have been seriously hurt. John embraced her, kissing her softly on the cheek before turning back towards the bar.
Bud watched from the bottom of the stairs as Maximus came towards him, Michelle curled up in his arms, and Syrena close behind him. "Michelle...I'm...." He whispered hoarsely as they walked by.
Maximus spoke without stopping, "I suggest you go back to your room, Bud... sleep it off." Syrena glanced back, giving him a 'not now' look. Bud bowed his head and walked out the door without looking back.
Syrena followed Maximus up the stairs slowly, watching Michelle as she rested her cheek against his firm chest and closed her eyes. She stood by as he tucked her gently into the bed where Colin had been before his second encounter with Bud. Michelle's head rested on the pillow, her hair making a halo against its stark whiteness, and she breathed heavily.
Maximus stood and turned to Syrena. "She'll be okay, right, Sy?"
"Yeah, Max. She just needs rest now," her voice was barely a whisper. "I'm going to sit here with her for a bit. Could you do me a favour and bring us some drinks?" Maximus nodded silently, and Syrena continued, "Bring her the tallest glass of water you can find, and I could use a McNaughton's, neat. It's been a long day." Maximus left them together, hurrying to bring their drinks back to them, and Syrena sat on the edge of the bed. She smoothed Michelle's hair back from her forehead and smiled as her eyelids flickered.
"Sy, thanks," she whispered groggily.
"No worries, hon. You just get some rest now. I'll stay here until you fall asleep, and Max is coming back with some water for you." Michelle smiled tiredly and closed her eyes. Maximus returned, opening the door silently and padding softly across the floor to hand Syrena the drinks. "Thanks, Max," she whispered, setting the glass of water on the bedside table and taking a long sip of her McNaughton's. She grimaced slightly at the bitter taste but smiled as she felt the warmth of the liquor coursing through her body. "We'll be fine here, dear. You're looking a bit peaked--why don't you head off to bed, eh?" Maximus smiled shyly and nodded before turning to leave them alone again.
Syrena sat on the edge of the bed, nursing her drink slowly, watching Michelle as she drifted deeper into sleep. When she started to breathe heavily and evenly, Syrena felt sure she would sleep well for a few hours at least and was comfortable leaving her. She rose carefully, trying not to disturb Michelle, and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her. Her drink was gone by the time she reached the bottom of the stairs to find most of the tavern's patrons gone for the evening. Several people stopped her to ask about Michelle on her way back to where Hando waited, and she responded with the same answer, "She'll be fine. She just needs to rest now."
Hando was sitting up in the cot, his back resting on the pillows and his eyes bloodshot from weeping, when she opened the door softly. "Hey there, hon. How're you feeling?"
"I don't really know, Sy, but I think I'm feeling better. Was thinkin' of Mum....," his voice trailed off, and he closed his eyes.
"Understood, Hando. Let's see what we can do to bring you to the now, eh?" She set her first-aid kit down, pulled out a large packet of butterfly bandages, a small bottle of betadine scrub, a couple rolls of gauze and several surgical sponges. "We'll start with this one first, since it's worse than the other," she stated, taking his left hand in hers and turning it over carefully. He winced as she started to clean the wounds, but he smiled when she looked up to meet his eyes.
Several minutes later, the wounds were both pseudo-sutured with butterfly bandages and wrapped carefully with gauze. She pulled one more item out of her kit before closing it, tore open a small packet and held out her hand with two white pills. "Here, take these. They'll help a bit with the pain and the swelling until we can find you something stronger." He took the pills and swallowed them dry before she could reach for the water. She chuckled, "Here, drink this now. Then lie back and get some more rest. You should feel better in the morning."
He drained the glass and watched with an apprehensive look on his face as she gathered up the deritus to place it in the trash can. "You... you're leaving?"
"Do you want me to stay?"
"Please, I'd like that."
"Right," Syrena agreed, turned off the light and sat once again on the floor beside the cot, leaning her back against it and drawing her knees up to her chest, preparing for an uncomfortable night of sitting up on a hard floor.
"Sy," Hando's voice broke the silence of the room, and his hand reached for her shoulder. "Please...," he struggled with the words, unsure of how to ask. "Ah, you could sleep here?" His tone was uncertain; his voice trembled slightly. She turned to look at him in the semi-darkness, seeing the watery reflection of a street lamp in his eyes. "I... I want you to hold me, Sy."
She sighed, wondering what she was getting herself into, and stood up to lift the top layer of blankets. Crawling into the narrow cot beside him, she tucked the sheet firmly between them remembering that he was mostly unclothed, and gathered him into her arms. He rested his head on her chest, draping one arm across her and resting his hand on her shoulder, and sighed deeply. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close, relishing in the feel of his now warm skin beneath her fingertips, listening as his breath slowed until he was snoring lightly. She stared sleeplessly at the dark ceiling for at least an hour, tracing comforting circles on his back, before she finally drifted off to sleep.
Tina and John turned to walk back to the bar, their arms around each other's waist. She was about to speak when she realized that Colin was just in their path, unintentionally blocking it. As when they were speaking of Hando, the sheriff felt Tina's body stiffen as she stared at O'Brien. She pulled away, taking a few solo steps forward.
There were tears brimming in Colin's eyes as he held his hands up to her. " Tina...John...I am so...."
"I don't want to hear it, Colin," Tina said through gritted teeth.
"But I have to make you under...."
"And I *don't* have to understand either!" Her voice raised a bit more. "Not your side of it. *Not yours!* Not Bud's! You two bloody idiots are why 'Chelle...."
"Don't say it. I know. Tina, love...."
"Don't *love* me, O'Brien. Don't." He started to speak again, but the evidence technician made the 'talk to the hand' gesture. With an expression of contempt normally reserved for Sid, she shoved him out of the way.
Ashamed, Colin now turned to look at the Alaskan, the latter with his arms crossed before his chest. "John..." he started weakly, only to find a pair of cold blue-gray eyes penetrating into him.
"And I don't want to freaking hear it either!" John whispered, the softness of his voice belying his anger. "Do you think I'm going to try to defend your ass to her. I don't think so. What the hell is it with you and Bud tonight, huh?"
"It was an accident," but even as Colin spoke, the explanation sounded hollow, even to him, and his eyes went to the floor.
John shook his head in disbelief. "Are you even listening to yourself? Tina's right. You are a couple of bloody idiots. Do you realize what could have happened? Do you?!" His voice raised, and Colin nearly sprung back. He was unused to seeing John's temper flair this way, for the sheriff could normally remain even-tempered no matter the situation. "I'm going to tell you in a way you can understand, all right? Michelle...almost...died. Get it! That's *not* supposed to happen here, and *especially* not to one of the ladies! Is that thick skull of yours comprehending *any* of this, O'Brien?" Colin didn't even attempt to look up. "I'm telling you the same thing I'll tell Bud if and when I see him. You went too fucking far this time, and the rest of us are tired of putting up with it. Now go somewhere...*anywhere*, and get your head together. Stay the hell away from Michelle! If you see Bud, go the other side of the world." John heaved an annoyed sigh. "And don't talk to me for the rest of the night, okay?"
Colin stepped aside just in time as John pushed by him. Tina was sitting at another end of the bar when the sheriff came to her side, her face partially buried in her hands. She smiled when he approached, as he paused to watch a waiter clean the last of the broken glass.
"Are you ready for that bourbon now?" she asked almost teasingly, pushing a glass toward him.
John chuckled, shaking his head, and moved it aside. "Who the hell made me the peacemaker 'round here?" Tina only smiled. "Seriously. It was like...from day one, everybody saw me as their father confessor, psychiatrist, and the peacekeeper to this bunch of lunatics."
Tina playfully rubbed his arm. "You like it, Biebe, and you know it."
He almost gave a lopsided grin, but stopped himself, attempting to remain serious. "I resign then."
"No you don't." When he was about to push his hair back from his face, she brushed the auburn locks aside herself. "You're peacemaker because they trust you. You're somebody they can come to. And you know what? Sid was right about something."
"Aw geez...Sid?"
"He was right when he said you're levelheaded, because you *are* John Biebe.. You can usually manage your emotions, like me, and that's why they look up to you. You're funny, and you're smart, and you've got the kind of face that makes people want to confide in you." God knew she had enough times. He was her sounding board, her therapist, an inspiration,...and her lover. Lover. She *loved* the sound of that. John called it companion, but it all had the same connotation. They were partners here, a couple. She never thought to say that about anyone.
As he rubbed his eyes, Tina could see the sheriff's neck grow crimson. He was going bashful on her again. "Darlin', I'm still resigning."
"Fine. I'll help you write your letter of resignation. 'Dear Russell. You can take this job and...." She jokingly began, only to have Biebe give her a quick kiss on her mouth.
"We'll write it later, okay?" John grinned. He loved her sense of humor. Tina nodded, winking as she did. "What a night."
"Unfreaking believable, John. What happened to quiet nights at the Crowe's Tavern?"
"Tina...we ain't *never* had any quiet nights to tell you the truth, but it's never been anything like this. Hey, you still want that drink?"
She shook her head as she sighed, tears threatening to come forward. "Can we just..." She paused.
"Hmm? Can we just what, darlin'?" Right now he was game for almost anything involving her. She had sacrificed a lot tonight - - he needed to make it up to her if he could.
"Can we maybe just get a bottle of chilled white zinfandel, and see if the bar restaurant might whip us up something - I don't know - I'm hungry. I didn't eat 'cause I figured you and I would.... Then we could take it, and go up to my hotel room, and...."
John leaned his forehead against hers. "That's the best idea I've heard all night. You stay here. I'll go talk to Liz."
He moved away, leaving her to sit and study the dispersing crowd. All of it was so weird. Hando in that back room. Michelle upstairs - - and she could have died, Tina thought, trembling. Colin was staring at the railing from which Michelle had fallen. Why didn't he go somewhere else? Was he masochistic, waiting for someone to say more scolding words to him? About this time, Maximus descended the stairs, but when Colin tried to approach him, the general walked by as though he didn't exist. O'Brien finally got the hint, and moved off to a quiet corner.
"Max?" Tina asked, getting his attention. "How...How's Michelle?"
Max completed the drink order, then turned to her. "Well, she's very fortunate, my dear, you realize that."
"Absolutely."
"She'll feel it tomorrow, I'm afraid, but...." He didn't complete the thought. "How are you tonight, Tina? I hadn't had a chance to speak with you, what with all that's going on."
"I'm fine, Max. Just tired...and upset...And tired."
"Well, John will take care of that, don't worry," he said, flashing a smile, and she nodded knowingly. "The two of you are all right then? I noticed earlier...."
"We're okay now, Max. For now anyway. Thanks."
Maximus nodded. He would still always care for Tina's well being. "I realize how difficult that must have been for.... Well, never mind. Just make certain you keep ol' John cheered up, all right?"
"Cheered up? What do you...."
The general bent closer so their conversation was a private as it could be under the circumstances. "He'd never admit it, Tina,...not openly to me I mean, but he misses you terribly when you're not here. He carries on as though things are fine, but I know him well enough now to decipher...the little things. You've become quite important to him, so when you're absent..." He shrugged. "I...sense his loneliness. I know how it is. When Laura's not here I..." He stopped and smiled. "Have you heard from Laura?"
"Yeah, by e-mail before I left. They've got a heavier than usual workload this week, and there's a big push to get it done. You know how it can be, Max. She's been pulling a lot of overtime, even on weekends."
"Poor Laura. She'll definitely need to head this way when she gets time."
"Well, she told me she'll get back as soon as she can, hopefully sometime this week. She asked me to tell you that she misses you. I just hadn't had a chance..."
"I understand, Tina, thank you. Everything did seem to fall in your lap when you walked in the door, didn't it?" He accepted his order just as John returned to Tina's side. "John."
"Max. Michelle doing okay?"
"I was telling Tina that she's doing all right, but the pain will really be felt in the morning. Are the two of you getting ready to call it an evening?"
"Yeah we are. Just waiting for an order then we're out of here."
"If all of us are lucky, we can start everything fresher in the morning. Well," Tina glimpsed her watch, "in a few hours anyway."
"Oh John, you might want to consider changing your clothes too before you and Tina leave. It's getting chilly out," Max teased, pointing at the rip in the sheriff's shirt.
Tina giggled as Biebe looked at the damage, shrugging. "Hey, thought I'd go for that - I don't know - that gladiator look. See how much more of this I can get torn off so I can flash my muscles." It was Maximus' turn to laugh.. "Then I just need to borrow your sword, your shield,...oh, and that helmet that shows off your eyes."
Max sighed, a twinkle in his eyes. "Sure John, whatever...Tina, I think John must have bumped his head on something tonight. He's starting to get delusional...Good evening you two."
The couple wished him goodnight, and then Tina looked back at John. "I had no idea you wanted to be a gladiator." He chuckled. "I can see it now. 'Gladiator II'. The sheriff who became a slave...um, a *love* slave, who became a gladiator, who defied whatever!"
"Love slave, huh?" As if suddenly realizing what she had said, Tina blushed and shyly bowed her head. "You'll have to tell me more about that, sweetheart. You've definitely got my attention. Sounds like a great sequel."
"Later, okay?" Tina mumbled, her face turning red.
"Fine with me. Hey, Liz said it'd only take a few. I'll run upstairs and change, then the stuff should be ready."
The noise was deafening, an angry din of muffled voices that made her eardrums ring. The sound of fists meeting flesh, the groans of pain, the shouts of rage and jealousy -- all were amplified in her head. Slumping back against the wall, she covered her ears, trying desperately to block out the horrible sounds. She could see the brawl begin, dim lights casting battling shadows against the opposite wall.
"God, no please..." Her heart pounded in her chest and she forced herself away from the wall, reeling forward. Unbelieveably, the noise became volumes louder as she rounded the corner. Her head throbbing, she looked up only to see a tangle of arms and legs coming towards her. It barrelled into her, knocking her to the ground and she found herself underfoot, screaming as two pairs of feet crushed her prone body.
The feet stumbled away from her and she curled herself into a fetal position, gasping for breath.
"You bloody bastard..." Colin's voice was a mere hiss, but it reverberated between her ears only to be followed by Bud's "Son of a bitch...." She cried out, trying to make the ringing stop, but it only grew louder. Suddenly she found herself pulled to her feet, a strong hand gripping her arm. "She was mine from the beginning...You want her, shitbird? Come and get her." Bud shouted into her ear and she felt his lips against the nape of her neck. She gasped, feeling powerless against his iron grip. She could smell the alcohol on his breath, and he turned her head towards him and kissed her hard on the lips. "Let her go, White..." Colin's eyes were filled with hate and anger, but Bud only gave him a menacing stare, "And what are you going to do about it, boy?" Bud's voice was full of mockery. "You going to try your hand at me? You haven't got a chance." Colin lunged forward, grabbing her other arm and she felt herself being torn in two. "Give her to me, you bloody sod!" Colin tugged hard, wrenching her shoulder.
"Let her go...." A deep and commanding voice interrupted the tug of war and all three of them turned to find Maximus standing at the top of the stairs.
"Leave us be, General... this doesn't concern you." Bud slurred, his grip tightening on her arm and she felt herself blacking out as pain seered through her.
"Let her go, Wendell... I don't want to have to tell you again."
"You better listen to Max, White... or I swear..." Colin held firmly to her arm and she could feel his fingers digging into her skin.
"What... O'Brien... what are you going to do?! Huh?" Bud was beyond drunk, his eyes bulging out of his head as he laughed. Without warning, Maximus' fists found both their faces and Colin and Bud were thrown back against the wall.
"You each want a piece of her, do you?" She found herself in Maximus' grip, his hand placed firmly at the back of her neck. Colin and Bud staggered to their feet, glaring at the Roman general.
"I said for you to stay out of this, Gladiator...." Bud stumbled forward. Colin plowed into the side of him, sending Bud White back against the wall.
"Once and for all, you bloody ass.... leave her be! She's mine!" Colin pounded a fist into Bud's jaw. A yell from Maximus did little to draw their attention away from each other. He growled in frustration and watched for only a few moments as the two men fought relentlessly.
""Well, how about I decide this for you?" She winced again as the words echoed in her head. "Decide this for you... decide this..." In one fluid motion, Maximus released his grip on her neck and reached for the sword that hung on his hip. She found herself staring in horror as the sharp blade came towards her. Colin and Bud hovered in the distance, their arms frozen in mid-strike, their faces registering their shock as they saw the blade sailing through the air. She felt the blade slice through her, it's metal hot against her skin and her stomach burned. Her legs gave way underneath her and she tumbled to the floor. Screaming and gasping for breath, she looked down to where the sword had severed her body in two. She saw the blood as it dripped and pooled on the floor around her, she felt her heart pounding - it's sound amplified as she felt her blood pumping and bubbling through her veins. Giving her a look filled with sorrow and anger, Maximus stepped back, sheathing his sword. "Now you can each have a piece...." He gave the two men a look of utter disgust before he turned and walked back down the stairs.
