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"Murphy!"
The urgency in the voice managed to filter through Murphy's sleep-fogged senses and he rolled over with a groan.
"Hmmm? Wha?" he croaked out.
"Murphy... God, Murph, it's happening again!"
He was awake now and there was no mistaking the despair in Sherry's cry. He shot up instantly to see his wife standing in the entrance to their bathroom, clutching the doorway with one hand and her abdomen with the other.
"Sherry?" He rose to go to her, but before he made it halfway, she doubled over with another cry -- this time one of pain.
He caught her before she collapsed -- her slight frame no weight at all as he carried her to their bed.
"It's okay, Sher... I'm here," he soothed as he lay her down gently. "It's gonna be all right." He reached up to brush the sweat-soaked hair out of her face and was alarmed at how cold and clammy her skin felt under his hand. Sherry tossed her head wildly.
"It's not okay, Murph," she insisted, nearly hysterical with panic. "It's happening again and I can't stop it! Call Dr. Havers... please!"
"Okay, hon, hold on. I have to go downstairs to get his number."
"Hurry, Murphy! Please hurry!"
Murphy paused only long enough to pull the sheet up over his wife's shivering body, then he rushed for the stairs. He passed the bathroom on his way and felt his stomach drop at the sight of blood on the floor. There was so much of it. Fear now replaced everything else he was feeling -- fear for Sherry's life. He took the stairs three at a time.
He spent a frantic minute searching for the book with the doctor's number, then just gave it up and dialed 911. There was no doubt in his mind Sherry would need a hospital. This way he eliminated the middle man.
"911 emergency," came the calm voice on the other end.
"Yeah, we need an ambulance," Murphy demanded urgently. "My wife's miscarrying and she's hemorrhaging badly."
Murphy squinted at his reflection in the glass of the bulletin board case, shaking his head at what he saw. He worked to smooth the tufts of hair sticking up, but the dark circles under his eyes were beyond repair, though he rubbed at them anyway. The last thing he needed was Sherry worrying about him.
Murphy took a deep breath. The doctors were almost finished and he'd be allowed in any minute. Sherry would need him -- more now than she ever had before. He prayed silently for the strength.
The door opened and a nurse motioned him inside. He paused only for a moment at the sight of Sherry's still, pale form overwhelmed by the multitude of tubes, wires and monitors. Then he moved to her side, taking her small hand in his.
"She should be coming out of the anesthesia soon, Mr. Michaels," Dr. Havers counseled. "We're not expecting any further complications." The doctor turned to check the IV flow.
"Thank you," Murphy mumbled, never taking his eyes from his wife's face. His heart stopped when he heard a slight moan from her. "Sherry," he called softly, leaning closer. "Can you hear me?" Murphy gently stroked her cheek.
Sherry's eyes slowly fluttered open. She glanced around, dazed. "Murph?"
"I'm right here," Murphy promised, smiling to comfort her.
Frowning, Sherry concentrated on her surroundings. Suddenly, her breath quickened. "The baby," she cried, horror etched across her features.
"Honey, I'm so sorry." Murphy squeezed her hand. "They couldn't do anything."
Tears welled up, but she said nothing.
"But you'll be fine," Murphy continued. "Dr. Havers says you'll be outta here in no time... and you'll be fine." He choked back his own tears.
Sherry started to speak, but had to stop as the emotions threatened to overcome her. "What..." she finally rasped, "...what aren't you telling me?"
Murphy wiped at the few stray drops that escaped and slowly trailed down her cheeks. "Nothing," he stated, struggling not to look away.
Sherry closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them again, Murphy knew she wanted an answer... needed one. He bit his lip, glancing to the doctor for confirmation he should tell his wife. Dr. Havers just nodded.
"We..." He had to stop and swallow the lump in his throat. "We won't be able to have any other children," he stated simply.
Sherry's blue eyes widened... first in disbelief, then in panic. "There has to be a mistake," she pleaded, looking first to Murphy and then the doctor for confirmation.
Dr. Havers shook his head. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Michaels." He patted her shoulder comfortingly. "But we did discuss this possibility, remember?"
Sherry's face crumpled in defeat. Murphy knew that though they'd talked about this happening, Sherry had never reconciled herself to the risk. He carefully pulled his wife into a hug.
"But you'll be fine," he reiterated, not knowing what else to say as Sherry buried her head in his shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably. "You'll be fine."
* * *
"AnKatie, AnKatie!" Tommy screamed at the top of his lungs, tearing down the staircase in 3-year old awkward fashion. "Car?" Out of breath, he skidded on the carpet at the bottom of the steps, coming to a halt inches from Katie Travis. "Is Mommy here?"
The older woman bent down, tousling the boy's white-blond hair. "Not yet, sweetie."
Tommy's face fell.
"C'mon. We'll get you some cookies and you can finish the banner." Katie gently steered her great-nephew towards the kitchen. "When you're done, it should almost be time," she advised wisely.
The child nodded, sighing at the disappointment. Tommy returned to the table, where he'd been coloring in the letters Katie had stenciled, and began again. Katie brought out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk.
"Now remember, Mommy's been sick," Katie reminded. "You need to let her get lots of rest."
"Um, huh," he answered, his mouth full of crumbs.
Katie sat down next to the boy. "And she might get sad or be upset," she continued. "So you need to make sure she knows you love her."
Tommy straightened in his chair, ready to accomplish the important task entrusted to him. "Okay," he promised solemnly.
"Good. Is the sign ready?" she asked, standing to critically eye her nephew's work.
"Uh, huh," Tommy declared. He leaped out of his chair. "Can we hang it?"
"Of course, child. I'll get something to put it up with and you meet me at the front door."
Tommy grabbed a corner of the paper and flew out of the room with the sign flapping behind him. Katie couldn't help but chuckle at the boy's exuberance as she heard a bump and then a scrambling sound. She found the tape and followed him to the foyer.
"Here." He pointed to a spot barely three feet off the ground.
Katie handed him a piece of adhesive, then another. Tommy raced to the other side, pulling up the banner and holding out his hand for Katie to give him more tape.
"Absolutely wonderful," Katie praised. Very crooked and crumpled in several places, Sherry would immediately recognize her son's handiwork.
Tommy squealed as the sound of a car door closing could be heard. "Mommy!" he yelled, flinging himself at the doorknob, failing to open it in his excitement.
"Tommy," Katie admonished quickly. "Careful."
He nodded his head, clenching his tiny fists to try to contain himself. She pulled open the door just in time to see Sherry walking up the path.
Sherry stopped at the sight of her son and Katie could see the tears forming in the corner of her eyes. Sherry bent down slowly and opened her arms wide. That was all Tommy needed. He raced down the walk, halting abruptly in front of his mother, then cautiously leaned in to the hug. Sherry returned the embrace.
"Mommy," the boy declared, squeezing her tighter. "I've been good," he announced. "And we made a sign, and cookies, and dinner, and I'm gonna be good and take care of you," he blurted out in one breath.
"I missed you so much," Sherry told him.
Murphy reached around his wife. "C'mon, sport." He picked up his son, tucking him playfully under one arm, then held out his hand to help Sherry up. "Let's get Mommy inside."
Tommy giggled, grinning happily at his mother.
"Sweetie, it's beautiful," Sherry announced upon seeing the Welcome Home sign. "Thank you." She kissed the top of her son's head as he squirmed to get down from Murphy's arms.
"And I drew you a picture." The boy raced upstairs to get the gift the instant he was released.
Katie pulled Sherry into a hug. "Good to have you home, dear."
"Thank you for everything, Aunt Katie." Sherry sighed. "It means so much to me you were here for Tommy."
Murphy kissed his aunt on the cheek. "We couldn't have done it without you."
"Think nothing of it," Katie answered. "I just wish there was more I could do." She took Sherry by the arm, helping her up the stairs. "You still need your rest. Let's get you to bed and then I can bring up some supper later, when you're ready."
"But, I'm..." Sherry started.
"You're not even going to try to argue with me, are you?" Katie announced determinedly.
Murphy laughed. "You can try, honey, but it won't work," Murphy advised from years of experience.
* * *
Not even bothering to turn on the lights in the den, Murphy sank deeply into the couch, leaning back to try to crack the kinks out of his neck. He sighed heavily.
Katie could be stubborn, but his wife was almost as bad. Sherry did not want to be waited on. Murphy had to smile. He didn't know how much his aunt might have been coaching Tommy, but he suspected this wasn't part of it. Tommy had marched up to the bed, yawned dramatically and announced he needed a nap, but wanted his Mommy. That was all that was required. Sherry fell into a deep sleep almost immediately, and so had Tommy.
Aunt Katie had retired not too long after supper, allowing Murphy to try to catch up on things that had gone by the wayside with Sherry in the hospital. He'd checked often on wife and son, but neither had budged.
Murphy glanced at his watch, surprised it was almost 10 p.m. He stretched again, but jumped as the telephone ringing startled him. He grabbed up the phone, hoping it hadn't woken anyone else in the house.
"Hey, Murph," Lee Stetson greeted.
"Lee?" Murphy grinned, happy to be talking to his cousin. "Just a second." He put the telephone down and closed the door to the den. "I'm back," he announced.
"How's Sherry doing?" Lee asked.
"Seeing Tommy and being home lifted her spirits," Murphy answered, "but I can't get her to really talk to me." He ran his hand through his hair. "She's the therapist. I'm lost in that department."
"Maybe Amanda could talk to her at the reunion?" Lee suggested.
"I'm not sure we're even going, Lee." He sighed deeply. Lee began to answer, but Murphy cut him off. "All that excitement and all those children running around may not be a good idea." He heard Lee convey this news to his wife.
"Amanda thinks it would be the best thing for her -- it's not for several weeks and by then, maybe she'll be ready to talk," Lee passed along. "And I agree," he added.
Murphy shook his head. "I'm just not sure," he began. "Let me talk it over with Sherry in the next few days and I'll get back to you."
"Murph," Lee said. "Whatever we can do... you know that."
"Yeah, I do," he replied. "And thanks." Murphy hung up the receiver.
He sat there for a few minutes. He hadn't wanted to say anything to Lee, but he wasn't sure Sherry should be around the Stetson's newborn daughter. The two women had been so excited about being pregnant together and having children who would be close in age. When Jenny had been born last month, Sherry had been ecstatic for Amanda and Lee, but Murphy wasn't sure how she would handle being around little Jenny. There would also be Andy's wife and sister expecting. Going to the reunion would only be a reminder of her loss. Murphy hesitated even mentioning the trip to Sherry. If he brought it up, she might feel obligated, knowing he and Tommy always looked forward to the annual gatherings.
Then again, maybe Amanda was right. Being surrounded by family could be the best thing. He rubbed his eyes. If only he knew how to handle the whole situation. He shook the thoughts out of his mind, deciding to ask Aunt Katie's advise before speaking with Sherry.
He pushed himself off the couch and headed up to bed. Carefully opening the door, he saw Sherry struggling to sit up, their son wrapped around her making it almost impossible. She heard him and nodded toward the boy.
Murphy scooped up Tommy and took him off to his own bed, returning quickly to his wife's side. "You okay?" Murphy asked, concerned to find her at the sink when he came back.
She rolled her eyes. "Honestly," she exclaimed. "I woke up and my mouth was dry." Sherry filled the glass again, taking it to the bedside stand. "Did I hear the phone ring?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm sorry," he apologized. "It was Lee wondering how you were."
Sherry smiled slightly. "I really love your family, Murph. They're the best," she told him. Her eyes took on a knowing look. "And did you try to tell Lee we wouldn't be at the reunion this year?"
He frowned. "I unplugged the phone in here..." he protested.
"I know you," she explained with a loving smile. "You're worried about me and you think it would be best for me if we stayed home."
"It might," Murphy argued. "Amanda and the baby will be there and..."
Sherry squeezed his arm affectionately to stop him. "Thank you," she said softly. "But I wouldn't miss it. I'm happy for Amanda and Lee... honestly," she added at his unconvinced expression. "It'll be a nice distraction."
He nodded. "Okay," he agreed. "But if you change your mind..."
"I won't," she assured him.
* * *
Sherry watched what passed as scenery in New Mexico. As much as she loved the reunions, she always missed the green of Colorado. That had been the best part of moving out of Los Angeles -- no desert landscaping in Denver.
The closer they got to the ranch, her anxiety began building. Her mind knew it would be good for her, but her heart ached at the thought seeing everyone, especially all the children running around.
But at least she had Tommy. Sherry turned to watch her son sleeping in the back of their rental car. More and more she realized just what a miracle his birth had been. Sherry wanted to share these feelings with Murphy, but every time she tried, she'd stopped herself. She didn't want to burden him with worry, and that was what it would do. They needed to talk, but she needed a little distance first.
She only wished Laura were going to be in attendance, but she and Remington were on a case out of the country and not due back any time soon. Sherry would miss her friend very much.
"Almost there," Murphy broke her reverie.
Sherry could tell he'd cut off the "are you okay" before actually speaking it. She'd informed him early on, once she'd gotten home from the hospital, that that was a banned phrase.
He pointed up a little ways to the rode that led to the Michaels place. "I will be so glad to get out of this car." They turned off the highway and bumped along on the old worn-out pavement.
Tommy sat up, rubbing his eyes groggily. "There?" he asked Tommy had gotten more and more keyed up as the day arrived for their trip. He couldn't wait to play with all his cousins and the horses and Aunt Katie and... Both parents were grateful when he'd finally fallen fast asleep.
"Almost," Murphy assured him.
Tommy squirmed in his seat belt, trying to get a better look. "There!" he exclaimed as the family ranch came into view. Murphy had barely stopped the car before his son had extracted himself from the carseat and bolted out the door.
Sherry followed, hoping to contain their son before he got into any trouble. She opened the screen door, fully expecting a hunt, but found her errant son caught up in the arms of someone.
"Laura," she cried, dropping her small suitcase on the front porch as Laura Steele turned towards her. "I didn't expect you here."
Laura grinned broadly. Setting Tommy down to run off towards the kitchen, she greeted Sherry with a huge hug. "We wrapped up our case, and got in just a few hours ago."
"I can't tell you how much I've missed talking to you." Sherry hugged Laura again.
"As soon as you're settled, we can do just that," Laura whispered conspiratorially with a wink. "Just you and me -- we'll sneak away."
"That would be so wonderful," Sherry agreed, smiling as she felt layers of anxiety melt away.
* * *
"Okay, troops," Skip addressed his reluctant audience. "Operation Cheer Up is about to commence." He motioned for everyone to draw closer.
Remington Steele leaned against the barn wall, arms folded in front. "Don't you think this is all a bit -- excessive?" He motioned to the schedule the ex-astronaut had laid out on the rickety old table of when and whom would keep Sherry busy. "Maybe simplicity and..." Remington thought for a moment. "...improvisation is more the order of the day. Eh, Skipper?"
"I'm with Steele on this one," Lee agreed.
Andy raised his hand. "Count me with them," he added. "I don't thing Sherry needs..."
"Guys, guys, guys..." Skip lectured. "Murph'll be countin' on us to help him out. Sherry's been pretty depressed. Isn't that what he said?" Skip asked Lee.
Lee looked embarrassed. "That was confidential, Skip. I just wanted to make sure everyone watched out for her." Lee pointed to the table. "I didn't expect you to draw up a... a... battle plan," he declared exasperated.
"If this is such a great idea, how come we don't have a feminine viewpoint on this?" Andy glanced around to the room, scowling at Nicky and Scott and Allie who were trying to slowly inch away and escape the meeting. He motioned them back into the ranks.
"We just have to be prepared for everything, that's our responsibility," Skip reasoned. "If we don't..."
Lee laughed, interrupting his cousin. "Mel told you not to do this, didn't she?"
Skip threw up his arms in frustration. "She's got this crazy idea Sherry'll know what she needs -- talkin' with someone, or bein' with someone or... whatever." His voice trailed off. "She needs us," he declared solemnly.
"Skip, old man," Remington pushed away from the wall. "Your heart's in the right place, but Melanie is right," he sagely deduced.
"C'mon." Lee gathered up the reams of paper from the table. "Let's just play this by ear."
Skip's shoulders sagged and he finally nodded in agreement. "I just wanna help," he moaned dejectedly. His cousins steered him out the front.
Laura opened the side barn door, carefully checking to see if they'd all left. She rolled her eyes. Her husband was right. Skip's heart was in the right place, but...
"All clear." She signaled for Sherry to follow her.
"What were they up to?" Sherry asked.
Laura smiled. "You don't really want to know." She reached for the bridles and handed them to her friend. "And don't even think about lifting a saddle," she warned.
"You're just as bad as Murph," Sherry complained good-naturedly. "I'm okay. The doctor said I could do normal exercise."
"I know," Laura told her. "But there's nothing wrong with taking it easy." She saddled up the horses quickly, then helped Sherry onto her mount and walked both animals to the barn door. Amanda, Katie, Mel and Cait knew where they were headed, but no need to worry Murphy -- or Skip for that matter. Mel had been right about her crazy husband. The horses soon made their way to an old trail they obviously knew well from years of travel.
"Clean break," Laura exclaimed.
"Yes." Sherry replied, taking a deep breath, then exhaling it slowly.
They traveled on in companionable silence for awhile until Laura finally spoke. "Do you want to talk, or just ride for a while longer?" she asked accommodatingly.
"I...," Sherry began. "I'm just not sure." She laughed ironically. "Seems so easy on the other end."
Laura smiled at her friend. "Isn't there an old utility shed out here somewhere? I seem to remember a bench in the shade we could sit on," Laura suggested.
Sherry nodded. "It's over there a bit," she answered. "And that would be nice."
They followed the trail to the old weather-worn structure. Securing the horses, they both sat down.
"I've always wanted a large family, it's been my dream," Sherry began, after a moment. "We were going to fill the house with kids, that was one of the things we both agreed on." She stared off into the distance for a minute. "Murph always felt like he'd missed something with only he and Steven -- Skip and Andy and Lee were the brothers he never had."
"I didn't know that," Laura answered.
"And now I've let Murphy down," she exclaimed, the tears welled up. "He'll never have the children I promised him."
Laura squeezed Sherry's hand firmly. "You know that doesn't matter to him," she soothed. "Murphy loves you."
Sherry sobbed into her hands.
"There are other ways," Laura added. "You can adopt, or foster children. Have you discussed the options with Murph."
"I haven't been able to talk to him about any of this." Sherry wiped at her eyes, trying to stop the flow. "I almost start, and then I can't. I can't beat this feeling he's got to be so disappointed in me."
"Sherry, if you can tell me he's given you any indication of this," Laura admonished, "I'll go have a talk with him right now. But if I know Murph, he's probably more upset for you than for himself." Laura nudged her friend. "If you were counseling someone about this, what would you tell them."
Sherry sighed shakily. "I'd tell them they're letting their unsupported feelings of guilt from a situation they had no control over cloud their reasoning." She giggled a little at the rhetoric, then continued. "The people who love them need to be a part of the healing process or it won't work." She sighed heavily. "And then I'd go find someone else who would be willing to be more sympathetic and let me whine and cry," she added, her mouth quirked into a self-depracating smile.
"Don't fire yourself just yet," Laura advised with a chuckle. "I think you're working wonders on you." She glanced at her watch. "We'd better be getting back," Laura said. "Much longer and we'll be missed, then the Cavalry will be formed, with Skip leading the charge."
Sherry's eyes went wide in mock horror. "Please, anything but that." She laughed. "Are you going to tell me what they were up to?"
"Nope. State secret." Laura started to stand, but Sherry stopped her with a hand to her arm.
"What was that?" Sherry asked quietly.
"I didn't hear anything." Laura strained for the sound, finally catching a slight murmur.
Sherry motioned for her companion to follow. "I think..." She rounded the corner of the shed. "It's broken," she declared, noting the rusty padlock that probably hadn't put up much of a struggle.
"Be careful," Laura cautioned. "An animal may have gotten trapped." She shrugged as Sherry pointed out the lock. "Just be careful."
Sherry opened the door slowly, peering into the near absolute darkness of the little hut. She turned at the small cry that came from her left, instantly recognizing what she heard.
"Laura," she declared. "It's a baby!" She knelt at the base of a pile of rags and gathered up the bundle.
"In here?" Laura came closer. She helped Sherry stand, then searched the remainder of the structure. "Who would do this?"
Sherry brought the child closer to the light. "I don't know, but it's newly born," she informed, cooing soothingly and rocking the infant. "We have to get back to the ranch and call a doctor."
"Right," Laura agreed. Stopping Sherry at the door, Laura scanned the area to make sure no one was around -- not quite positive if she wanted to find anyone.
* * *
Laura watched Murphy help his wife off her horse. The whole trip back Sherry had held the baby tightly to her, only relinquishing custody long enough to mount her horse. Now she wasn't even allowing that. Murphy helped them both down.
Laura worried that her friend would bond with the baby, but soon came to realize it had been too late the moment Sherry had held the child. Immediately mobbed upon their return, Sherry pushed her way through the various aunts and cousins and uncles, seeking refuge in the house with her charge.
Remington appeared at Laura's side, lifting her off her horse gallantly to place her on the ground. "Any clues where you found the child?" he asked, handing the reigns over to Jeffers Carmichael.
Laura frowned after her friend, then looked to her husband. "I didn't have much time, but no, none," she answered. "Nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe a forensics expert, but..." Laura shook her head. "...this isn't good for Sherry," she declared. "She's been through so much these past few weeks."
Remington took his wife's hand in his, kissing the back of it. "She's strong," he assured. "Sherry will be fine."
"I hope you're right." Laura wrapped her husband's arm around her waist as they followed Sherry inside. They paused in the doorway to the living room, trying to stay out of the way, but ready if they could help.
A baby bath, diapers and other essentials had immediately been procured with no difficulty at all and Sherry was carefully unwrapping the old blanket. Katie Travis was busy issuing orders.
Sherry wiped gently at the little bit of grime on the face -- most of it acquired from the ride to the ranch. "She looks healthy," Sherry announced, after changing her diaper and wrapping her in a clean towel.
Carol Travis Ironhorse brushed past Remington. "I spoke with the doctor, he's coming right out," she informed. "Buck said there weren't any reports of a missing baby. Paul was headed here anyway, so he's going to radio him and let him know what's going on. He should be here any minute." Carol moved closer to Sherry, crouching to get a better look. "Can I hold her," she asked.
She inched almost imperceptibly away from Carol. "She may be traumatized," Sherry explained. "I think she needs a little stability right now."
"Sure," Carol agreed, not quite sure of what to make of the woman's protectiveness.
Laura glanced to her husband, a worried expression crossed her feature as Sherry hovered over the baby.
"She'll be fine," Remington reiterated, a little less sure this time.
* * *
Murphy watched Sherry pace back and forth in front upstairs bedroom door, past the very few who'd been allowed to stay near upon the doctor's arrival. He'd insisted on privacy and it was driving his wife crazy. Murphy looked helplessly to Aunt Katie, Cait and Mel, but they were at a loss as well.
Sherry stopped in front of him. "She hasn't cried once. Do you think she's all right?" She turned to the door for a moment before talking to Murphy again. "Who could abandon a baby?" she asked, despair at the thought obvious in her voice.
"I don't know, honey, but we'll find out." Murphy brushed back a stray lock of hair from her face. "With Laura, me and that guy," he stated teasingly about Remington, but Sherry didn't notice, so he continued. "And an in at the Sheriff's, we'll figure out what's going on in no time."
Paul Ironhorse arrived just minutes after the doctor and had formed an impromptu search party with the Steeles, Lee and Skip refusing to be left out. Murphy had wanted to go, to help comb the area for clues, but he wasn't about to leave his wife alone.
Sherry began to pace again, but returned to Murphy's side. "We could adopt her," she suggested, finally saying what Murphy had been fearing. "We could give her a good home." She looked up expectantly at her husband, her eyes pleading silently for him to make it so.
Murphy took a deep breath. "Sher, until we know where the baby's mother is, and why she left her, I don't think we should make any plans," he reasoned gently. Sherry leaned against him, and he drew her close.
"I know," she answered, her voice barely a whisper. "It's just that... she's so precious, so beautiful... who could ever leave her?"
Murphy pulled her tighter, but released her as the doctor appeared at the door, bouncing the baby playfully.
"She's perfect," he announced, slightly startled as Sherry immediately retrieved the child from his hold. "Just a few days old," he continued. "No signs of exposure and no dehydration. I'd guess she wasn't alone long." He wiggled his fingers in front of her and smiled. "Have you thought of a name?" he asked.
"Abigail," Sherry stated without hesitation, then looked around the gathered family. "I've always thought it was pretty," she explained with only a touch of defensiveness in her voice.
"Abigail it is." The doctor retrieved his bag and pulled out a bottle. "These are just some supplements, but if I know this family, you'll be well-stocked in child-rearing supplies. Call if you need anything else. I'll show myself out."
"Thanks, Doc," Murphy said, shaking the man's hand. "We appreciate your help."
Andy passed the physician on the stairs. "Thought you could use this," he offered Sherry, producing a bottle and receiving blanket. "And it's just the right temperature," he pointed out. "I've been on late-night milk duty many a time and I know." Andy grinned proudly.
Sherry returned the smile. "Thanks."
"The old rocker's perfect for that," Katie suggested, pointing to the former examining room.
"I'd like to do this alone," Sherry requested shyly.
"Sher," Murphy began. "I could stay..."
"I'm fine. Please," she added. "Just a little time..."
Murphy finally nodded. "Call if you need anything. We'll be right downstairs."
Sherry sank wearily into the padded, wooden rocking chair and started to feed the -- feed Abby, she corrected herself, though she knew she was in trouble. She tried to convince herself the child would never be hers; but she kept wishing it were so. A sound at the door broke her reverie.
"Do I have baby brother?" Tommy asked out of breath, his eyes wide with excitement.
"Tommy." Sherry smiled lovingly at her son, motioning him to come over. "The baby's not ours to keep -- and she's a girl," she corrected.
Tommy frowned. "Girl's no fun," he stated knowingly.
"Oh, but she needs a big brother to take care of her while she stays with us," Sherry explained. "I was hoping that would be you." She shifted the infant a little for her son to see her face. "Can you help her out? Her name's Abby," Sherry encouraged.
Tommy tilted his head for a better look. "She's small." He scrunched up his mouth in concentration. "Okay," he finally agreed.
"Thank you, honey." Sherry stood up, handing her son the empty bottle. "Can you take this to the kitchen?"
"Uh huh," he cried. He grabbed the object and raced out the door.
Sherry watched after him wistfully. He would make a wonderful big brother.
* * *
The day had been exhausting and most of the occupants of the old ranch house had finally retired early for the evening. Murphy had left Sherry sleeping with the tiny Abby by her side, eliciting a promise from Cait and Mel that they'd be nearby if she needed anything. He arranged to meet his cousins on the front porch to work out a strategy, but found Laura and Remington present as well.
Paul joined them a moment later. "I've checked with all the local agencies," he explained quietly, sitting down on a step. "They'll get back to me if they hear anything." He ran a hand through his black hair in frustration and sighed.
"No tracks near the shed? No scrap of clothing?" Remington inquired. "No vital bit of... clue anywhere?"
"Nothing. The ground's pretty rocky," Paul answered.
Remington peered disgustedly into the night. "How are we supposed to proceed without evidence?" he asked no one in particular.
"We just got off the phone with some of our contacts," Lee announced, holding the screen door for Amanda. "We were hoping to access the national missing persons data banks, but we found out something else."
"There aren't any real details," Amanda added. "Mostly rumors, but there's federal activity in the Carlsbad or El Paso, Texas area. That's not really very far." She stood next to Murphy and put a comforting hand on his arm.
"What kind of activity?" Murphy asked.
"Well..." Lee's mouth twisted a bit. "That's were blurry info goes to fuzzy." He shook his head. "We've got all kinds of speculation... anything from illegal avocado smuggling to a mobile gambling casino to alien abductions..." He rolled his eyes at the latter, then continued. "But... there may be a baby selling ring." All eyes were suddenly on Lee. "We need to verify this with a contact. We couldn't reach him tonight."
"Given the fact we have a baby, think we've finally got our lead?" Skip asked, then grinned. "All right!" He rubbed his hands together excitedly, happy they were finally going to be doing something. "We know kidnappers probably wouldn't hide a kid they needed in that shack. Bet the mom's not too far from here. We'll have this worked out by morning," he announced.
Paul ignored the ex-astronaut. "Are the Feds on their way?"
"Nothing we did would have alerted them," Amanda answered. "But your inquiries might have sent up flags."
"So we don't have much time before they usurp jurisdiction." Paul nodded his head. "That gives a little bit of room before the bureaucrats get involved." He rubbed at his tired eyes. "I'm gonna call it a night," he grabbed the railing to pull himself up. "I'll be back at first light and we can try a wider area."
"First light!" Skip moved forward. "Paul, this is solved. We just gotta find the mom, and we can do that tonight."
Paul turned, well acquainted with his cousin-in-law's enthusiasm. "Skip, it's too dark and too dangerous and we're all too tired. And that's all speculation at this point. " He waved as he headed for his car.
"But..." Skip started to argue.
"He's right, Skipper," Murphy agreed. "As much as I want this resolved, nothing's gonna happen tonight. I'm gonna check on Sherry and then try to get some sleep."
Lee kissed Amanda good-night. "See you in the morning." Then he walked toward the bunkhouse with Andy trailing silently behind.
"We'll get to the bottom of this," Laura promised, smiling as she watched her husband join the others. "C'mon Amanda."
Skip flopped dejectedly on to the porch swing, shaking his head in frustration. "There's gotta be something..."
* * *
"Murphy," Lee whispered in his cousin's ear, shaking him carefully. "Murph, wake up."
"Huh?" The Denver detective propped himself up on an elbow and squinted. "What?"
"Andy and Skip are missing," Lee told him.
Murphy shut his eyes and collapsed back onto the bunk, sighing heavily. "Gimme a minute." He stretched his tired muscles, then got up and dressed.
Lee motioned for Murphy to follow him outside into the blackness of the New Mexico night.
"How have those two survived to adulthood?" Lee complained bitterly once they were out of danger of waking anyone in the bunkhouse. "The last thing we need is those two lost."
"I know, I know." Murphy had to laugh at Lee's irate expression. "C'mon, Lee, you know we're not much better. If we'd thought of something, we'd be the ones out there right now."
Lee looked heavenward. "I don't have to admit to anything," he agreed, calming a bit. "Someone's coming," he cautioned, pointing to a bobbing light approaching from the house. As it drew closer, Lee finally recognized Amanda and got her attention.
"I thought I heard horses," Amanda explained. "I came down as quickly as I could."
"Guess who's missing?" Lee asked sarcastically, knowing he wouldn't have to explain.
"Great," Amanda replied. "Where would they have gone?"
Lee thought for a moment. "On the way in, didn't we see a sign saying there was property for sale near here?" Lee asked Amanda.
"The old Goddard place?" Murphy speculated. "That'd be a perfect place to hide."
"I'll get my gun," Lee advised. "Murph, do you know where the keys to the gun cabinet are?" He continued off Murphy's nod. "Amanda, can you leave Jenny for a little while?"
"She should be down for the night," Amanda informed him.
He smiled. "Good. I need you to get the Bronco to the end of the driveway. I don't want to wake anyone up this late."
Murphy couldn't keep a straight face at Lee's attempt to be subtle. They all knew the 'anyone' Lee meant was Uncle Jake. That was absolutely the last thing they needed tonight.
* * *
"Is that a car?" Andy asked quietly, squinting to see if the red blur he thought he could see really were taillights.
Skip maneuvered his horse onto the final trail leading back to the house. "Can't be. No one's up this late," he dismissed. "We gotta get her back." He pulled the jacket tighter around the girl sitting in front of him.
"I'll get Lee and Murph." Andy slid off his mount, holding Skip's reigns while he assisted his passenger to the ground.
Skip nodded, steering his companion into the kitchen. He turned on the light and smiled encouragingly, pointing her to one of the kitchen chairs. "Wait a sec, I'll be right back." When he returned, he draped a blanket over the girl's shoulders. "I'll get you something hot," he counseled, "then we can talk."
She nodded silently, then jumped as someone else entered the kitchen.
"What's going on?" Katie Travis asked.
"Aunt Katie," Skip introduced. "This is Mary -- Abby's mother."
The older woman knelt down. "Why, you're nothing but a child yourself," she observed kindly.
"I'm fifteen," Mary responded automatically, then straightened up. "Is my baby okay?" she asked timidly.
"She's perfectly safe," Katie assured her.
Mary smiled shyly, the relief plain on her face. Skip handed the girl a cup of tea and sat down next to her.
"We found her in the caves," he told his aunt. "She'd slipped between the boards and was hidin' just inside."
"You poor thing," Katie comforted.
Skip nodded for Mary to continue her story.
"Some men offered to pay me for my baby..." She hesitated, her bottom lip quivering slightly. "They promised to take care of me and the baby... and I thought it was best 'cause I'm broke and street life ain't no way for a kid..." her voice broke up. "They brought me here, then I changed my mind... but they wouldn't let me go. They said they'd hurt her if I went to the cops. I didn't know what to do, so I escaped." She wiped a dirty sleeve across her cheeks. "I thought they were gonna catch me so I hid her in a shack. I came back later, and she was gone." She began to weep. "I was so scared. I didn't know what to do," she repeated.
"It's fine," Katie soothed.
Mary breathed in deeply, trying to control the tears. "You called her Abby?" she asked.
"Abbigail, actually," Sherry declared from the doorway, the baby secure in her arms.
Mary looked to the new arrival, unsure of what to do. Sherry smiled encouragingly and the young girl bolted to her side, carefully taking the sleeping infant from her. Sherry let go reluctantly, her own eyes tearing up.
"She's a very good baby." Sherry stepped back a pace. Skip came over to put a reassuring arm around her and she held on tight to her cousin-in-law.
Suddenly, Andy flew through the door. "Murph and Lee are gone!" he exclaimed out of breath.
Sherry frowned at the news. "Amanda's not upstairs either. I thought she was down here."
"Told ya I saw a car," Andy declared.
Skip shook his head in disbelief. "What were they thinkin'? They know what trouble they can get into alone," he declared. "And I thought Amanda had more sense than that?"
Remington burst into the kitchen, trying to button the wrong-sized shirt he'd obviously grabbed in the dark of the bunkhouse. "What's go... Oh, hello." He stopped at the unfamiliar face.
Mary backed into a corner with her child, eyeing Remington suspiciously.
"Sher, can you get Laura?" Skip asked. She began to step away, but he stopped her with a hand on her arm. He tilted his head questioningly. She smiled bravely at him, then went to wake up yet another member of the household.
"How many of you live here?" Mary glanced around the room, mentally counting the names she'd already heard.
"This is a reunion." Katie motioned for her to sit back down.
Mary's eyes went wide. "You're all family? So many of you?" She distractedly straightened the baby's blanket. "I don't have anyone."
"I think ya do now." Skip winked, indicating the baby.
She sighed heavily. "I can't... I'm no good for her." Her head whipped up defiantly. "But they're not gonna have her either."
Katie kissed the top of her head. "We'll make sure of that."
* * *
"It still looks abandoned, but there is activity." Murphy handed the binoculars to Amanda. "I think we've found the bad guys, but no sign of our missing mother."
"Do you see Skip or Murph?" Lee squinted to see through the night and distance while he waited his turn.
Amanda shook her head. "We should be hearing the horses if they were nearby. Backup?" Amanda asked, knowing the answer already
Lee took the glasses, scanning the entire area. "I don't see any guards, this should be easy." He stood, carefully checking the clip in his gun. "Let's move in closer and see if we can get a better idea."
"Lee, maybe we should at least call the Sheriff's office," Amanda counseled. "Get Paul out here with some of his deputies."
Lee looked at her incredulously. "Amanda, we could handle these guys in our sleep." Lee laughed. "Why wake anyone else out of theirs?"
Amanda sighed, finally nodding her agreement.
Murphy shrugged, then followed his cousin's lead.
Circumnavigating the tumbleweeds and bits of broken fence, they worked their way to the back of the house. Light leaked out of one of the boarded up windows and Lee directed his team towards it.
Peering inside, Lee could see broken furniture but not much else. He shifted to the next window. "There's just one guy sleeping on a cot in the corner," Lee began. "And one more... uh oh, he's armed, but just a pistol." He turned around. "We should be able to..." He stopped. Two armed gunmen stood behind Murphy and Amanda, who already had their hands up in surrender.
"Make that three men with guns," one of the men corrected nastily, motioning for Lee to drop his weapon.
"Glad we didn't wake anyone out of their sleep so they could see this," Murphy muttered under his breath.
* * *
"Told ya this is where they'd head," Andy crowed proudly at his deductive reasoning. They'd found the Bronco deserted about a quarter mile up the road.
Mary had been unsure of where she'd been kept, but they soon figured out the old Goddard place was the only possibility. Andy insisted his cousins would have come here to effect a rescue, though how they'd found out about Mary and the others being kept against their wills remained a mystery. There had only been four of the gang at their hideout, but they were armed.
"Good work, Andrew," Remington praised. "Now, any suggestions on how to proceed?"
"We can surround the place, and close in," Skip suggested. "Do bird calls to alert each other if there's impending danger, then..."
"Uh, oh..." Remington interrupted, looking to Laura for help.
"Why not simplify," Laura began. "Paul should be here any minute with his deputies, but I think we need to have information for him when he does arrive."
Skip sighed heavily. Why was it everyone he knew were such killjoys? "All right. How 'bout Remington and I take the back... see if we can get a head and weapon count and find out where everyone is in the house." He glanced to Laura and Andy. "You two do the same in the front and then we'll meet at the far end of the building."
"Good plan." Laura nodded her approval. "Now, be careful. We don't know what to expect."
Remington watched Skip as he stalked cautiously to the back of the building. He'd been concerned when the four of them had started out on this adventure. Both Skip and Andy were known for their impetuousness. But now that they were actually doing something, Skip was all business. It seemed all the silliness he usually displayed was in control. He checked each step he made and kept a sharp eye out for any unexpected arrivals.
Skip reached the lit window first, stopping immediately at what he saw. He motioned Remington forward. Murphy sat awkwardly on the ground, his arms behind his head, while Lee lay half in Amanda's lap. Remington couldn't see if he were conscious or not, but Amanda wiped at his forehead with something that used to be white, but was now deep red. Skip counted three armed men questioning his cousins.
Alarmed, Skip glanced to Remington. Though they couldn't hear the words, Amanda appeared to be challenging the gunman. "We gotta do something and fast," he whispered.
"Yes," Remington agreed. "We need to find out what Andrew and Laura have come up with."
They headed off toward the appointed meeting spot, already finding their companions there.
"We got a guard," Andy announced excitedly. "We got the drop on him and he's tied up in the brush."
"But we couldn't see inside any of the front windows, they were all dark," Laura added.
"We found Murph, Lee and Amanda," Skip said. "Lee's been hurt and those guys didn't look happy they were there."
"The situation has turned critical," Remington stated. He turned to Skip. "I believe now might be the time for some of your creativity."
Skip beamed. "I suggest a simple plan," he announced. "Divide and conquer."
* * *
"We gotta kill 'em, Steve," the younger man pointed with his gun. "Otherwise, we're not gettin' away from here."
Steve shook his head. "We didn't sign no contract for murder" He paced in front of his hostages.
"Only kidnapping poor innocent babies," Amanda accused, shielding her unconscious husband. "What kind of person does that?"
"Look, lady, you don't shut up, you're gonna end up like your pal there," the third man threatened. "Jeeze, you ain't shut up since you got here."
Amanda glared at him. She started to say something, but a loud bang from outside drew their attention. Then they heard the cry of a wounded bird, some more banging and then a cat screamed in pain.
Steve peered out into the darkness, but could discern nothing. "Joey, go check it out," he directed.
"Why?" Joey argued. "It's just a stupid cat catching his dinner." Another thump echoed through the room. "All right," he conceded.
The third captor joined Steve in staring out the window, their full attention away from their prisoners. Then a lamb bleated.
"Huh?" Steve asked.
"I believe that was the signal for you to drop your weapons, gentlemen," Remington Steele ordered. Andy and Laura stood at his side, all three pointing guns at the kidnappers.
The men slowly obeyed.
Skip raced in, out of breath. "I knew it'd work!" he declared happily, then turned to the former captives. "You guys are so in trouble."
* * *
Sherry hung up the phone. She'd spent the last day pulling in favors and making phone calls. They'd all become fond of Mary, but her plight had tugged especially strong at Sherry's heart. She had made a decision she would help no matter what. She turned to Laura.
"They caught the people in Dallas and Phoenix who were soliciting the young women," she explained. "One of those men you found last night was a trained paramedic, but they had a doctor available if there were complications." Sherry shook her head in disgust, then continued. "He should be in custody by tonight."
"These guys would just dump the girls once the babies were born and not pay them," Sherry continued. "Most were too afraid to tell anyone, but the Feds had finally gotten wind of it and were closing in -- we just got there ahead of schedule."
"What about Mary?" Laura asked.
"There's a program for teenage parents in Denver. I yanked hard on some strings and got Mary admitted." She brightened. "And they have an opening for a counselor."
"Are you going to take it?" Laura asked.
"How can I refuse," she admitted. "I've always enjoyed my job, but it was never," she struggled for the words, "completely fulfilling..."
"And..." Laura smiled encouragingly.
"Trying to get Mary a home -- a new life -- it just feels so... right," Sherry announced. "It won't be the same as having more of my own children to raise, but think of all the good I'll be able to do."
"This won't be easy," Laura warned.
"The hardest part will be sending them on their way," she admitted. "I'm already missing Abby... and Mary, but this will be a good kind of sadness."
"Then I'm happy for you," Laura said.
"I can't wait to tell Mary." Sherry grinned. "She'll be so happy."
* * *
The various Michaels families gathered in small groups. "Okay, Travis and Carmichael clans -- to your left," Skip shouted through his bullhorn. "Ironhorse and Michaels I, in the middle."
"Who's Michaels I, Skip?" an unidentified voice called from the crowd.
"Yeah, and Michaels II?" Stephen griped good-naturedly. "Who exactly is that? Your system doesn't make any sense, cuz."
Teasing agreements popped up from every direction.
"Hey, I'm just tryin' to get this right," Skip offered. "Think you can do any better, feel free."
"Okay," Allie volunteered. He grabbed the megaphone and dashed off towards the back of the group.
"This is war," Skip yelled, leaping down from his box and tearing off after his brother.
Aunt Katie took her nephew's place. "Everyone, same as last year, please." The families split off accordingly and found their places immediately, though they had to work around Skip still chasing Allie in circles.
Sherry began to follow Murphy to their spot but stopped, frowning. She glanced around the group and finally found Mary, standing back with Abby, forlornly watching the activities.
Sherry trotted over to the new mother. "C'mon, they're about to take the picture."
"I couldn't." Mary backed up a step, shaking her head. "This is a family thing."
"Exactly." Sherry pulled the young girl next to where she would stand with her husband and her son.
"Not a bad reunion," Murphy said. "One injury, one lost mother and child, one foiled kidnapping ring." He counted off the highlights. "And one new profession for my wife." He grinned. "Pretty relaxing."
Sherry returned the smile, pulling Tommy closer as Skip and Allie dodged past them to get with their families. She felt at peace for the first time since that horrible night that seemed ages ago now.