Another crossover between “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”, and “Highlander: The Series”. This is just a lighthearted look at a day in the life of Hank Lawson and Colleen Cooper Cook. Enjoy!
“THE THINGS I’LL DO”
by Shannon
Tulsa, Oklahoma
July 1981
“Oh, come on, Hank,” Colleen said. “It’s no big deal.”
“If it ain’t no big deal, how come you’re so determined to make me do it?”
Colleen sighed. “It’ll be sexy.”
Hank glared at her, and Colleen quickly added, “Not that you aren’t now, of course…but it’ll be fun! Please?”
“I said no, and I mean it.”
“Hank, men everywhere are doing it. There’s nothing wrong with it.”
Hank folded his arms across his chest, staring her down. “Men everywhere, eh?”
“It won’t hurt much—it certainly won’t do any permanent damage to you either.”
“Well, sorry,” Hank drawled out sarcastically. “I tend to get my dander up when people talk about punching holes in my head.”
Colleen sighed again. “Hank, since when are you such a conservative?”
Hank nervously eyed the sewing needle Colleen held in one hand, and the glittering diamond stud earring in the other. Colleen took note, and started again.
“Hank, it’s what’s fashionable for men now. That and long hair.” She hoped he’d take the hint to grow his hair out again. He’d cut it short in 1950 and kept it near-military regulation ever since.
“I dunno,” Hank muttered.
“Hank, you’re the one always telling me how important it is to try and blend in,” Colleen pointed out. “I wouldn’t have thought a little pain would frighten you off from trying something new.”
That got him. His blue eyes flared at the implied insult. He unfolded his arms and marched across the room and sat down at the table. “Do it,” he growled.
Colleen grinned and squatted down next to him. “Here, take this,” she said, handing him the earring. Hank stared at the glittering jewel in his hand, muttering, “I can’t believe I’m doing this…”
Colleen ignored him and took his left earlobe between her fingers. A quick jab with the needle—Hank yelped, but was still--then she swiftly retrieved the earring and stuck it through the miniscule wound. She dabbed at the few blood droplets quickly. “How does it feel?”
Hank reached up and tentatively touched his ear. “This is weird.” Colleen grinned and reached into her purse, handing him her mirrored compact so he could look.
He gave a quick appraisal, and looked up at her. “You like it, huh?”
Colleen nodded. “It suits you, Hank.”
Hank groaned and shook his head. “The things I’ll do just on your say-so, woman.”