QOS FANFIC CHALLENGE #1

by Eliza
elizawpg@shaw.ca

~~~~~

I gave the Trio Challenge a try, though one of the items ended up being metaphorical. <g> (Or was it used in a simile, I always get those mixed up)
SPOILERS: Just to be safe I'll mention one for "Duel with a Stranger"
See what happens when you've got two plot bunnies running around and no sense to keep them apart.

~~~~~

Montoya had just trimmed a wayward rose from a trellis in the well kept garden when his eye fell on the book on the nearby table. It had just arrived from Monterey on the stage and had contained some interesting information. The colonel knew the sender would not just send a gift for its own sake and so, after careful examination, he had found the letter that had been hidden within the cover. After he had read it, the letter went into the fire. The book, however, would not suffer the same fate; it was a beautiful volume.

"Colonel," came a voice from behind him. Montoya continued his pruning, letting Grisham wait. He had sent for the captain at least half an hour ago.

The captain sighed, sat at the table and picked up the book. He opened the cover and smirked as he read the inscription aloud -- "The pursuit of past glory is always at the expense of present joy. I pray you make the effort to live in the present more often, Luis. -- M."

Grisham frowned in thought for a moment then said, "The only 'M' I can think of is Tessa Alvarado's maid, Marta. She wouldn't be inscribing books to you, whenever she looks at you her expression is sourer than a jar of pickles."

"There's a charming image." Montoya's sarcasm brought a grin to Grisham's face. The smile faded as Montoya moved toward the table and continued, "A two hundred year old book inscribed in English--no, I don't think Marta would be my benefactor. Which reminds me of why I wanted to see you, how is your courtship of Maria Teresa Alvarado proceeding?"

Grisham froze for a moment then started to squirm. "With Antonio showing up and his untimely demise..."

"You mean your shooting him."

"Yes... Well... I didn't think I would be welcome for a while after that. Then she started mooning after Doctor Helm..."

"Who has shown no interest in her at all."

"I don't need to chase after someone who is attracted to someone else." Grisham's tone was defiant but his eyes were darting around the courtyard as if he was searching for a distraction. They focused again on Montoya's copy of 'Don Quixote', still open to the inscription. The feigned innocence of Grisham's tone conveyed more of the message he was trying to send then the words did. "This is written in a very masculine hand. Who is this 'M', Colonel?"

Montoya retrieved the book as he walked past the captain. The colonel paused for a moment while he dispelled the images running through his mind involving that very masculine hand. Grisham was trying to unnerve him but it would take much more then mild insinuation to do that. Contradicting information should be enough to throw the captain off balance, which was always amusing. "Someone who reminded me never to send a boy," the phrase was punctuated by the sound of the book quickly meeting the back of Grisham's head, "to do a man's job. Senorita Alvarado's marital status is now my concern. You are off the hook, Grisham."

Seeing the captain's stunned surprise was very gratifying but Montoya wanted him gone. "It's Tuesday. Don't you have an... appointment?" The reminder was accompanied by an obvious motion to the courtyard entrance. Grisham recovered enough to take escape as it was offered.

As Montoya turned to the house it was his turn to grin was he heard the captain mutter, "Just when I think I've got him figured out."

THE END

It was such a perfect Montoya quote that I couldn't leave it alone. This story follows from the first Challenge.

"All it takes for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing."

~~~~~

Grisham rolled his eyes behind his commander's back and tried desperately to think of something to respond with that wouldn't get him demoted, shot, or challenged to a duel. He chose silence; he was not as stupid as Montoya always accused him of being.

The colonel continued his circuit of the room and turned again to face his captain. "By doing nothing about the Queen of Swords, we are sending a message to the underbelly of society that the authorities in Santa Helena support lawlessness. We must find her, Grisham. We must send a clear statement that anarchy will not reign within my jurisdiction."

The captain succeeded in suppressing a disgusted sigh. "We've tried, Colonel. She's always one step ahead of us. I've suspected for some time that there might be an accomplice in the garrison. I just haven't had time to think of a way to lure the traitor out."

Montoya actually seemed satisfied with the explanation and opened his wardrobe as he continued his comments, "Well, you will have the time this evening. I assume you have declined the invitation to the Hidalgo's anniversary party?"

"No. I plan on going." Grisham fumed as he realized what Montoya was going to say next. Damn, he always has to push the commander role too far! The most annoying thing is that he already knows I want him dead.

"I will send your regrets. One can only stretch propriety so far and the rest of the town is not as blind as Gaspar Hidalgo." As Grisham's expression darkened, Montoya turned to him and put on his most placating manner. "Do not worry, Captain. You will not be conspicuous by your absence, I will take the blame. I will say that I had pressing matters for you do deal with, and that is not a lie. Think of it as a favour to Vera. Your lady love will not take it as a slight and she will not be tempted to divide her time from her husband this evening."

Grisham relented under the weight of the logic of the argument. He could see that attending his mistress' anniversary celebration was a bit crass. As he was leaving, he noticed Montoya's dress uniform and the fact that he was pulling on his gloves. "Isn't it a bit early to be getting ready?"

"I have to go to the Alvarado hacienda first."

"Why?"

Montoya's smirk was very self satisfied, even for him. "Because Senorita Alvarado asked me to escort her. She told me that she was tired of going to these events alone. It seems I was right in my assessment of the situation."

Grisham rubbed the back of his head, as he remembered the conversation that released him from his courtship of Tessa Alvarado. He had initially been insulted that the colonel didn't think he was up to the job, but now he felt like he had just dodged a bullet. She was seeking out Montoya's company -- the woman was obviously nuts.

THE END

DISCLAIMER: Not mine, never will be, wouldn't dream of exploiting them for money.

Inspired by "Fear in Three Parts" and "The Queen to Death" by Rodlox

*-*-*

She was standing by his bed, mesmerized by the scarlet stain covering his nightshirt. His face was peaceful, as if he was asleep -- as if he had not woken as the blade pierced his chest. She knew, by instinct, exactly what had caused the wound.

"Who would do this?" she whispered. "Who would kill a man while he slept?"

"I must confess it, it was I."

She turned at the voice, sure of who was there before seeing the figure in black standing by the window. "Why?! There was no need to kill him."

"He was a murderer. He had killed scores of people."

Tessa sat on the edge of the bed. "He was doing what he felt was his duty."

"That is the justification," noted the Queen of Swords as she moved to stand behind Tessa. "Then there is all the pain he has caused you. Why allow that to continue?"

Tessa looked down at him, knowing the Queen spoke the truth. Still, his death seemed an extreme and final payment.

"You can always stay my hand. You have always had the power, Tessa." The Queen took Tessa's hand and put it over the wound. Moving back to the corner by the window, the Queen of Swords faded back into the shadows.

Tessa continued watching his face. Then, under her hand, felt his chest rise and his heart began to beat. When she looked down, the blood had disappeared, as had the night shirt. Her hand was resting on warm skin. Her breathing quickened as she remembered being close enough to feel that there was well developed muscle under his shirt -- and the rest of his clothing. Part of her wanted to see if the sheet had disappeared as well, but she couldn't bring herself to look. She let her hand glide softly over the curve of his pectoral to his shoulder, then to his neck. This neck she had studied carefully from a distance, now she mapped it with her fingers. As her fingers reached his throat, her gaze was drawn to his mouth. Strong sensations erupted in her at the memory of this mouth on hers. She couldn't resist the temptation to touch those lips again. She gasped as his eyes opened at the brush of her thumb along his bottom lip. The blue eyes dared her to a bolder touch and his hands went to her waist to pull her closer. Just before their lips met, she let out a soft sigh, "Luis."

"... such a lazy-bones. You are usually up before I am."

Tessa blinked at the bright light streaming in her windows. She felt disoriented -- unsure of where, or even who, she was.

"So, you are awake." Marta moved from the window to sit on the side of the bed. "Are you feeling all right? You seem a little flushed." With a worried frown, she reached to feel Tessa's face.

Tessa caught her friend's hands, but quickly released them. She did not need Marta to have a flash of insight at this moment. This dream she intended on keeping all to herself.

THE END

Thanks MnD. The quote was perfect! -- Eliza

It has finally happened, the girl has gone nuts. I knew that leading this duel life would eventually get to her. Marta could not believe that she was sitting in Montoya's carriage listening to Tessa discuss roses with the man who was at the heart of the reason for the Queen of Swords existence. But then Marta was still in shock from the conversation she had been witness to a couple of days earlier.

~~~~~

"Yes. I plan on attending, Colonel."

"You do not sound happy about it, Senorita Alvarado. I thought that the Hidalgos were dear friends of yours."

"It is not the reason for the event that dampens my enthusiasm, I am very pleased to celebrate the anniversary of two such wonderful people, it is just that I am weary of going to these events alone."

Marta could not believe what she was hearing and seeing. Tessa was hinting, and not subtly, that she would like Montoya's company. And not just with words, she was toying with her fan and casting very pointed looks at the colonel. Playing Dona Maria Teresa was one thing but this was going too far!

"If there is anything I could do..." began Montoya. Tessa batted her eyelashes at him. Marta almost choked on her own breath in surprise.

Montoya smiled. "Senorita, would you be so kind as to accept the offer of my carriage. The trip to the Hidalgos' hacienda is over a considerable distance of dusty roads. I hate the thought of you traveling in your fine clothes in an open trap. There is also always the danger of bandits."

The brief catch in Tessa's breath and the light tough of pink in her cheeks caught Marta's attention. She discretely sent a questioning look at the young woman. What caused that reaction? The only bandits in the area recently had been dealt with weeks ago. Does Montoya know who was truly responsible for their disappearance?

Marta became even more confused as Tessa turned a blinding smile on the colonel. "What a generous offer!"

A convenient time was agreed upon and Montoya raised Tessa's hand to his lips in farewell. He gave a polite nod to Marta. "Senora."

"Colonel," Marta replied, pleased that she sounded normal to her own ears. Inside, she was almost in a panic.

Marta resisted the urge to grab Tessa by the ear and drag her to the wagon. She even managed to exercise enough self restraint to wait until they were inside the house before exploding. "What, in the name of all that is holy, do you think you are doing?!"

"Have you ever heard the expression -- keep your friends close and your enemies closer? I just thought it would be a good idea to keep a close eye on Montoya." Tessa's tone was too casual. Marta sensed that the girl was avoiding something.

"I am sure the colonel knows the saying as well. He likely suspects that you are the Queen and is trying to trap you."

Tessa's chin came up and her jaw tightened; that she had taken the comment as an insult was very plain. "You don't think that a man could want me without an ulterior motive?"

What does that have to do with anything? Marta was becoming confused again. "We are not talking about a man, we are talking about Montoya! That reference to bandits was very obvious."

The blush that painted Tessa's cheeks and the sudden avoidance of her friend's eyes told Marta that she had jumped to the wrong conclusion. She sat down and took a deep breath. This was worse than she thought. She remembered an old saying -- Tell not a madman that he is mad, for 'twill only make him madder -- she was going to have to be careful. Marta composed her self and stated calmly, "I'm going to the party as well."

That comment seemed to bring Tessa's anger up again. "I thought we decided -- I do not need the protection of a duena."

"Just like you didn't need one with Antonio."

"No, I didn't!"

"Really? I always wondered how he would have responded to your foolish offer if he hadn't seen me in the doorway holding your father's pistol."

Tessa's eyes widened as she absorbed the last piece of information but they narrowed again as the two women continued their disagreement as a silent battle of wills. Tessa was the first to flinch. "Fine. You will see that there is nothing untoward going on."

Not on the surface, no. Marta was positive there was a significant amount that Tessa was not admitting, either to her friend or to herself.

Tessa stood in the antechamber to Colonel Montoya's office. She was trying to look calm and confident in the presence of Captain Grisham but she was being taken by a wave of doubt. What am I doing here? she asked herself as the captain raised his fist to knock on the door.

He paused, and she heard a string of creative curses coming from the office, then a louder call, "Grisham!"

The evil little smirk that flashed across the captain's face as he opened the door was so quick that Tessa wasn't even sure she saw it. But the overly solicitous tone he used to answer his commander strengthened her suspicions. "There's something you need, Colonel? Senorita Alvarado is here to see you." Grisham opened the door wider and ushered her in without waiting for an answer.

She saw that Montoya was holding a handkerchief to his hand and that he was barely controlling his anger. He snarled his order to Grisham. "Get Doctor Helm. I pay his salary I might as well get some use of his abilities."

"Right away, sir." Grisham replied and quickly left the office, closing the door behind him.

Montoya took a deep breath. "Senorita. You have picked an unfortunate moment for what usually would have been a very pleasant surprise."

Tessa had moved closer to the desk and now saw the red drops marring the papers spread on the surface. One had even found its way to the open book nearest her, a well worn bible. "You're hurt! Let me..."

Tessa started toward him but he waved her back as a rueful smile began to appear on his face. "Do not trouble yourself, Maria Teresa. It is not serious, just an annoyance. More of one because of the ruined work and the fact it was caused by my own carelessness." He sat back in his chair. Tessa had refused a seat for herself and continued to wander around his desk. "So distract me from my pain and tell me what brings you here," Montoya prompted.

I wish I knew! thought Tessa, but quickly reverted to the role of Maria Teresa. "I had thought to do some shopping today but there was little to catch my eye. I had some time before meeting Vera for lunch and so..." She let the sentence trail off with a coy glance and tiny smile in the colonel's direction.

"Yet, you did not come away empty handed." He smiled in return to her questioning look and explained, "Your basket is not empty."

"Oh, that. That is just a little chocolate. I always get a bit put aside whenever the supply ship comes in." Tessa perched on the edge of the colonel's desk and picked up one of the quills. There were half a dozen on the desk, and with the added evidence of a bloody penknife, Tessa guessed at the circumstances the accident. She could also see why he would be annoyed at being injured while performing such a mundane task. She ran the feather through her fingers, enjoying the softness.

"I had assumed you were not fond of sweets. You did not sample the wide variety available at the Hidalgos'," Montoya pointed out.

"But chocolate is different. The very best has just enough sweetness to make the bitterness palatable. Too much sugar hides the dark flavours, the enticing aftertaste. Then there is the texture, so smooth that it seems like there is only the flavour itself."

Tessa froze, suddenly realizing what she was doing. She had become so lost in her chocolate rhapsody that she hadn't noticed that she had started stroking her cheek and jaw with the feather in her hand. A quick glance at Montoya showed her that he had. Madre de dios! What is the matter with me?

She stood up quickly, placing the quill back on the desk. She was having a difficult time meeting Montoya's eye. The fact that he was watching her like a cat after a canary was not helping. The sound of footsteps on the stairs gave her a way out and she vowed to light a candle in the church as thanks for the interruption.

She collected her basket and moved to the door. "The doctor is on his way, I will leave you to his ministrations. I hope the wound does not cause you too much pain."

As Tessa opened the door, the colonel replied, in tones as silky as the chocolate in her basket, "I have not noticed it for some time now."

She made the mistake of looking back at him. The hunger was still in his eyes but it was tempered somewhat by a gently teasing grin. Again Fate intervened as Helm and Grisham arrived at the door. With that distraction, Tessa made her escape.

THE END

I must apologize, the plot bunny from the first challenge left his little footie prints all over this one before I could shoo him away.

~~~~~

Grisham loitered by the office door. He could hear the voices on the other side but couldn't quite make out the words. Dr. Helm was becoming increasingly angry and Colonel Montoya, increasingly smug. Grisham had heard that tone of voice often enough to know that the colonel was amusing himself at Helm's expense.

The captain moved from the door as it was forcefully opened. Fortunately, the men on the other side were still too involved in their discussion to notice him.

"You are sounding like a jealous lover, Doctor. If I have impinged on your territory, I can only say that you should have taken better care of it."

Grisham watched Helm's face tighten but he could not say which of Montoya's barbs had hit home. There were times when he truly admired the colonel's way with words, particularly when they weren't sent in his direction.

Helm collected himself before he responded, "I am worried about her. As I would be for any innocent playing about the edge of a pit of vipers." He didn't leave the colonel time to rebut as he quickly left the office, barely nodding to Grisham as he passed.

Final point to the doctor! Grisham chuckled to himself. He made sure the smirk was off his face before entering Montoya's office. He didn't have to worry. Even though Helm had landed a final blow, Montoya obviously felt he had won the match.

The colonel was at his desk, his freshly bandaged hand resting on his copy of Don Quixote. The self-satisfied expression was highlighted by a grin, though Montoya seemed to be trying to suppress it. Grisham returned it, hoping that the colonel would share the joke.

Montoya obliged. "The good doctor feels that I am taking advantage of an innocent. Have you ever heard such a ridiculous thing, Grisham? Both you and I know that I have nothing but the most honourable intentions toward Senorita Alvarado."

Grisham's grin became wider, the term "honourable intentions" with regard to Montoya struck him as funny. He was glad to have some good news to cover his amusement, for the colonel was starting to get a reproving look in his eyes. "The gold arrived without incident, Colonel. There's been no sign of the Queen of Swords in over two weeks. I wonder what's scared her off?"

"It could not have been the guard, could it, Captain?"

Grisham didn't bridle at he comment as he usually would have, for it had been delivered with such an amicable tone that he felt like he was being teased. That thought was very uncomfortable. He looked for a distraction, a change of subject, and his eyes landed on the book.

Montoya must have followed the gaze for he gently caressed the cover and said, "A good book is the best of friends." Grisham was bemused by both the statement and the action, but the colonel must have taken the expression for puzzlement, for he continued, "It is the same today and forever."

Since Montoya seemed in such a good mood, Grisham decided to push a bit, to find out more about his commander - to even the balance. Also, whenever he saw that book a question still nagged at him. "About the inscription, Colonel..."

Montoya's eyes narrowed, but his tone of voice was indulgent as he cut the question short. "Curiosity killed the cat, Captain."

"But satisfaction brought it back."

The joyful smile that briefly lit Montoya's face as his gaze moved back to the book, was not what Grisham had expected and he almost missed the phrase the colonel said under his breath. "I certainly hope so."

There was a small noise at the doorway and when Montoya looked up again the smile was very different. It was the smooth, charming, calculating Colonel Montoya that Grisham was familiar with, who rose from the desk to greet his new guest. Grisham felt as if he had found a pearl only to have it drop through his fingers back into the ocean depths. He had been shown something about Montoya but he couldn't recognize what it was. Now, with the arrival of Tessa Alvarado, he was not going to find out.

"I am sorry to interrupt, Colonel," the lady said. "I saw the doctor leave and it reminded me of your wound. I was concerned and wanted to check if things are all right."

"Thank you, my hand is healing well. It is always a pleasure to see you, Dona Alvarado. Although, you are here again without your servant."

Montoya's gentle scolding brought a slight blush to Tessa's cheek as she took a seat on the couch. Montoya moved a chair closer, for himself. At her slightly disappointed expression, he gave her another pointed look. Again she dropped her eyes in embarrassment, but this time there was a small smile on her lips.

Grisham saw that his presence was not wanted and quickly made his withdrawal. On his way out, he had started to pull the doors closed behind him, when Montoya stopped him. "Leave them open, Captain. Since the senorita is being so casual with her reputation, it must become our duty to protect it."

END

When this muse says, "Write!" I keep him happy.

~~~~~

"Hello, Devil. Welcome to Hell."

Robert Helm registered the English words through the haze that he had been having difficulty shaking, but at the sound of the voice his mind snapped into sudden clarity. The last thing he remembered was the feeling of his horse's back legs sliding in the soft soil at the edge of an arroyo. No, he also remembered letting out a string of curses as the two of them got caught in the landslide. After that was a blank.

Now he was lying bound, Bound! within the heat and light of a campfire. His clothes were still wet, he must have hit the water, but the warmth of the fire had kept a chill from setting in. He could make out a figure on the opposite side of the fire, just out of the reach of the light. He thought he had recognized the voice, but the one he knew would have had a Spanish accent, not sound as if its owner had been born on English soil.

"Devil, am I? What brought you to that conclusion? Is that why you have me tied?" Helm was desperate for some information as to his situation.

There was a chuckle from the other side of the fire, not a comforting sound. "To survive a fall like that you would have to be either an angel or a devil. Since I am the one that found you, God is obviously not on your side."

Helm was beginning to reach the same conclusion. "And is that the reason for the ropes?"

The figure across the illuminated circle stretched out and Helm got a good look at a pair of well worn boots complete with a nasty set of spurs. "No. I'm a cautious man. I had no idea who I had fished out of that very wet arroyo. But an Englishman this far from home was too interesting a fish to throw back." The voice paused for a moment before continuing, "There were also other considerations."

Helm wasn't sure if he wanted to know what his 'savior' meant by that. His trepidation must have been easy to read for there came another chuckle. The tone of the voice from the other side of the flames was light, conversational, and set Helm's teeth on edge. "You bear a striking resemblance to someone I used to know. At least you do when unconscious. I wanted to see if that also was the case when you were awake."

Helm cleared his suddenly dry throat trying to keep his voice sounding normal. "And is it?"

The man leaned into the circle of firelight. More than the voice was familiar. But where as Montoya's grin of self-satisfied glee would turn his stomach, the one on this face stopped his heart. Maybe it was the fire reflected in the light blue eyes. Maybe it was the 3 days worth of stubble or the vertical scar bisecting the right side of his face. Maybe it was something else altogether but Helm knew he had been welcomed to Hell by Hades himself. The only small comfort he had was in the man's comment, "If it was, you would already be wishing you were dead."

END

I had no choice in this one. None. And then I got carried away. Time to play spot the Methos quotes. This story takes place in the same time frame as the last episode. - Eliza

~~~~~

"You are sounding like a jealous lover, Doctor. If I have impinged on your territory, I can only say that you should have taken better care of it."

Montoya's words echoed through Doctor Helm's head. They had been discussing Tessa Alvarado, but this comment had hit a different nerve -- one that lead directly to the Queen of Swords. He managed to make some comment about vipers, a cheap shot considering the target, and left Montoya's office with some semblance of dignity. He reached the bottom of the external staircase before allowing himself to stop and feel how much the barb had stung.

Even though he knew she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, Helm felt that it had become his job as well. Misplaced chivalry, he knew that, but if anything happened to her... He couldn't finish the thought. He hadn't seen her in over a month and no one had spotted her at all in three weeks.

What if Montoya had actually caught her -- killed her? Could he keep it quiet if she ended up being an influential member of society? No, she would be missed, and if she was a 'nobody' the colonel would shout the death of the Queen from the church belfry. Helm wasn't really concerned about Montoya, for he had come to the conclusion that the Queen was her own worst enemy.

He recalled the last time she had encountered the garrison in the town square. She had startled a team of horses with her whip and then decided to catch a ride on the runaway wagon. The horses had scattered the soldiers, but they were in pursuit and her position on the back of the wagon was precarious. He had noticed the most likely path the horses would take and had headed for the house at the end of his street. He had been sure he could reach her from the top of its covered patio.

His whistle had caught her attention and she had seen his plan immediately. As he had pulled her off the wagon and up onto the patio roof, he had whispered to her, "It's finally happened. You've lost your mind." He had felt her silent chuckle.

They had waited, lying flat on the roof and holding their breath, as the soldiers passed by on their search. When the immediate danger was gone, Helm had turned to glare at her. "What were you thinking?!" he had growled, fear for her still churning in his gut.

She had sat up and run her fingers through her hair, pulling it out of her face, before saying, "I wasn't thinking, I was improvising." Then she had grinned at him. He had wanted to kiss her senseless at that moment, but she was gone, taking advantage of the momentary quiet to make her escape.

"Have you been to see Colonel Montoya? How is his wound healing?"

Helm hadn't noticed Tessa approach the staircase, and her questions quickly brought him back to the present. He smiled at her calling Montoya's little cut, made by a pen knife, a 'wound'. Ever since the night of the Hidalgo's anniversary he had felt protective toward the girl, so his reply was not as curt as usually would have been. "He is fine, Senorita. It's not worth worrying about." He is not worth worrying about.

"You seemed preoccupied when I approached. I thought complications may have arisen. But I should have known better with a talented doctor, such as yourself, in attendance."

Tessa's tone was all sweetness and innocence but Helm sensed something under the surface. This had the feeling of a Montoya insult. Helm brushed the feeling aside; he was just being sensitive after the argument. "Actually, I was thinking about something I had heard earlier today. The Queen of Swords has not been seen in weeks, the people are starting to wonder what has happened."

"Some people are easily lead by the sight of daring deeds and an even more daring costume." The disgust in Tessa's voice was poorly concealed. Her chin came up and her expression became disdainful. "As long there is no disruption to life on my ranch, she is none of my concern. At any rate, we haven't been formally introduced."

Helm couldn't follow this logic. "You haven't been formally introduced?"

"When she carries a sword and we haven't been formally introduced, I get shy." Tessa batted her eyelashes at him with a sly little smile on her lips.

Helm blinked at the unexpected sarcasm. He had always thought of Tessa Alvarado as a soft, spoiled, slightly naive girl, but basically a good one. She obviously knew this and was not pleased with the judgement. It was in the look in her eyes and the tone of her voice; that attitude that said, 'You think you know me? You don't know me.' He was right, Montoya was becoming a bad influence.

She made her farewells and Helm was no longer inclined to detain her. He watched as she climbed the staircase to Montoya's office. He could now see why the colonel had taken the time with her; he could mould her into the type of woman he wanted. This one was becoming subtle, evasive, and artful. He could easily see her ending up as coldly self-centred and back stabbing as many of the society women he had known in England. Initially, his concern had been for the young senorita, now he was wondering if he should feel sorry for the colonel.

END

"Marta. Could you help me get dressed?"

Marta heard the call coming from down the hall. She looked up from the cards spread out on the small table in her own room. They were of no help and hadn't been for weeks. She gathered up the colourful deck and decided to put her trust in the guiding power. There must be some reason for the devilment that Tessa had been put under.

As Marta entered Tessa's room, she was immediately hit with a question. "The red or the blue?"

Tessa presented her back to Marta and gripped the footboard of the bed. Marta took hold of the corset laces. "The blue," she answered.

"I like the red," said Tessa.

"Then why ask me," said Marta as she gave the laces a hard pull. She heard Tessa's startled gasp and regretted causing the girl pain. But not enough to apologize. "You are going into town again. That is the third time this week. Won't he start to think you are being forward?"

"I am meeting Vera. And how can it be the third time this week? It's only Tuesday." Tessa moved away after the laces had been knotted and started to put on the red dress.

Marta suppressed her reply to the smart remark and tried to stick to the point. "So you won't go to see him?"

"That will depend -- Vera may be late, the roads may be bad, the colonel may not be in his office."

"He will be. Another shipment of gold arrived today." Tessa met Marta's pointed look. "The fourth shipment that the Queen has ignored."

Tessa's jaw tightened at the implied criticism. "I can't take every shipment of gold. The soldiers have to be paid."

"Then what about the guns last week... and the week before. The last time the Queen rode was to help return the money the bandits took. That was over three weeks ago."

"And I almost got caught by Montoya while he was looking for the bandits and the money."

Even with her current interest in the colonel, that is a strange excuse. Marta couldn't help but comment, "You escaped. You always do."

"I don't believe it!" Tessa took a few steps toward Marta, looking her straight in the eye. Marta realized that the girl was truly angry and not just making excuses. "Both you and the doctor scold me for taking too many risks and then you make snide remarks when I try to be careful. Should I be putting on the black corset instead? Should I go up against half a dozen armed guards for a handful of gold?"

"The gold arrived in town this morning." Marta was already distracted from the conversation. There was something she was missing; she could feel it.

Tessa finished dressing without another word and then went out to the wagon. Marta followed, and as Tessa took the reins, the women's eyes met. Tessa gave Marta a small smile and said, "Don't worry." Marta raised her eyebrows at that and the smile became a little wider. "I'll be home before dark."

Marta watched the wagon until it was only a small cloud of dust on the road. She was restless and didn't want to go back into the house. Moving a pile of clean straw into the barn suddenly became an appealing chore. She found a pitchfork and set to work, the sunshine and fresh air helping to calm her mind.

After about half an hour, Marta noticed something in the straw. She bent down and picked up a Kachina doll. She smiled and placed it on a nearby fence post. One of the children must have had it out here and would be looking for it later. It was only as she as turning away that she really saw the doll. It had dark hair and a black mask. The costume was dark as well but it was the mask that identified the spirit it represented.

She set the pitchfork aside and picked up the doll again. The Queen of Swords had become a symbol for the people, an equalizing force against the cruelty of Grisham and Montoya. Tessa might temper her attacks on Montoya's coffers in her current state of infatuation, but Marta knew she would not completely abandon her role as avenging angel. What had caused such a strong reaction to such a mild reproof?

"Both you and the doctor scold me..." Marta heard Tessa's voice in her head again. That's what she had said - you and the doctor. That's it!

Tessa had told Marta that she had no intention of seeing Montoya on her trip into town late last week. In fact, after her earlier visit she had avoided the subject of him all together. Marta had thought he may have done something to distress Tessa, but Marta had restrained herself from pressing the issue.

Then, during that last visit, Marta had noticed a brief conversation between Tessa and Helm at the foot of Montoya's staircase. She could see Tessa's anger from across the square, and then Tessa went up to the office. Robert Helm. I should have known! The man needs a good kick in the ass. But if he was the reason that Tessa was acting like an idiot, then Marta could carry some hope that things might work out for the best.

END

Vera watched the little boat in the fountain. One of the children had crafted it from a piece of paper and it seemed a very determined little thing. It had managed to avoid the splashing of the spouts and the scrubbing of the laundresses. She followed it on its adventure, as it wove its way through the waves and the bubbles. Suddenly, a hand scooped it up. Vera looked up, startled at the intrusion into her miniature marine world, to find Tessa holding the little boat in her palm.

"It looked like it needed rescuing," Tessa said with a little shrug, and then placed soggy craft on the top of one of the spouts

Vera smiled at the gesture. Both women studied the little boat.

"It doesn't have it's colours," Tessa noted.

They turned to look at the large Spanish flag hanging from Montoya's office, then back to the boat and then at each other. Tessa shook her head and Vera said, "No, I don't think so either. Shall we go eat?"

Tessa nodded in response. Vera gave the valiant craft a little pat. Then the two women headed toward the cantina.

Once settled, with their usual bottle of wine and a full glass in front of each of them, the thoughtful mood from the fountain began to dissipate. Particularly as Vera noticed that Tessa was having difficulty keeping her eyes from Montoya's office.

"He's there," Vera said casually, before taking a sip of wine.

"Who?" Tessa seemed to be brought back to the present with a start.

Vera smiled indulgently. "Montoya. He is in his office. That is what you were wondering, yes?"

The faint blush the painted Tessa's cheeks gave enough of an answer. Vera could not resist pressing for a little gossip. "Has he kissed you yet?"

"Vera!" Tessa's blush became darker and she snapped open her fan.

The movements of the fan were rapid but controlled, so Vera continued the teasing. "Has anyone kissed you, yet?"

"Ve-ra!" Tessa glanced around to see if anyone could overhear. "I am not going to talk about this," she said in a loud whisper.

Vera could hear the smile in Tessa's voice and see the amusement in her eyes. She was likely putting on the indignant attitude for appearance sake. Vera decided to play the role of proper society lady as well. "I only ask because I am concerned," she said, with an expression of wide eyed innocence.

This statement took the amusement from Tessa's expression. She likely had been warned about the colonel before and was not looking forward to another lecture. Vera quickly changed the tone of her comments. "All men are dogs." That brought Tessa's fan back up and the laughter back to her eyes. "And even the most cultured and respectable will take advantage of a young, innocent, defenseless woman, such as yourself." Vera was sure that Tessa was chuckling behind her fan. "It is my duty as a married woman, and in the absence of your dear mother, to make sure that you know how to keep these dogs at heel."

Tessa gave in to her mirth and Vera couldn't help but join her. It was good to see the girl laugh. Tessa had become a close friend. She had stood by Vera through a number of difficult situations and knew more about her than anyone, even Gaspar. Vera hoped to return the favour by lightening the burden that the last year had placed on Tessa. Even if it was only with a little frivolous distraction.

As the giggles abated, Vera turned a mock glare on Tessa. "I see you do not take this seriously." She shook her finger at Tessa while trying to keep a straight face. "You will need my advice soon enough when allowing him to run off the lead produces some unseemly behavior."

"I can find no fault in the colonel's behavior toward me." Tessa blushed again. "He has treated me as a lady should be treated."

Vera leaned forward with a sly grin. "He kisses that well, does he?"

"Vera!!"

END

RATING: PG13 or higher -- depending on your imagination.<g>

~~~~~

Tessa looked down over the ocean, but it didn't give her the feeling of peace it usually did. She usually came here to mourn her father or ask for absolution for the Queen. Today the thoughts that haunted her were not sombre ones and the rhythm of the gently rolling sea was agitating, instead of soothing her.

She heard a snort from Chico as he grazed on the picket she had staked. He didn't seem alarmed though, so she didn't move from her seat on the soft grass -- not until a shadow fell over her. Panicked, she turned as best she could to look up at the figure behind her. All she could see was a black shape against the blinding sun.

"I am sorry to startle you, Senorita. May I join you?"

At the sound of that request her fear abated, but her pulse increased. She suddenly didn't trust her voice so she nodded her assent. Her anxiety returned as Colonel Montoya took a seat on the ground beside her, between her and the edge of the cliff. He was facing her, but she didn't dare meet his eyes, for she knew he would be able to tell what she had been thinking.

She had been remembering the evening spent at the Hidalgos' anniversary party two weeks ago. He had been attentive, charming, and very proper. He had treated her like a well born lady expected to be treated. The problem was she was not like most well born ladies. As they danced, she had been very aware of him. She had seen the power and grace in the way that he handled a sword, but at that time she had been at the deadly end of the weapon. Now she saw that the power and grace could be channelled in a way that was less deadly but, for her, far more dangerous.

Now he was sitting beside her in his shirt sleeves. She rarely saw him so casually attired, but the day was warm and he likely had left his coat on his saddle. He had also positioned himself so that she could not avoid looking at him. Whether she looked straight ahead along the coast or out at the sea, he was in her line of vision. To watch the horses would be rude.

"You look distressed, Maria Teresa. What can I do to help?"

Go away! part of her cried, but Tessa answered according to Maria Teresa's character. "Nothing, Colonel. I came out here to try to gain some peace of mind. However, before you arrived, I had come to the realization that I was not going to find it today. Maybe I should have gone to church."

Montoya looked out to the ocean and said under his breath, "Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair." He turned back to her. "In places like this, it is easy to see the hand of God. But even surrounded by such beauty, serenity can be an elusive state."

He sat up straighter and took her hand, as if in comfort. She smiled as he raised it to his lips, but was surprised when he opened it to kiss her palm. His lips lingered on her skin and she found herself caressing the edge of his beard with her finger tips. He raised his eyes to meet hers and moved his mouth to the base of her thumb. This kiss was accompanied by a light scrape of his teeth and her fingernails scratched gently along the faint stubble at his jaw. He continued to the pulse point at her wrist and all of her voluntary actions ceased. She was having enough trouble remembering to breath. Light kisses were trailed along the underside of her arm to the hollow at her elbow. His eyes never left hers.

He released her arm and leaned toward her. He placed his near hand on the ground on the far side of her for support. She felt a little trapped, yet he was not holding her. He did not touch her in any way until his lips softly brushed the skin at her near shoulder. He looked up at her, searching for a reaction. She didn't give him one, for she didn't know how to react. He kissed her shoulder again and then whispered in her ear, "I find freckles on dark haired women very appealing."

Her heart began to race, both from the compliment and the knowledge of where his kisses would lead. She had never been concerned about keeping her skin pale and flawless. There was a sprinkling of sun kisses where ever the it could reach - her cheeks, her shoulders, along the edge of her bodice. And so Montoya's kisses followed those of the sun.

Even Antonio had never been so bold. He had been the first to win her heart and stir her blood. She had loved him enough to offer him all. Yet, she could not imagine that impulsive boy taking the time to turn her bones to water and her skin to flame with just the lightest of touches.

Montoya placed a lingering kiss over her breastbone and then raised his head to again look in her eyes. He leaned across her, not quite touching but she could feel the heat from his body. His cheek brushed against hers, as he said softly into her far ear, "This ends, Tessa, with one word from you." When no answer was forthcoming he began again, starting from her other shoulder. It made the whole process even more arousing, having conformation that she was actually in control of the situation. She was - wasn't she?

"Colonel... Luis!" The last was said with an edge of panic in her voice and she place her hands on his shoulders to push him away. He did not resist but he also did not move away from her touch. It was only when she dropped her hands that he returned to his original position, with his hands on the ground behind him to support his back and his legs stretched out in front. It was during this shift of position that Tessa noticed that Montoya had also been affected by the activity. She covered her face, not believing that she had taken note of such a thing.

While she was wallowing in her embarrassment, the colonel said, "Maria Teresa, marry me."

This brought her head up in open mouthed shock. It had not been an order, but it certainly had not been a plea. But then if he had come to her on bended knee and confessed his undying love, she would have had difficulty not laughing at him. This seemed... right. Dios mio! I am not actually considering the idea!

The colonel seemed to sense her confusion and quickly prevented any response. "Do not answer me now. I will come to your hacienda in a few days and broach the subject again." He rose and collected his horse that he had picketed with Chico. She continued to watch him in amazement until he rode out of sight.

END

Helm was brought out of his musings on the mysteries of the night sky by a movement on the edge of his vision. A movement in the shadows -- of a shadow -- a dark shadow with a splash of red.

Why does she wear that sash? She may as well be holding a torch, thought Helm. But even with the snide comments running through his mind, his heart soared. He had started to believe he would never see her again. Then he saw Montoya. The colonel was following the shadow, but not too closely. He seemed to already know where she was going. Helm decided to bring up the end of this little parade.

It ended at the jail. As he reached the door, Helm heard voices. The first was the Queen's but he couldn't make out the words. Montoya's answer was clearer. "Thanks to you, we have found the weak link in the garrison's chain, and that link will be... replaced.

"Always merciful." The Queen's sarcasm was poisonous.

"I consider loyalty a greater virtue. The schedule please, Senorita." Helm heard the cocking of a pistol. "Now."

Helm heard the rustling of paper then the Queen ask innocently, "Why are you so sure I am a 'senorita', Colonel?"

"Because a husband would be keeping you very busy during the night."

Helm heard the sharp intake of breath from the Queen and he stepped through the doorway behind the colonel. He knew that all she would need is a distraction to escape, so he put his finger in the middle of Montoya's back saying, "I think we have one more pistol than necessary in this room, Colonel." He met the Queen's eyes and she gave him a small smile.

That small distraction was also all that Montoya needed. He pivoted, his gun now pointed at Helm's chest. "But my pistol is primed, Doctor."

There was the sound of steel and the Queen leaned over Montoya's shoulder while resting the blade against his throat. "Why don't I remove both of them and save us a great deal of trouble," she said, obviously annoyed with the whole line of innuendo. She took possession of the gun and quickly disarmed it.

Keeping the colonel at sword point, she swung open the door of the cell. "If you please, Colonel," she said with a slight bow.

Montoya sighed, but walked into the cell without resistance. "I will not be here long. The guard will be by soon and whatever information you have gleaned from your glance at the delivery schedule will be useless."

"With no one in the jail, why would there be a guard? You won't be able to warn anyone until morning and by then it will be too late for the first shipment. That's enough for me." She smiled at the Colonel. "I'm not greedy."

She then turned to Helm. He couldn't read her expression, but it made him a little nervous."And Doctor, what brings you out this time of night?"

Honesty is usually good. "I saw you and the colonel skulking about and I decided to help you handle the situation."

"You decided. Mmmm hmmm. And what made you think I needed help handling the colonel? You know, Doctor, you should really try asking for a change before you start deciding for me. I seem to recall a similar statement coming from you, have you forgotten? I think you need a little time to reflect on this." She had the cell door open again and Helm was so stunned by this change in demeanor that she easily shoved him into the cell. It wasn't until the door shut with a clang that Helm came out of his stupor.

What the Hell!?! Don't get mad. Be charming, Robby. "I apologize if I overstepped my bounds. I was so pleased to see you again that the thought of you getting hurt clouded my judgement. I had hoped that you would welcome the assistance... even coming from me." Self-deprecation. That's usually a good choice.

The Queen was about to drop the keys on the desk but instead approached the cell. She came forward and rested an elbow on a cross bar, then she set her chin in the supported hand. Helm took a step toward her, smiling, certain she was going to let him out. She gave a small sigh and a smile appeared that became positively wicked. "Sleep well, gentlemen." Before Helm could react she was gone, the keys left in plain sight on the desk by the door.

"But... How could she... What did..."

"Relax, Doctor." Montoya sat on the end of the narrow cot, his back against the wall. "She was quite right. No one will be by until morning."

Helm went to the window. "We could shout..."

Again Montoya cut him off. "And have the whole town know that I have been locked in my own jail. I think not. As for you, you would have to explain why the Queen of Swords, the so called defender of justice, locked you in here, too." Montoya smirked. "What did you do, Doctor?"

"I didn't do anything. I haven't seen the woman in over a month."

Montoya chuckled, "Maybe that is the problem."

Helm glared at that insinuation. "No, she wasn't annoyed when I first came in. But she was certainly angry by the time she left." Helm sat down on the other end of the cot in an imitation of Montoya's pose.

"She wasn't angry when she left. To me, it seemed as if she was quite pleased with herself."

"Don't rub it in, Montoya."

~~~~~

Helm went over the encounter, moment by moment, and could not see what had prompted the Queen of Swords to throw him in the cell. Montoya must have been thinking about it too, for he commented, "You impress me, Doctor. More then once I have seen you face down the barrel of a gun; more then once that gun was in my own hand. I have yet to see a flicker of fear, a moment of concern for your own life. To have the freedom to perform such heroic deeds, like the one tonight, without a second thought, should be most attractive to that woman."

"The sign of true courage is to act in spite of fear. I don't see the fact that I don't fear my own death as being particularly admirable."

Montoya looked at Helm out of the corner of his eye. "But to conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom."

Helm sat quietly, thinking about the words, then said, "I can't place the reference. Who said it?"

"I did." Montoya smiled at Helm's incredulous look. "These things just come to me."

"Uh huh."

~~~~~

There was silence in the cell for what seemed like hours. Montoya had closed his eyes. Helm wondered if he had fallen asleep sitting up on the end of the cot.

"What is on your mind, Doctor?" Montoya opened one pale eye to catch Helm studying him.

Helm decided that since they were stuck here he may as well get Montoya's opinion. "I though you might be able to enlighten me as to why I ended up here. You know more than you are saying, Colonel. And since you managed to get yourself affianced to..."

The look on Montoya's face conveyed Tessa's answer to his proposal as clearly as if he had spoken the words. "If you are looking for insights into a woman's mind, you are asking the wrong person."

Again, there was a lengthy silence, until Helm felt compelled to say, "I'm sorry."

"I sincerely doubt that."

END

"Good morning, Senora Hidalgo." Grisham was looking particularly smug this morning.

Vera lowered her voice. "Marcus, what is wrong with Colonel Montoya? He is behaving strangely."

"Yes, he does look like he's at the end of his rope, doesn't he? He spent the night in the jail."

The grin, though attractive, was not the response Vera was looking for. "He barely acknowledged Tessa this morning."

"Oh, that. She refused his proposal. Yesterday was a very bad day for the colonel."

Vera was losing patience. "Tell me, Marcus." She hit him with her fan, discreetly.

"He was going to see her for her answer last night but she beat him to it and sent him a letter. It arrived just after lunch. He read it -- twice -- stuck a knife through it, then burned it. When I asked, all he said was that there would be no Senora Montoya in the near future. I didn't see him again until I let him and the doctor out of the jail this morning." The grin became a snicker. "I always thought that to keep Tessa he would have to chain her to the bedpost."

Vera gave him a disgusted look for his crude choice of words. She would have pursued the matter further but she felt that they were attracting attention so she ended the conversation there. "I am glad that you are having such a good day so far, Captain. I hope it continues so."

"And good day to you, Senora." He winked at her before walking away.

So, she has refused him and was heading in the direction of Doctor Helm's office. I wonder what had happened, thought Vera as she followed the path that Tessa had taken.

She slowed her progress as she heard voices and found a spot out of sight of the doctor's doorway. The voices were easy to recognize - Helm and Tessa.

"Senorita Alvarado, I have spent the whole night locked in a jail cell. I am not in the mood for guessing games."

"Locked in the jail? Why would Montoya put you in jail?" Tessa sounded very concerned.

"He was in there with me."

"Really!" Tessa's disbelief almost caused Vera to laugh out loud.

There was a pause and Vera fought to keep herself from looking around the corner to see the doctor's expression. "Really. Courtesy of the Queen of Swords."

"The Queen of Swords? The woman, that you find so exceptional, locked you up with the colonel? What did you do to deserve that, Doctor?"

"I'm not quite sure. But it seems, like most exceptional women, she has a temper." Vera could hear that Helm's patience was wearing thin.

"And you have no idea what you did to make her angry?"

"Not a clue. Now, is there something I can do for you?" Helm's impatience was becoming obvious.

"Nothing urgent, Doctor. I'll come back later."

"Good. Good day, Senorita." And before Tessa could reply there was the sound of a closing door.

Vera walked away from her listening post, not wanting to run into Tessa quite yet. She wanted to find out more about the Colonel's proposal, but she had to think about everything first. Montoya and Tessa were back to being polite, if a little more distant than before. There was no more reason for Helm to take an interest in Tessa so he had returned to his usual manner. Vera sighed, "It seems as if, for all the fuss, nothing has changed at all."

END