JO RESPONSES FILE 3

by Jo
EnyaJo@aol.com

TRIO CHALLENGE: El Camino Real, pocket watch, scissors

~~~~~

Helm sat in the patio of the cantina sipping his sangria when he saw Grisham stalk past from the jail to his personal quarters. Helm timed it so that Grisham would be as close as possible to the rail that the doctor leaned upon when he muttered, "Never underestimate a man scorned...," as he took another swallow. Just as he had guessed when he uttered such a line, Grisham stopped in his tracks, took a slow turn to the right and glared at the doctor.

"Did you say something, doc?"

"Yes I did. I was wondering if I'd have to make another house call to the jail. I have this," he lifted his glass, "to finish first. You have been keeping me busy. All those men who had done nothing except exist, except for their crimes of course. Do the words cruel and unusual mean anything to you? When will you finally get over the rejection?"

Grisham tensed, even more than usual, and slowly looked around. A Don and his wife were eating lunch at a nearby table and Helm was sure they had heard. The extra set of ears were the only reason that Helm had left out the name of the woman who had done the impossible. Dona Hidalgo had turned Grisham into an even bigger ass. Helm had known of their affair and had watched them the last time Grisham and Vera had been in public together, at one of Montoya's fiestas, right after the Captain started using human punching bags for exercise. Vera had tried to keep her attention on her husband, soon to be proud father, and be joyous with the other Senoras and Senoritas at the party while Grisham would corner her to persuade Vera to speak with him in private, which she would not do.

Helm swallowed the rest of the contents of his glass and put it and the bottle on another table and waited for Grisham to react. Do something. Anything. He was ready. Helm waited. Grisham just glared at him, his nostrils flaring, his fists tightening and closing.

Helm took out his pocket watch and said, "Ah, look at the time." Helm stood, looking up at the clear blue sky. "It's a nice day, Grisham. Why don't you enjoy it?"

"Why don't you mind your own business, doc," Grisham said as he turned and walked away. "When I hurt you, there won't be anyone to tend your wounds."

Helm laughed. He smiled good day to the Don and Dona and walked off the porch, in the direction of Grisham's apartment. When Helm had started to be called to the sudden rash of men falling down hurting themselves at the jail, he wasn't too upset about it. The men, who were in fact beaten up, were actual criminals or traitorous soldiers. The extent of their injuries were black and blue marks, sometimes a loose tooth, cut lip, or a slash large enough to need stitches. What worried Helm was that Montoya had departed that morning down the El Camino Real and had left Grisham in charge of the pueblo for a week. Grisham in a bad mood was one thing. Grisham in charge was another. Put them together and Helm knew he'd continue to be one busy doctor.

"Hey!" Helm yelled, then caught up with Grisham before he could enter his room, and grabbed him on the shoulder.

Grisham's reaction wasn't verbal, as you would expect. Grisham's fist slammed hard against Helm's left cheek, flattening him to the ground. Having anticipating something like that, he immediately kicked up. The tip of Helm's boot connected into the nether regions of the Captain, who slumped forward trying to catch his breath. Then he fell over on Helm in a fetal position. Helm pushed him off and stood. He leaned down to speak, rubbing his cheek and working out his jaw. "Good shot, Grisham. I commend you. You're a good fighter."

Grisham nodded, looking up at Helm out the corner of his eye, that was surrounded by blazing red skin. "Yeah," he managed to utter.

Helm smiled. "If you're in a lot of pain, I could go get my bag... I have a scissor in there."

"No," Grisham immediately grunted. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Oh yes," Grisham painfully said, smashing his face into the dirt.

Helm put his hands on his hips and looked around, almost disappointed that no one had witnessed it. He told Grisham, "What would probably be more productive for you, my friend," the word friend coming out as ironic as Helm had meant it, "Is to write a note to the Dona apologizing for your behavior and telling her that you wish her well and that you will not be bothering her anymore. Then look around you, Grisham. This pueblo is filled with beautiful women, who... might...." Helm shrugged. "Find you attractive. If you treat of one of these Senoritas correctly, you could actually have a chance at happiness. What do you think?"

"I think you should get as far away from me as humanly possible, doc."

As Grisham got back to his knees, hunched over, getting his strength back, Helm agreed.

~Jo

TRIO CHALLENGE: A pail , a promise, herb garden
QUOTE 1: "Ill-luck, you know, seldom comes alone." Cervantes Don Quixote. Part i. Book. iii. Chap. vi.
QUOTE 2: "You can collect evidence to support any belief." The Angel - Brimstone

RATING: G
CHARACTERS: T, G, M, CM
DISCLAIMER: God knows who owns them but I didn't harm them, if you don't count a little ego bruising.

~~~~~

Captain Marcus Grisham strode from the jail with a purpose. Beating up defenseless prisoners just didn't have the same spark as it once had, pounding on the face of a man who was scared he'd be hung for fighting back just didn't do it for him anymore. After Vera dumped him he had to work out his frustrations somewhere. After that little altercation with Helm and talk of scissors... well, Grisham decided to take the butinski Brit's advice. There were many beautiful women in the pueblo and every single one of them should be flattered to have him cast his eye in their direction. He had been wasting his time with Senora Hidalgo. To think he was actually in love with her. To each his own. If she wanted to spend her life with a fat, unappealing Don and wipe the snot from a brat's nose, that was her problem. She can lie in that bed she made. For himself, he couldn't dwell on her, he had señoritas to woo.

As soon as he had stood at the door of the jail wiping the blood from his fists, he had spotted Señorita Alvarado at the cantina with a luncheon companion, who shall remain nameless. He could just imagine that they were talking of the Doña's 'glorious' news and didn't want to disturb them. But now that the fair haired one was just about to leave with her corpulent husband, he was ready to make his move on the most eligible Señorita in Alto California. As soon as the Hidalgo carriage left, Grisham sauntered to the rail just to the left of Tessa's chair. Her smile was immediate and Grisham thought warm. "Capitan. It is a nice day, is it not?"

"Just beautiful, señorita, but of course it pales in comparison to you," Grisham said with a tip of his hat. He was pleased to see a slight blush to her already rosy cheeks.

Marta walked to the table and Grisham saw her smug expression at seeing him. "Marta, you look... healthy," Grisham said, thinking he needed to butter up the woman who everyone knew Tessa trusted with her life, and probably made most of the decisions. What Maria Teresa Alvarado needed more than anything was a man to take over those pesky details of maintaining a vineyard, livestock and acreage. Not to mention that outstanding house. During his visits to the Alvarado hacienda, Grisham had pictured himself sitting at the desk, in front of the fire, having Marta wait on him.

Tessa had stood and now slightly curtsied to Grisham. "Well, Capitan. Nice to run into you this afternoon. Do take care."

She was going to leave with Marta. He had to do something, quickly. "Señorita, may I have a word with you?" Tessa stopped and looked at him. Marta had stopped also. Grisham said, "In private?"

Tessa told Marta, "I'll meet you at the carriage. This will only take a minute."

Marta whispered something that Grisham couldn't hear, but she did go away, so he didn't care. What he was focused on was Tessa. She lifted her hand toward him and lifted her skirt with the other. He gallantly took her hand to help her down the steps of the cantina's patio, then kept holding it as they walked toward the fountain. She hadn't tried to take her hand away. Grisham thought that was a good sign.

He brushed the stone bench around the fountain and offered her a seat. When she was situated on it, he sat next to her, then jumped up as his sword was between them. He didn't want to frighten her with the metal blade so close to her leg, so he sat on her other side. The look that she gave him as he did so was confusing to him, but he chalked it up as 'thanks for his being a gentleman'. "Maria Teresa, may I call you Tessa?"

"All right. Marcus," she slowly said with a smile.

"Tessa," Grisham began and then cleared his throat. Why was he so nervous all of a sudden? That was definitely odd. Ah, yes. That's right. Tessa was one of the wealthiest people in Alta California and he had to do this right, that's why. He fidgeted in his seat and began again. "Tessa, I was wondering if you would do me the pleasure of having dinner with me in the near future."

"Dinner?"

"Yes. Soon. Tonight?"

"Oh, I couldn't possibly have dinner with you tonight. Eladio is already started roasting the pig."

He waited for her to invite him, but she didn't. She only flicked open her fan and waved it gently in front of her face. "Tomorrow night?"

Since she was silent, hadn't said no, he quickly said, "I'll pick you up at your residence around seven."

"Well, wait a minute," Tessa said.

"What's the matter?"

"Are you going to be drinking? Remember what happened the last time?"

Grisham fidgeted again. He didn't know why he acted so strangely the last time they were together, in the courtyard with a bottle of wine. "It was an extremely hot day and we had wine after I had already exerted a lot of energy. This time, I will wait to exert energy until after dinner."

Tessa chuckled. "Well, that is certainly encouraging."

She started to stand, clearly the conversation was over. What had he done? He took her arm and she sat back down. "Please, Tessa...." No. Don't beg. That was wrong.

Tessa suddenly said, "Capitan Grisham, if you have trouble holding your liquor, maybe you should not drink any more."

"I can hold my liquor. It was... I just had a headache that day."

"Oh. Do you have one now? I could have Marta pick some herbs from her garden for you."

The mention of that smart mouthed Gypsy wasn't what he wanted. "Tessa. I promise that will not happen again."

"Well, in case it does, I could always have a pail ready in case you get sick."

"So," Grisham said as he smiled. "We will have dinner."

"Oh I did not say that," Tessa sweetly replied.

"But you said I will have a pail ready and you haven't walked away."

"You can collect evidence to support any belief, Capitan. You surely understand why I am... cautious... about seeing you socially."

Grisham mocked offense. "Me? What's wrong with me? I'm a pussy cat."

"And I have seen you purr," Tessa whispered to him as she stood. He watched her walk toward Marta waiting with one hand on her hip at the Alvarado wagon. All Grisham could think was that the Doña who shall remain nameless had filled her in on everything about their affair. He should have struck earlier. Tessa had only heard her side of the story.

He could hear Tessa and Marta's laughter as the Alvarado wagon left the pueblo square... okay. This wasn't going to be easy, but he was up for the challenge. This was just a little set back. No need to worry. The Grisham charm will get her in the end. It was just his luck that Tessa and the nameless beauty were so friendly. As he rubbed his hands over his face, he heard the Colonel's voice behind him. "Capitan. Do I pay you to sit alongside a fountain in the middle of the day?"

Grisham turned to look at Montoya stand above him. "I take it that the thieves who robbed the bank last night are tucked neatly into jail and that the new enlisted have been properly trained, and that you have already chosen my personal guards who will escort me to Monterrey in the morning."

Grisham groaned and said to himself, "You know, ill luck seldom comes alone."

When Grisham stood, Montoya asked, "Pardon me?"

"I'll get right on it, Colonel."

"Was that not Senorita Alvarado that I saw you talking to?"

"Yes, it was."

"Have you made any progress on that front?"

"It's a pretty chilly front, Colonel. Maybe I should have stolen a rose from your courtyard to give her to... warm her up a little."

Montoya's hand stopped as he was going to wipe his brow. His eyes were rocklike serious. "Not if you want to live long."

~~~~~

~Jo

Since that boy just won't stop speaking to me, I'm continuing with my Grisham theme here:

TRIO CHALLENGE: musket ball, a rake, slippers
QUOTE: "It is a true saying that a man must eat a peck of salt with his friend before he knows him." Cervantes Don Quixote.

~~~~~

Grisham walked into Montoya's office after being summoned. As soon as he entered, he knew he was in trouble. On the desk in front of the Colonel was a musket ball, Montoya's fingers were rolling it back and forth between them. "You called?" Grisham said as he stood at attention by the door.

"Yes," Montoya easily said, sitting back in his chair. An easy smile creased his face, which made Grisham nervous. "It took you over an hour to come to me after you were called. Would you like a pipe and slippers to make yourself more comfortable?"

"Well, if it's not too much trouble..."

Even though Grisham had said it with a killer smile, the joke hadn't worked. Grisham immediately explained, "I was late getting here because I had to ride in from the shore were I was in the midst of training the new recruits. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes, Capitan," Montoya said, pointing at his desk. "That musket ball is the only piece of evidence found in the bank after the robbery last night. That is not much to go on."

"Okay..." Grisham didn't know why he had to ride in just for inventory of evidence. He asked that, knowing that there had to be. He did a mental list of everything he had done in the past 24 hours. He had beat another prisoner, but that was at the behest of the Colonel himself, so that wouldn't be it... He went out to the Hidalgo estate to look in a window at that Dona who shall remain nameless. The mere thought of her beauty as she brushed her long, blond hair while sitting at her vanity table almost made Grisham lose his train of thought, but not for long. Who needs her anyway? He had thought about crashing Señorita Alvarado's pig roast but decided against it because he might be spotted by that wise acre Marta. He woke up that morning determined to put his mind on work and had rounded up the new recruits to go through military drills, just after spotting Señorita Valdez at the cantina eating breakfast and asked her to dine with him that evening. Grisham hoped this wouldn't take long, he had to clean up, change and go over to her family's hacienda. "Is there anything else?"

"Yes," Montoya stood and said. He still had that smile on his face and Grisham was still nervous. "You will have dinner with me."

"Hm?"

"We need to have a discussion."

"Look, I know that I've been letting things slide lately and there is much to do and I've let you down, Colonel, but I'm back in the game and everything will--."

Montoya cut him off with the raise of his hand, as he opened the door to his private quarters. "You can lie to me over lamb. Come."

After Montoya entered his quarters, Grisham cautiously followed. The Colonel had already laid his napkin on his lap and had motioned for the cook to start serving. He said, "You do not want to eat cold lamb, do you?"

"There's nothing worse than cold lamb." Grisham took his place near Montoya, standing at his side, not sitting down. "Sir, I have a date tonight. As much as that lamb smells delectible--."

"You no longer have a date tonight, Grisham. I have spoken to her and she is no longer expecting you."

"Excuse me?"

"Sit. Cook will not serve us until you are seated."

Grisham slumped into the chair across from Montoya. "You spoke to Señorita Valdez?"

"Yes." Montoya waited until after their salads were placed in front of them and the cook had left the room before continuing. "The señorita had been looking forward to your 'date', and you may still have one in the future, but I find it my duty to have a talk with you first."

"I already know about the birds and the bees, Colonel."

"Maybe," Montoya said, smiling. "In your warped sense of reasoning. But Don Valdez is an important member of this community and if you 'date' his daughter in same manner that you have 'dated' other señoritas since Doña Hidalgo dumped you, I will be quite busy fixing the mess. I have more important things to do than try to wrangle a rifle out of the hands of a father with a mission."

Grisham ate the salad and stewed over those words. Not only did Montoya know about him and Vera, but also about his other conquests. Suddenly, Montoya said, "Marcus. Rakes may seduce women, and enjoy the women they get, but they do not attain Doñas. Single ones, anyway. What is your purpose? I thought you were supposed to concentrate on Señorita Alvarado?"

"She's a cold fish. Why don't you date her? You have something in common. I don't even see you date."

"We are not talking about me, Marcus, we are talking about you."

"Colonel? Don't call me Marcus."

"Why not?"

"It's just... weird."

"Yes," Montoya agreed. "It is. I thought I would use your given name to offer an air of friendship to you."

"Friends?" That was the last thing Grisham had thought them to be.

"Yes. We have worked together for a while now and thought it would be time to get to know one another. It is a true saying that a man must eat a peck of salt with his friend before he knows him."

"A peck of salt?"

"It's Cervantes, Grisham."

"That's better. Call me Grisham. I'm more comfortable with that."

Cook and the staff came in with the lamb with all the fixings. After taking away the salad plates, Montoya and Grisham were both served. Grisham glared at the Colonel. Who does he think he is? A ruler?! Well... I guess he is, but not of my private life. How did he ever think he could interfere with my love life? I was sweet with her. I was charming. I about had a headache thinking of the right things to say to the señorita when I asked her out, and she was happy to have dinner with me...

The staff left after their plates were served. The lamb did smell and look delicious, but Grisham was too angry to eat. "Colonel, whatever gave you the idea that I would treat Señorita Valdez with anything but the upmost care and respect? I've had my eye on her for a long time."

"Your past record with women speaks for itself, Grisham," Montya stated before taking a forkful of lamb into his mouth. He sat back and seemed to let it dissolve in his mouth before swallowing it. "I do not mind that you have trysts with chambermaids and seamstresses, but Señorita Valdez is a member of society. We have to maintain the peace at any cost, Capitan."

Grisham hurriedly ate the lamb before saying, "I'm offended, Colonel," thinking that talking back to Montoya would only result in his being kicked out before getting to eat it.

Montoya licked some meat from his teeth and asked, "How so?"

"I know exactly how to treat a woman and of course I'm going to move very slowly with Señorita Valdez. I'm not an idiot."

That last line echoed in the air as Montoya took a forkful of roasted sweet potatoes into his mouth and again savored the taste and texture before swallowing it. Montoya lightly chuckled, and then reached for the wine bottle and poured them each a glass. "Here, Grisham. But do not drink too much. You really should not foster your delusion of grander with alcohol, so be careful."

~~~~~

My Grisham muse just stormed out of the room... I'll see next week if he'll talk some more. <g>

~Jo

My Grisham Muse perked right to life when he saw the cool challenge posted by Heeroluva. Marcoo thanks you! <g> Here's what the challenge was: Write a fic where Marcus Grisham finds out who the Queen of Swords really is. You can decide whether or not he keeps her secret.

WEEK 19 QUOTE CHALLENGE 1: "Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge." Shakespeare (Titus Andronicus)

~~~~~

I have her. She is right there in front of me. She isn't trapped in a mine, she isn't being held by my Sergeant or the Colonel's soldiers. It is just her and me. My hand is to her throat. During our sword fight, she screwed up. Now I have her. As I look into those eyes surrounded by the black lace mask, I wonder why she spared my life. Her mistake was not taking the coup de gras; she could have burrowed her sword right into my chest as I was trapped under her, lying among those sharp rocks, not able to roll out of the way. In that split second that she didn't stab me, I was able to raise my sword to disarm her. Being as nimble as I am, I was able to get to my feet, grab her throat and shove her back against the cliff face.

Now I have her. I can feel every breath that comes from her lungs and out of her open (could that shock?) mouth. Yes, she's gotten cocky. When she started making trouble, I admit it, we hadn't expected such a woman and had made many mistakes. But now I have her. Before she can move except to clutch at my arm that pins her to the wall, I pull the dagger from my boot. I hold it to her face, lightly rub it along her cheek, then slip it up under that concealing mask.

Her eyes grow wide, she knows what I am fully prepared to do. Before she could stop me, I cut that mask; it split and fell on each side of her face. That face! Her hands cover her face, but I take them, releasing her neck. That face! She turns her face away from me, but I saw it. I have her. She can not get away unless I allow it. That face! It has lost it's confidence that it held during the fight, now it is red. Can she be embarrassed? Fear for her life? Her secret is out.

I have to stand back and look at the total package. Under those bandita clothes was a Señorita, Marta Teresa Alvarado, the little lady who would faint from any disturbance to serenity. The Dona who shall remain nameless' best friend! Oh God! The daughter of the man who I shot in cold blood under orders from my Colonel. It all fits. Of course! Oh God, I had dropped my hold of her, she will surely run away! But wait! She isn't running. She is only holding the ends of that mask and is now pulling it out of her hair.

"So, you know," she gravely says.

I stumble back, damn rocks! I straighten myself to show her who is in charge here. She waits. What is she waiting for? What am I waiting for? I have her! I know who she really is! ... Why can't I move, do my duty, impale her, take her back to Montoya 'dead or alive' as he had been wishing for almost a year? No, I can't do anything to her. I killed her father because he wouldn't pay the extra tax Montoya leveed. Her father's death is probably why she started dressing up, started making Montoya's life miserable. Yes... That is exactly why.

I put the dagger back in my boot. Why? For many reasons. The first of which is because she hadn't picked up a weapon to defend herself. Another, she hadn't killed me when she had the chance. Another, under no circumstance would I kill an unarmed lady, no matter what she had done. What she had done, she had a reason. A very good reason. She's really suspiciously looking me over now. I suppose she wonders why I haven't taken her prisoner. The answer is simple, I can't.

Where's my hat? Oh, over there by the rocks. I pick it up and slowly put it back on my head, to spare time to think about what to say to her. I should be official, I should be in the service of my Colonel. I should...

I look at her, staring at me, waiting for me to do something. Why hasn't she reached for her sword? It's not that far away; if she's anything, she is quick. Ah, she couldn't kill me once, she couldn't now. Maybe it was a good thing that I didn't take the mask off in the collapsed mine, after she had passed out from lack of oxygen. No matter how she behaved after we were freed, she had to have respected that.

I have to clear my throat to speak to her, as the words hadn't come out on the first try. I tell her, "Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge, Señorita Alvarado." She tilts her head and squints her now unobstructed eyes, obviously impressed that I have read a bit of Shakespeare. "My gift to you is not revealing your secret to Montoya or anyone else, you have my word as an officer and a gentlemen, contrary to what everyone else believes me to be. But," I have to put in a but... "You make another appearance as Queen, you will once again be my prey. I may not be as merciful next time. I will never name you, I don't need to reveal your name to kill you. Another strike to Montoya or me and I will strike with force. I now know who I'm dealing with and will use all information at my disposal."

She walks over to pick up her sword. I pull mine up with caution. What do you know? She stands there, and gives me the sign of respect, pointing her sword up, then down. She sheathed her sword and walked to her horse. As she mounts, I sheath my own sword. A new game has begun.

~~Jo

TRIO: salt, wooden crate, a pin
QUOTE: "Love is like an hourglass with the heart filling up as the brain empties." - Jules Renard

Poor Grisham keeps asking for it...

~~~~~

Grisham was just putting the cargo into the saddlebags on his stallion before adjusting himself. He was impeccably dressed in a new suit he had earlier that day purchased to wear that evening. The pants were a little too tight in the crotch but they were fine, he would make sure that the jacket was kept buttoned up, even though the suit had come with a handsome vest. Grisham hoped that the sight of the lovely Señorita Valdez wouldn't make him overfill his bounds, so to speak, because he's going to have to be on his best behavior. His mood was light and happy as he lead his horse out of the stables, that is until Montoya intercepted him. "Capitan," the colonel declared in an authoritative tone that Grisham didn't want to hear. Grisham was officially off duty and nothing, not even the Queen of Swords hog-tied and delivered in a wooden crate would make him miss yet another date with the daughter of a wealthy Don.

"Sir," he said defensively. "I'm off duty. Whatever it is will have to wait until morning or get somebody else to help you."

Montoya brought one hand out from behind his back, a hand which held a perfect rose fresh from his courtyard. "I've taken the liberty of having one of my men de-thorn it for you."

"Ah, Colonel." Grisham smirked, holding his hand out for the rose. "We have to stop meeting like this."

"It's not for you, you imbecile,"Montoya said, slapping the rose across Grisham's head. "it's for you to pin on your date's dress. I knew that you would make sure that you looked presentable, but you, of course, have forgotten to bring the Señorita a token of your affection."

"I'm already one step ahead of you, boss." Grisham cockily grinned, patting the saddlebag. "I have wine."

"No, no, no." Montoya put his hand on Grisham's shoulder, sadly shaking his head. "Did you not hear any of what I said the other night?"

"Yeah, sure," Grisham intoned. "You called me Marcus." The remembrance of that weird moment make Grisham subconsciously shudder.

"It will not happen again. Capitan," Montoya started to explain in a condescending tone. "If you were to bring a bottle of wine to a date with the Señorita, the Señorita's father just may take his rifle off the gunrack. It is not kosher to get her drunk the first time out. I do not mean to rub salt in the wound, but really Capitan, you must use your head, not follow other parts of your anatomy."

"But, I'm having dinner with her family," Grisham grudgingly explained. "The only thing I was wondering was if I should get red or white because I don't know what they'll be serving. So, resourceful as I am, I am got one of each."

"You are dating the girl by spending the evening with her family?"

"Yes, what of it?"

Montoya stared with a blank look. After a pause, he rose his arm with a flourish, indicating the stables. "God speed, Grisham," he said as Grisham strutted his stallion out of the stables.

As Grisham mounted and rode off into the night, Montoya pondered the many things that could very well go wrong that evening. He hoped Grisham wasn't going to make waves. His loss of the Doña-which-he-still-refused-to-refer-by-name had him acting like a mad man. BullDog Grisham had been a nice security force for Montoya. The other guards were training well, the prisoners weren't making any trouble, there hadn't been as many thefts to investigate, all from little beatings that Grisham had so whole-heartedly bestowed upon them. Most importantly of all, the Queen of Swords hadn't been seen for days. Montoya shook his head and hoped the best for his young protege, truly hoping in his heart that Marcus Grisham could find an available woman to love just as much as he had Vera.

It was a bold move on Montoya's part to just let Grisham go out and spend an evening with one of the most respected and wealthy dons of the area. Bold, indeed. Grisham seemed serious about the lass... he was having dinner with the Don and Dona... Montoya wanted to trust Grisham, but this was too important a matter to leave to Grisham's primitive thought process. Montoya couldn't imagine how things could go wrong if Grisham was to actually fall in love with the lady. Love is like an hourglass with the heart filling up as the brain empties. "Yes," he said aloud. "I must do something."

A stablehand looked at him with reverence. "Is there something I can do for you, Colonel?"

"Yes. Saddle my horse."

"I just got him settled for the night."

"Well, there is a pueblo to save," Montoya declared. He stalked to his office to change into his finest uniform. "Not to mention my own ass." As he walked into his bedroom, he muttered, "Never leave anything truly important to Grisham."

WEEK 19 - TRIO: A necklace, iron rod, Mission (I know... last week's but still using it)

Taking Maril's suggestion, I'll try to make this three paragraphs as it is done on the HL list. Granted, they may be long paragraphs...

~~~~~

JO: GrishamMuse, get out of here. I need to concentrate on a certain doctor...
GRISHAM: Bah, you're linking him with the wrong woman. Nobody wants to see that.
JO: I said, get out! I'm tired of you.
GRISHAM: Get me back with Vera first. Please?
JO: Well...... will you take of your shirt?
GRISHAM: If you do a favor for me, I can bless you with the vision of my perfect pecs.
JO: Um, Marcoo, you do have nice pecs, but there's a certain doc--.
GRISHAM: Back to me, me with Vera, please?
JO: So pushy. I'll see what I can do.

~~~~~

After being verbally slapped around the last few days, and Señor Valdez was ready to break out his shot gun--.

GRISHAM: Wait a minute! I was a gentleman with the lovely Señorita.
JO: In your dreams, Marcoo.
GRISHAM: Don't call me that. It reminds me of Vera.
JO: Oh, you're naming her now.
GRISHAM: I need her back. I'm lost without her.
JO: Poor lad, quit bothering me so I can see what I can come up with.
GRISHAM: Okay, just type. I'll be over here in the corner.
JO: You know, there is an iron rod in the items. That doesn't scare you?
GRISHAM: Nah. You'll work your way around it.
JO: I thought you were going to be quiet.
GRISHAM: Just type.
JO: I'll try it again... just whisper, don't talk out loud. It's going to take a lot of work and I have little space in which to do it... three paragraphs... let's see...

~~~~~

After being verbally slapped around the last few days, and Señor Valdez was ready to break out his shot gun to kill some pesky birds that had nested on the eave above the door of his house, Grisham decided to not call on his daughter and turned his grand white stallion back toward town. On the way back to his apartment, his thoughts wandered to a certain hacienda that held the Doña who shall remain nameless. (Vera). <Shhhhhhhh GrishamMuse!> Even though he physically couldn't feel it, he knew it was there. In his pocket was Vera's gold chain that he had found under his bed while on a cleaning spree to clear out all traces of her after beating up prisoners just didn't do it for him anymore and had always kept the reminder of Vera with him. He reached into his pocket and pulled it out, wrapped it around his fingers, remembering how it looked on her neck. He had to see her again, if only to once again peer into her window.

When he reached the Hidalgo hacienda at sunset, Grisham was at once stunned, then panic stricken. He jumped off his horse and ran to her. Vera was trapped under a large, heavy object in the front yard. Grisham knelt beside her and cradled her head. "Are you all right?" After she slapped him and said that she was trapped under a heavy object, of course she's not all right!, and to set her free, he jumped again, this time into action. He found, resting against the stable wall, an iron bar. Grabbing it, he rushed back to his precious Vera and used it as a lever to set her free.

Vera jumped up and hugged her ex-man, <Hey!> thanking him profusely for saving not only her life, <Okay...> but that of her unborn child. Grisham was pleased to hold her again and didn't want to let her go, but she didn't have to mention the kid... so quickly... "Are you sure that kid is Gaspar's, Vera?" he asked. Her face told him the answer, it was. But to his jubilant amazement, she hugged him again and said, "I have missed you so, Marcoo."

GRISHAM: Go on...
JO: That's the three paragraphs, big guy. Sorry.
GRISHAM: You were pretty sloppy getting there. What was she trapped under?
JO: Take your pick, use your imagination. A horse, a bureau, her husband...
GRISHAM: If she were under her husband, she would be trapped.
JO: That is NOT nice. You are not a nice man, Marcus. I don't know why I listen with you.
GRISHAM: I meant trapped in a loveless marriage.
JO: She loves him Marcus, what can we do?
GRISHAM: She loves me too. Women love two men at one time all the time.
JO: But we don't tell the men that.
GRISHAM: Why?
JO: It might get the woman into trouble.
GRISHAM: Jo! You mean...
JO: Yes.
GRISHAM: Women don't tell you the truth?
JO: Not always. I hate to break it to you, but women have been known to fake it too.
GRISHAM: NO! Well, with Helm I could understand, but never with me.
JO: No, NEVER with Helm.
GRISHAM: What the hell do you see in that... Brit?
JO: You got a minute? Let me count the ways... We can start with that accent, that voice that sends shivers up your back when he hits the right pitch, which is often. Then there's his eyes at alternate colors and you can see whatever you want in them, his thick dark hair that curls up when long and oh yes, when wet. Then there's that fabulous graceful neck, let's not forget his collarbones, his skin, his prominent shoulders, his long muscular arms, his lean gentle fingers, his--.
GRISHAM: Will you be quiet?
JO: You asked. I haven't even gotten to his washboard stomach.
GRISHAM: When did you ever see that?
JO: Right after he unbuttoned his shirt to beat the crap out of you.
GRISHAM: He ... did... not! beat anything out of me!
JO: No, he didn't get a chance to finish because Montoya hit him over the head.
GRISHAM: Good thing the boss did, or your boy could have really used a doctor.
JO: Hm. There are quite a few willing nurses around.
GRISHAM: That's just sick.
JO: It wouldn't be sick to you if there were a Grisham's Garrison or something.
GRISHAM: You've got a point. Can we get back to me now?
JO: I'm not sure.
GRISHAM: Waddamean?
JO: I don't like your attitude.
GRISHAM: Come on.... please? Think of poor Vera...
JO: 'Poor' Vera could buy and sell you.
GRISHAM: With her husband's reales.
JO: And your point is?
GRISHAM: I forget. Oh, yeah, now I remember. She has to come back to me. Okay, I see now that she loves Gaspar, and she may have lied a little to me, but never, ever faked it!, and is rich, that she can have a much better life with Gaspar and her kid. I know all of that! But, come on... I love her.
JO: Well, you have a point... in your own way...
GRISHAM: Will you do it? Will you have my Vera come back to me?
JO: She isn't your Vera. You have to keep that in mind.
GRISHAM: I will.
JO: But, I've got you wooing Señorita Valdez, you're going to dinner and meeting her parents and Montoya is going to show up. Didn't you read this week's first challenge response?
GRISHAM: Which doesn't bode well for me. Come on, Jo. Get real. You haven't even thought up a first name for that Valdez kid. Me, have dinner with the parents on a date with a dame? You're turning me into a wimp.
JO: I'm trying to give you depth. With what I have to work with, that's a tall order! I'm trying to make you a gentleman.
GRISHAM: But I'm not. And I'm the first to admit it.
JO: So, what should I do now?
GRISHAM: I don't show up at the Valdez hacienda.
JO: Why?
GRISHAM: Because Vera comes to me to tell me that she's missed me and begs me to take her back.
JO: <huge disgusted sigh>
GRISHAM: <placating writer> Okay, okay. You work it out. But I want to be in bed with Vera within days. <pause> Don't look at me like that.
JO: What on earth do you and Vera have to talk about?
GRISHAM: Nothing now. Thanks to you, she won't even look at me. And who needs talking?
JO: She's pregnant.
GRISHAM: Also thanks to you.
JO: I had help in that endeavor.
GRISHAM: Huh?
JO: GrishamMuse, meet LaminaeMuse.
GRISHAM: <screams in terror as he disappears>
JO: Okay, Lam, where did you put him?
LAMINAE: Somewhere where he will not bother anyone again, especially Vera.
JO: Lighten up, Lam. This is the 21^st Century.
LAMINAE: No. See? You forget which time period you are writing for, Jo. This is the 19^th Century.
JO: But it's a show.
LAMINAE: You either write it correctly, or do not write it at all. We can forgive little lapses of concentration because we know that you get blocked at times <patting Jo's shoulder> but you really should think things through a little more.
JO: People have been committing adultery for centuries, Lam.
LAMINAE: You are telling me? I have been there, but not have done that.
JO: Yeah, right! You had three kids while married to Diabol.
LAMINAE: Can you blame me? Gaspar is no Diabol.
JO: You got me there. Come on, tell me. Where is poor Marcoo right now? I feel sorry for the lad.
LAMINAE: My lips are sealed.
JO: So, I can never write about him again because I don't even know where he is?!
LAMINAE: Well, I can give you a hint...

~~~~~

QUOTE CHALLENGE 2: Week 20

Grisham huddled into a ball as the blizzard roared around him. He couldn't even form words for fear that his mouth could crack. Damn writers... Where the hell am I?!

Suddenly a swirl of lights appeared in front of him. They formed a tornado that the strong wind of the blizzard couldn't disturb. They whirled faster and faster until the form of Laminae in a long fur coat appeared in front of Grisham. He reflectively groaned looking up at her from his balled up position half buried in a snow bank. "Go away!" he yelled to the Jinniyah.

Laminae shook her head and tisked. "If I did that, not only would Jo be upset, but you would be stuck here. Do you even know where you are?"

"No."

"You on top of what many people believe is the highest peak in the world at this period of time. Actually K-2 is taller, but that is not the point. You are on what is called Mount Everest. Have you ever heard of it?"

"Get me out of here!"

"We need to talk first, set the rules, so to speak..."

"Can you get me one of those fur coats?"

"You are wearing a suit jacket. Why do you need two coats when you have only one back?"

"Because I'm freezing!"

Laminae sighed and even Grisham knew that wasn't a good sign. He turned away from her as she started to walk near him. He didn't know what she was, or how he was on top of a mountain he'd never heard of. That wind was so intense and each snow flake seemed to embed in his exposed skin. I can't feel my fingers! He looked down at them as they started to turn black with frostbite, then saw Laminae's hand take his.

Suddenly, Grisham fell to the floor. He looked up and saw his own things. They were in his living quarters in Santa Helena. The woman waved her hand and his skin started to turn back to a healthy pinkish hue. "How did--?"

She thrust a finger in his face and said, "You only listen."

Grisham didn't like her tone, but took Jo's advice and not get her riled up. For some reason, he felt that that odd dark skinned woman with an attitude might help him. He shook off the layer of snow from his shoulders, knees and head and stood up. Finding that he was a good foot taller than her made him strong, but just for a minute. Her eyes were not welcoming, or even friendly. He did as she suggested and remained quiet.

"You will not remember anything about me," she said forcefully, still waving that finger in his face.

Great, Grisham thought. Looking forward to it...

"Or anything that happened to you since you were bothering Jo and I sent you to Mount Everest. Jo likes you, and I have come to realize that Vera does miss you. I only want what my masters and mistresses want. Vera's taste is ... lacking at best, but to each his or her own. What you will remember is that you have to treat Vera with respect and show that love that you profess to have. She is married and will have her husband's child so she sets the boundaries. Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am," Grisham said.

Laminae walked toward him and clamped her hand on the top of his head. He felt lightheaded and the room around him contorted and whirled. Grisham dropped to the floor. He shook off the dizziness and saw that he was in his apartment, alone. He stood up, wondering how he came to be laying on the floor, wondering why he was even in his apartment. Last he remembered, he was putting recruits through drills.

He saw that he was dressed in civilian clothes and hurriedly donned his uniform and rushed out the door in case Montoya was patrolling the area for him. He heard a woman's scream and ran around the corner to it. In front of the bank, Grisham saw Vera desperately keeping hold of her purse as a large ogre of a man was pulling on the other end of it. The robber was angry and pulled a gun out of his pocket as Grisham kept running toward them, too worried to speak. He was only feet away when the robber raised the gun to probably hit Vera over the head with the barrel. He wouldn't dare shoot a Dona in the middle of the town, even though no one around had come to her rescue. The cowards had only turned their heads or ran out of the way. Grisham yelled, "Don't even think about it!" as he put his body between Vera and the robber. As he smiled a dazzling smile to Vera, Grisham jut elbow out behind him, knocking the bandito unconscious. The gun fell out of the man's hands and Grisham kicked it aside.

"Marcoo," Vera said gratefully.

Grisham swooned (GRISHAM: Guys don't swoon!) Grisham gloated and motioned to a couple of guards who had come, of course, too late, "Take this garbage away," he said, kicking the bandito in the head. "Señora Hidalgo, are you hurt?"

Vera clutched her purse and put a hand to her hair. "No. Thanks to you, Capitan," batting her eyes at him.

GRISHAM: Okay, guys swoon.

Grisham wanted to embrace his love, but knew he couldn't right then and there. They had to be careful as she was a Señora and he was... well, he was Grisham.

GRISHAM: Hey!

He tenderly took Vera's hand and slowly lead her off the bank's porch toward the cantina. Since there were others around, he used his brain in more ways than one when he asked, "May I have one of my men escort you home, Señora? You've had a trauma." He did want her safe on the way home and may not be the right decision to be too willing to do the honors himself as he wanted to resume their affair, but just because one of his men took her home, that didn't mean that Grisham could tag along...

Vera said, "No, Capitan. That will not be necessary."

GRISHAM: JO!
JO: Just hold on. Man! Have patience...

"I see," Grisham said. "Your husband, Don Gaspar, is in town and will do the honors of course..."

"No," Vera lightly said, her eyes twinkling. "Gaspar has gone to Monterrey on business. I was hoping that you would be my escort, Capitan."

GRISHAM: Yes!
JO: Just think with your head, big guy.
GRISHAM: I always do, Jo. <pause> Don't look at me like that. There's no need to roll your eyes.

Grisham ordered his men to clean up the area and for everyone else to get back to what they were doing. He kept a light hold on Vera's hand as he lead her to her carriage and helped her into it. He wanted to jump in there with her, but there were people around. He had to act official. He asked Vera to wait for just a moment and ran off to the stables. He mounted his white steed and rode back to the square, back to Vera. He was going to spend the rest of the day, and hopefully the night at the Hidalgo hacienda, but he would need transportation back to Santa Helena again.

GRISHAM: See? I'm always thinkin'.
JO: Ball's in your court now, Mark.
GRISHAM: What ball? What kind of court?
JO: Get outta here.
GRISHAM: With pleasure.

Grisham waited for Vera to yank the reins and her carriage to pull out before he followed on horseback. As they rode past Montoya's headquarters, Grisham could see Montoya on the balcony, studying them. Grisham cockily tipped his hat for his superior. Montoya tightly smiled and dismissed him with a wave of his hand and walked back into his office. As they rode out of town, Grisham nudged his stallion up so he was even with Vera in the carriage.

JO: By the way, Grisham. What's the name of your horse?
GRISHAM: Will you shut up?!
JO: Fine.

THE END