Flower of My Heart
1894
Kwai Chang Caine followed Mr. Lo Sung to a room in the back of the laundry. Sheriff Wade had recommended the man to Caine as someone who might be able to help him find a place to sleep. He had explained to Caine that even though he was a man that believed that all men should be treated with equality and respect, many of the people in town had yet to learn that philosophy. So there would not be any trouble, Sheriff Wade made sure that Caine was well taken care of, despite his own feelings that Caine should have been allowed to sleep in the hotel, even if the hotel owner did not see it that way.
Caine placed his pouch on the floor then placed his battered old hat on top of it. He then took off his patched and faded coat and folded it into a bundle to be used as a pillow. He was grateful that he had it with him, though he wished that he had taken his flute and bedroll as well. With a shrug, he released his thoughts of regret and settled down for the night, not to sleep, but to meditate and contemplate his next move.
The hours slipped by as Caine continued to sit, his body relaxed but alert to whatever may disturb him. His thoughts strayed to the woman whom he sought with all of his being. As he meditated, images came to him, both of the future and the present. He stored the images of a future that may yet be and focused on the present. At that moment, he was aware that the owner of the laundry had come to check on him, but quickly left when he saw that Caine was in deep meditation. He also was aware of the man's expression. Caine had once again placed himself in such a state that his body had floated above the floor, this time nearly three feet. When the man blinked, Caine was once again sitting on the floor. Soon after that Caine picked up his pouch, coat, and hat and headed out the door. The images that were revealed to him showed where Lilly could be found.
****
"No!" Lillian struggled harder against the man who was bent on raping her.
*SLAP!*
"Shut up slut! You're never getting away from me so you may as well enjoy it."
*CRAAASH!!*
The door splintered as powerful legs struck it at its weakest point. Years of walking and training continued to keep Caine's legs from becoming weak.
Morgan looked up to see a man in deep shadow with light streaming in behind him in the doorway.
"There's no need to crash the party, just wait your turn buddy."
"Caine, please, help me." Lilly pleaded, recognizing the man who stood in the doorway.
"Let her go."
"I said wait your turn," Morgan said, his voice becoming more forceful.
Remaining where he stood, Caine send a column of air across the room with his chi to slam into Morgan.
"I said, let her go," Caine said quietly in his usual calm dimeanor.
Morgan turned toward Caine, his face filled with rage; and without even bothering to fix his pants, he propelled himself at the man who would dare try to stop him from having his fun. Caine kicked out; hitting the man's most vulnerable part. Morgan went down, grabbing himself between his legs as pain shot through clear to him brain. As Caine struck the man, he could not help remembering one of Master Po's important lessons.
***Flashback***
"There are many vulnerable spots upon a man's body. The solar plexus, the eyes, the throat, behind the knees, and here most of all," Master Po suddenly struck an inattentive student with his cane to the final spot The student went down groaning, tears streaming down his face. Young Caine watched with rapt attention. "Hit a man there and I guarantee you will stop him," said Master Po to young Grasshopper many years ago.
***End Flashback***
Caine held out his hand and Lilly quickly gathered her torn clothing. She entered his embrace, very grateful for his presence, but before they left, she turned toward Dances in Sunshine who remained huddled in another corner of the room.
"Please, come with us," Lilly pleaded.
Dances in Sunshine's eyes became wide. The woman had been telling her the truth. To be free was all she had ever wished. To be able to feel the sun on her face once more was all that she ever hoped for and never thought she would ever again. Dances in Sunshine, however, was uncertain. Fear gripped her. Was it so simple? Could they truly escape? She looked over toward Morgan who laid on the floor, still feeling the effects of the kick that Caine had given him. If she escaped, would Morgan or any other of Crabtrees men come after her? Would her tribe even accept her back?
"Please," Lilly pleaded once more. "We've got to free the others."
"If you wish to be free, you must come with us," Caine stated, but the Indian woman made no movement toward them. Caine shook his head. He had seen such fear before. He would not force her. She would have to make that decision for herself. "Come Lilly, we must go."
As Lilly and Caine were about to leave, Dances in Sunshine found her voice and made her choice. "Wait!" The Indian woman bent over the stricken man and pulled from his pocket a set of keys on a small ring. "Follow me. I know another way out."
The three made their escape and headed to another part of the building; opening doors as they went. Soon a small crowd gathered behind them; all hoping that freedom was just a few steps away.
Morgan slowly rose from the floor and gathered his resolve. Two men came rushing into the room. It was obvious they also had encountered the Shaolin priest earlier.
"We've got to stop them before Mr. Crabtree finds out."
One of the men handed Morgan one of his guns and all three men left in search of their quarry.
End of Part 17
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2000.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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