𝓕𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕-𝒎𝒆-𝒏𝒐𝒕

𝓒𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝓔𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏

Sam and Trixy had spent the afternoon making sure all the other bedrooms were ready for the team.  Sam had purchased a small television, video player and a whole pile of cartoon videos for Murdock so they made sure everything was wired up and ready to go.  Sam's father had often mentioned how Murdock would retreat into the world of Loony Tunes cartoons when things got too tough for him and it was those videos that Sam had purchased for him.  "Do you think he's going to like it?"

Trixy stood beside Sam in the doorway.  "Oh I think he's going to love it.  Sam stop worrying so much.  All they're expecting is somewhere to sleep.  You've gone above and beyond for them.  Don't think I didn't notice the cigars for Hannibal, the extra milk for B.A. and even the nice wine for Face."

Sam ran her fingers through her hair and sighed.  "I just want them to be comfortable.  They don't take time off like this usually."

Trixy put her arm around Sam's shoulders.  "I promise that they're going to love it."

❧

The next morning Sam was woken from her sleep by the phone ringing on her nightstand.  She reached out and grabbed it without opening her eyes and answered it sleepily.  "Sam Martin."

"Sam?"

Sam smiled.  "Temp.  Why early call?"

"Darling we've got a problem" sighed Face.

Sam's eyes snapped open.  "What's happened?  Are you guys okay?"  She glanced at the clock on her nightstand.  "Temp it's four in the morning."

"Darling I'm sorry but we had to stay on the road all night.  The snow is falling harder and it's getting harder to see where we're going.  Sam at this rate we could drive right past your place and not know it."

"Temp where are you right now?"  Sam sat herself up in the bed and switched on the light.

"We just reached Basalt.  B.A. is filling the van and Hannibal has taken Murdock with him so I could call you."

"Okay start heading up Frying Pan Road.  I'll find you."

"Sam..." started Face.

"I said I will find you."  Sam put down the phone and pulled back the comforter.  She quickly got dressed and went down the hallway to Trixy's room.  Not bothering to knock she went inside and nudged Trixy until she woke up.  "Trix I have to go out.  The boys are on their way but the snow is falling much harder and I need to ride out to guide them in."

Trixy rubbed her eyes as Sam switched on the light.  "What time is it?"

"Four.  Trix I need you to get the coffee made.  They're going to be freezing by the time they arrive."

"Where did you say you're going?"

Sam smiled at her.  "I'm going to take Cary Grant and go and guide them in."  Sam started to walk out of her room.  "Don't go back to sleep.  Oh and I'm leaving Storm here with you."

"Got it" sighed Trixy as she pulled her comforter back.

Sam ran down the stairs and put her boots on before taking her long riding coat down.  She put it on and then added her gloves.  Seeing Storm by the door she bent down to stroke the dog.  "Not this time baby.  Stay here for me."  She unlocked the door and stepped out onto the porch making sure to light the lamp that hung there.  Taking her flashlight from her pocket she made her way through the driving snow to get to the stables.

Once inside she flicked on the light switch.  "Cary Grant I need you."  She put a warm blanket on him and then saddled him up.  As soon as he was ready she led him outside and closed the stables up again.  "Right boy let's go and find them."  Sam mounted the horse and began to ride hard towards Basalt.