The Fan Letter Read Online Free PDF Page A

we can be friends again. I won't forget the kindness you showed when I was hurt. But, now is not the time.”
    He looked up suddenly and ran into the portal. He slammed the door and vanished.
    Andrew Fox rushed into the lab and found The Loner on the floor. He saw the portal was closed and knew it was already empty.
    He pulled The Loner into a sitting position and began firmly patting his face to bring him to consciousness. “Jack! Jack! Wake up. Are you all right?”
    The Loner felt the bump on his head and groaned. “Where's….”
    “He's gone, Jack. I was too late.”
    Jack looked sadly at the portal door. “I almost got through to him, Andrew. I almost got through.”
    Andrew nodded. “I know. Next time we meet, Professor, we'll be ready,” he finished, looking intently at the portal door.
    “Cut,” Ron declared triumphantly. “Beautiful, people. That is probably a wrap. Hang around an hour while we preview this and then, if it looks good, you can go.”
    While the four regulars discussed next week's show, Phillip quietly headed for his dressing room. It was only twelve o'clock and he figured he had two hours to go.
    He propped himself up on the oversized sofa and picked up the ivory-colored paper.
    Jane struggled valiantly against the drunken cowboy who kept asking her for a kiss. She thought about the knife in the top of her boot. The saloon singer dress she was wearing had effectively hidden the handle of the knife, but she had been warned about hurting anyone. She would have to use some other way to get out of this mess.
    She remembered her training with Jack and brought her knee up sharply. The cowboy suddenly quit groping her and emitted a startled grunt. As he fell back, she made a fist and swung it into his stomach with all her might. The cowboy now collapsed onto the floor of the saloon.
    Jane backed slowly away from the inert form. She was still scared and shaking violently. A body stood in the way of her escape. Screaming as hands touched her shoulders, it was too much for Jane as the world tilted around her and she fainted.
    The Professor looked down at her and felt remorse for what he had put her through. Gently picking her up, he carried her into the deserted office and placed her on the couch. He could hear the stagecoach go by and knew it was time for them to go back. He hadn't expected Jane to be mauled like that.
    Gently, he patted her hands and she slowly opened her eyes. Startled, she looked away from his handsome face and tried to find the cowboy. She sat up, not knowing what was going on.
    “You're all right now,” he softly said. “You handled yourself just fine. Jack taught you well.”
    Jane was shaking again. “He tried to…. I couldn't…. Please hold me,” she whispered, holding out trembling hands.
    The Professor didn't protest but held her close until she stopped shaking. He experienced a strange feeling in his heart and looked down at her head leaning against his chest.
    “I'm sorry,” he told her. “I'm sorry you all proved me wrong….and I am sorry you were hurt. It's time for you to go.” He placed his fingers briefly against her cheek. “Jack is fortunate,” was the last thing he said to her as he rushed out the back door of the saloon.
    Andrew and Jack burst through the swinging doors, guns in hand. “Jane?” Jack called out, frightened by the sight of an unconscious cowboy on the floor.
    “Jack!” Jane rushed into his arms.
    “It's time to go home,” Andrew said in a softer tone, finally affected by the tender reunion before him. “I'm glad you're all right, Jane. You'll make a good squad member yet!”
    The End
    Phillip gathered all his personal effects and took one last glance around the dressing room to make sure he had everything. Then he threw his costume over the sofa and headed for the offices.
    He found Maxwell, Cindy and Eddie near the door that read ‘Ron Nickles—Director.’ The threesome were discussing Eddie's party the next