From Stars Over Pagosa
Here is the scene from Stars Over Pagosa when we first learn about about Cassandra.
SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN’T READ “Stars Over Pagosa”.
Tank walked over to the main house this his collar up and his hat down, he knocked once and went in as if he lived there. Tim, Nick, and Grandpa Cordell were in the office.
“Hello, Doc, Tim,” Tank greeted them then held out his hand to Nick, “Welcome home, Nick. Congratulations on graduating veterinarian school.”
“Thank you, Sheriff Tanner,” Nick grinned. “It’s good to be home. I’m just glad I could get my fiance to come with me... As I was just telling Tim and Grandpa, Erin is over at Cass’s just in case those guys try to sneak in on the mountain side.”
“How is Cassandra’s cat?” Tim asked, thinking about the timid brunette with the voice of an angel.
Nick shook his head, “Erin and I honestly don’t know how it’s still alive.”
His grandfather nodded. “It’s true, Miss Priss is on her fifteenth or sixteenth life in twenty years.”
They laughed, then Tim announced, “I have meatloaf and baked potatoes in the oven. What’s the plan?”
Tank sighed. “(sorry you can’t read this part unless you go to Stars Over Pagosa)”
“What about us?” Nick asked. “I mean Erin... He grew up in a bad part of Denver, gangs and lots of shootings, he can handle a pistol but he’s not comfortable with it... And I haven’t been hunting since I left for vet school.”
“That’s why we have back up coming in.” Tank reassured him. “This isn’t the old west, your family and any ranch hands you have won’t be involved if there is a shootout.”
The timer in the kitchen buzzed, so Tim said, “Dinner’s ready. You up for a game of poker after?”
Nick grinned at Tim, “Only if it’s a five-deck shoe to keep you from counting cards, cousin.”
Tim smirked, “Ha! Erin told me you got banned from Black Bear’s blackjack tables.”
“Not my fault, I can add better than four of their dealers. You might have even been able to win...”
They went into the kitchen bickering like family. Tank glanced at the map of the Rocking M...
... Tank shook his head as he said it. “Sorry for the trouble.”
“It’s for the woman my grandson loves,” the old vet answered. “That makes it worth it. Is she safe?”
Tank revealed, “Probably safer than she will be with the Marshals. They want to stop her testimony at the appeal... I’m worried she may never be free of it all. They will move her now that her location is out.”
“Thomas, you’re a good man and a good friend. If... if Lloyd decides to go with her, would you step back up as sheriff until T.J. or Tiana take the job?” Doc asked.
“Do you really think he’d go?” Nick asked from the door with Tim over his shoulder, disagreeing. “Lloyd would never give up being sheriff.”
“Lloyd is afraid of living his Uncle Ray’s life... Let's sit down and eat, boys. There’s a story I need to tell y'. And Nick, I think it will help you understand why Fern and I weren’t surprised at all when you introduced us to that handsome fella you’re gonna marry, and why we didn’t mind a bit selling the end of the Cliffs box canyon to his foster sister. Love and family are all we have that matter in this world.”
