A Moment in Time

This is the story of the Hayden Family who left New York City in 1855 in search for a better life in Nebraska. Thomas Hayden, his wife Isobel, and their 3 children, Emma, Mitchell, and 4 yr. old Melissa, departed in the early spring. And the reason they left was simpleit was the gang violence from the infamous Five Corners. Thomas Hayden, famous for his expert marksmanship, led the family thru good and bad weather until they were halfway therethen tragedy struck! They lost Melissa to some unknown malady. After burying her under an old tree, they continued on with heavy hearts until they reached their final destination in Nebraska. There, with the help of the powerful Johnson ranch, they built their home. A turning point in their lives happened when ore was discovered and a town was built a mile north of their homestead. Under Thomass suggestion, it was named Johnsonville. The town was soon filled with people, including miners and merchantsand they were all thrilled and felt protected that Thomas Hayden was only a mile away. The ranch foreman, Hank Whittaker, soon developed sexual and romantic feelings for Isobeland she felt the same for him! But nothing was ever said or ever mentioned; they both kept it to themselves.. As the years went on the Hayden family, along with the townspeople, became friendly with the local tribe that was run by their powerful chief, Running Elk. So the only problem the townspeople ever encountered was the odd rowdy drifter and he was quickly escorted out of town. With plenty of ore still in the ground, everybody thought that they would live a good and peaceful life. They all thought nothing could go wrongthen the Civil War broke out! And, of course, President Lincoln wanted none other than Thomas Hayden. Thomas didnt mind, but Isobel did; because of her negative thoughts about most things, she figured Thomas would be killed and she would end up a lonely widow with 2 children to look after. Dr. Katherine McBride is madly in love with Thomas. Ever since that wonderful day in New York when she had begged her father to take her to see this marvelous 11 yr. old boy give a demonstration. She loved him so much, even though she was only 4 yrs. old herself. The irony is that she is so beautiful; most men would simply die for her. But the only man she could love was Thomas. Tormented by both wicked and loving thoughts about being with him, she knew it was all just a silly pipe dream. Covered in blood and working tireless hours, her dreams are about to come trueThomas Haydens division, led by General Masters, will soon be entering her camp! Much to the delight of Isobel and the children, Thomas was coming home safe and sound. Even the painful rumors about Thomas having an affair didnt bother her now. As time went on, the only major problem was that a gang of outlaws wanted to kill Thomas and held the town up for ransombut Thomas, along with Chief Running Elk saved the day. When kid grows up, he or she wants to be hero. And in the old west it was no different, young boys want to become a famous gunfighter. And that is exactly what Mitchell Hayden wants to beanother Vance Cordeau, the fastest gun in the west! It was decided by Thomas that he will teach Mitchell the system that his father taught him, simply because if Mitchell couldnt protect himself, then he would probably end up being killed. After Mitchell left, his reputation grewand became known as, much to the chagrin of Thomas, Mitch Hayden, the fastest gunfighter in the west. So, would Mitch get killed or become a teacher? And would Thomass farsighted hopes and dreams come true? Or would he have to move again to avoid oncoming trouble? Would the beautiful Emma really become an old maid? And how long can Isobel and Hank keep from having a sexual encounter? And will Dr. Katherine McBrides dream of one day having Thomas as her lover or husband finally come true? Read on! Many thanks, John Yeo