by Carrie Carr
They sat silently for what seemed like hours, just waiting and listening, trying to hear any noise over the rumbling thunder. Each of them was too tired and too fearful to utter a sound. After half an hour had passed, Lex finally broke the silence.
"Stay put. I’m going to take a quick look around," she whispered.
Amanda grabbed her arm. "Please, don’t," she begged, fear evident in her tone.
Lex leaned over until her mouth was beside Amanda’s ear. "We can’t stay here all night." She reached into her pocket and pulled out the radio, and placed a quick kiss on Amanda’s cold lips. "Call Martha and find out where the sheriff is. If I’m not back in thirty minutes, make your way back to the house."
Amanda wrapped her arms around Lex’s neck, pulling her close. She gave her a searing kiss, finally breaking off when she ran out of breath. "No! You will come back to me!" Her voice trembled. "This is non-negotiable, got it?"
Lex cleared her throat. "Yeah, I got it." She leaned forward and kissed Amanda’s damp forehead. "I’ll be right back." She turned and crawled out of their hideaway.
Amanda wiped her eyes and turned on the radio. Holding the button down, she whispered, "Martha, can you hear me?" She released the button, and heard a small burst of static.
"Amanda? Child, is that you? I can barely hear you." Martha’s voice broke through the static loudly, making Amanda wince, and she hurriedly turned down the volume.
She placed her mouth as close as possible to the microphone. "Yes, it’s me. I have to be quiet, though. Have you heard from the sheriff?"
"Yes, I have. He should be at the site any time now, and he’s got three deputies with him."
Amanda breathed a sigh of relief. "Martha, you have to warn him that they have guns."
She mentally added up what she had seen. "Two rifles that we’re aware of. And there’s—"
She was abruptly cut off by the sounds of gunfire, although it sounded like it was quite some distance away. No! Amanda almost sprang out of her hiding place, with her heart pounding loudly in her ears.
"Amanda? Are you still there?" Martha’s concerned voice broke through her racing thoughts.
"Uh, yeah. I’m here." Amanda took a deep breath. "Look, I’ve got to go, Martha. I’ll talk to you later, okay?" She turned off the radio and then sat in the dark, straining to hear anything over the thunder and pounding rain that punctured the stillness.
By the time the thirty-minute time limit was almost up, Amanda was a nervous wreck. I can’t believe I let her talk me into staying here. Where could she be? Is she okay? Oh, God. She almost screamed when a dark form broke through the dense brush, nearly tumbling in on top of her. "Lex?" She reached out blindly.
"Yeah, it’s me," Lex wheezed, trying to catch her breath. "I led them back to the clearing. Those fools will be chasing each other in a big circle for hours."
Amanda let out a deep breath. "Good. Martha said the sheriff should be there with his deputies any time now." She placed her hand on the rancher’s shoulder. "Is it safe for us to get out of here?" She was more than a little concerned about her friend. Lex was still breathing hard. "Are you okay? I heard more gunshots while you were gone."
Lex was silent for a few moments while she tried to get her breathing under control. "Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just real hard to run in the driving rain wearing boots and a heavy duster. Guess I’m a little out of shape."
Amanda crawled closer, almost sitting in Lex’s lap. "Yeah, right. You’re still recovering from bruised ribs, remember?" She snuggled into the welcoming arms. "Mmm. This feels really good. I’m a little chilled." She looked up, barely able to make out the outline of Lex’s face. "I imagine you’re freezing, though, since you’ve been out in this cold rain longer than I have."
"I’ve been warmer, that’s for sure," Lex whispered, nuzzling the neck below her. "But to tell you the truth, I’m pretty warm right now." She chuckled and fought back a small cough.
Amanda lifted a hand and placed it on the shadowed face above her. "You’re feeling a bit warm. We need to get you back to the house and into bed."
Lex gave the hand a small kiss. "I’m fine. Just out of breath from all that damned running." She cocked her head to listen. "But you’re right. I think it’s safe for us to try and leave now." She climbed to her feet and offered Amanda a hand up.
THE WALK BACK was slow, with Lex cautiously keeping them off any real paths. The rain also hampered their progress, even though the heavy tree cover blocked out most of the downpour.
How on earth does she know where we are going? Amanda wondered, keeping her eyes locked on the figure a bare step ahead of her. Lex doggedly made her way through the thick foliage, not hesitating in choosing which direction to take. She must have some kind of built-in radar. The object of her thoughts must have felt her scrutiny, because Lex turned her head, giving her a weary smile. Amanda returned it with a smile of her own. I’m really worried about her. She seems so…washed out.
They had been traveling for close to an hour when Amanda reached forward and captured Lex’s arm. "I hate to sound like an annoying kid on a trip, but how much further?" she asked quietly.
"Do you need to stop and rest?" Lex questioned. "I’m sorry it’s taking so long, but I thought it would be a good idea to take the roundabout way, in case those guys are still trying to find us. Let’s take a quick breather." She sank to the ground gracelessly, propping her back up against the nearest tree. "I’m afraid that we’ve still got about thirty minutes of walking to do."
Amanda dropped down beside her, linking her hand with one of Lex’s. "Sounds good to me." She leaned her head on Lex’s shoulder and sighed. "Is your life always this…interesting?"
"No. Well, at least not until recently." Lex glanced down and could just barely make out Amanda’s features between quick flashes of lightning. "I’ve had more things happen in the last week than in the past couple of years." Lex squeezed the hand in hers. "Guess you brought the excitement with you."
"Oh, yeah. I love driving my car off into a flooded creek, then running around in the cold rain getting shot at. All part of my big plan to bring some thrills into my otherwise boring existence."
"Got more than you bargained for, huh?" Lex released the hand, then wrapped her arm around Amanda’s shoulder to pull her close. "Me, too." She gave the damp head a kiss.
They sat there quietly, listening to the sounds around them. Thunder rumbled intermittently, punctuating the bright flashes of lightning. Lex let her body relax, and her eyes slowly drifted shut.
Amanda felt the body next to hers go limp, and she looked up in alarm. Lex’s head was tipped forward, with her chin resting on her chest. Reaching up with her free hand, Amanda lightly touched the still face, which appeared unnaturally wan in the flashes of light.
Lex’s eyes popped open and tracked to Amanda’s face instantly. "What?" Lex blinked, then opened her eyes wide in an effort to become more alert. She wiped a hand over her face. "Sorry. All of this exercise must have worn me out."
"Uh-huh." Amanda pulled Lex’s face closer to her with one hand. "Are you getting sick?" she asked, peering intently into the somewhat glazed eyes.
Lex blinked again, shaking her head slightly. "No. Really, I’m okay. Just a little tired." Lex tried to take a deep breath, but felt a sharp pain along her side. Just what I needed. My ribs want some attention. She glanced over at her companion and saw the exhaustion on her face. Lex gathered what little stamina she had left and stood up, pulling Amanda with her. "Come on. We’re almost back to the pass, and then we can ride the rest of the way home."
Amanda allowed herself to be hoisted to her feet, not missing the slight tremor in the hand pulling her up. "Now that’s the best idea I’ve heard all day." She brushed herself off and resumed her place behind Lex, as the tired woman blazed a trail through the thick trees.
They found Thunder standing under a canopy of leaves, happily munching shoots of tender grass. The stallion looked up and nickered a greeting as the two
weary women approached.
Amanda expelled a great sigh of relief. "I never thought I would be so happy to see a humongous horse." She walked over to the animal, and patted his neck.
Lex followed her and checked Thunder’s saddle. "Hey, boy. Are you about ready to go home?" She leaned against him heavily.
Amanda wrapped an arm around the weary rancher. "Come on, honey. Let’s get you home, too." The endearment had slipped out before Amanda could hold it back. Lex didn’t have to say anything in response; the expression on her face said it all.
"Sounds like a plan." Lex climbed up on the horse and pulled Amanda up behind her. "Thought I’d drive, this time."
Amanda wrapped her arms carefully around Lex. "Sure. I’ve always been told what a great back-seat driver I am anyway." She felt a chuckle rumble through her friend, and gave the stomach her hands rested on a gentle tickle. "Home, James," she commanded regally. Amanda placed her cheek against Lex’s shoulder blade and snuggled up to the strong back.
The exhausted woman leaned back against Amanda. "Yes ma’am." She nudged Thunder with her knees, allowing him to find his way through the dark.
Chapter Twelve
THE RIDE BACK to the ranch house was uneventful. Even the rain finally took pity on the two damp and tired women, and slowed down to a light drizzle. The moon was trying to break out of the clouds as Lex pulled Thunder up to the stables.
Swinging her leg over his massive neck, she slowly dismounted, turned, and helped Amanda down. "C’mon, buddy. Let’s get you cleaned up and fed." Lex led Thunder into the building to his stall while Amanda went to get a bucket of feed.
When Amanda returned with the oats, she noticed Lex had already pulled the saddle and blanket from the animal and was in the process of brushing him down. She poured the contents of the bucket into his trough, and then stepped into the stall. "Here," she said, taking the brush from Lex’s hands, "let me finish this. Why don’t you go on up to the house, and I’ll meet you there?"
"I’ll make you a deal. You can finish with the grooming, and I'll clean up the tack. Fair enough?" When Amanda opened her mouth to argue, Lex continued. "That way we can walk back up to the house together. Deal?" She placed a grubby hand on her friend’s shoulder. Deciding on honesty, Lex said, "Besides," she hesitated, looking down at the ground, "I could kind of use a little help with the walk up there. I’m so tired I’m about to fall down."
Concerned, Amanda placed a hand on Lex’s arm. "What’s wrong?"
Lex shook her head. "Nothing much, I’m just tired, I think." She leaned heavily against the side of the stall.
"If you’re admitting to that, it’s time to take you up to the house." Amanda wrapped her hand around Lex’s arm and pulled her out of the stall. "I’ll come back later and finish up with the tack."
Lex meekly let Amanda draw her from the stable, stunned, but happy. I can’t believe I let her get away with this sort of thing. She is certainly something else.
Amanda pushed open the back door, practically dragging the exhausted woman behind her. "Martha, where are you?" she yelled, pulling Lex into the kitchen. "Here. Sit down before you fall down." She pushed Lex into the nearest chair and gave her shoulder a slight squeeze. "I’m going to go find—"
"What on earth happened to you two?" Martha gasped, standing in the kitchen doorway. "I swear Lexie, I can’t leave you alone for a minute." She stomped over to where Lex sat slumped in her chair. Pulling the soaked hat from the rancher’s head, the housekeeper scowled. "Good Lord! You’re as white as a sheet." She ran one hand across Lex’s mud-spattered brow. Turning her attention to Amanda, she asked, "Are you okay, sweetheart?"
Amanda nodded and dropped into a nearby chair. "I’m fine. Just tired and a little damp." She pushed the wet hood off her head.
Martha, who had begun helping Lex take off her coat, stopped. "Is this blood?" She asked, as she gently touched Lex’s side.
Lex flinched. "Probably just mud." She tried to bat away the housekeeper’s hands, which were pulling at the damp shirt. "Ow! Hey, Martha, cut that out!"
Amanda stood up and went over to squat beside the fatigued woman. "Blood?" She put one of her hands on the dirty denim-covered thigh to balance herself. "Lex?" She forced her friend to look her in the eye. "What happened?"
"I don’t know. I think it’s just mud."
Martha shook her head derisively. "Honey, if that’s mud, I’m a size six!" She pulled the coat off the rest of the way and unbuttoned the filthy shirt. "Let’s just take a look, okay?" She turned to Amanda. "Could you go upstairs and get the salve and some clean towels out of the master bathroom?"
Amanda nodded, although there was a worried look on her face. "Sure." She stood up and patted Lex on the shoulder. "Be right back." She kissed the top of Lex’s head, then hurried from the room.
The housekeeper turned her attention back to Lex, who was fighting to keep her eyes open. "Lexie?" She tapped her leg. "Now would you care to tell me what happened out there? I didn’t want to upset Amanda, but Charlie radioed about twenty minutes ago, said that by the time he got there, all he could find was an abandoned trailer and a stolen truck." She pulled the shirt open and away from Lex’s side. "What happened to you?" Martha used a corner of the wet fabric to wipe at the blood on Lex’s side. "This looks like a mighty wicked gash on your side here, honey."
Lex tried to shift away from what Martha was doing. "Ouch! Would you please stop that!" She found her hands captured by older ones. "Okay, okay." She cleared her throat. "I think it’s a bullet wound. I was grazed by a bullet." She looked into the concerned brown eyes of the woman who was like a mother to her.
"Must’ve happened when they were chasing me." Martha’s news finally sunk in. "Wait. Are you trying to tell me that Charlie didn’t catch those idiots out there?" She tried to stand up, but was quickly pushed back down. "Damn! How could he let those fools get away? They could barely take a crap by themselves."
"Now you listen to me, young lady! Last I heard he was still looking for them, so you just calm down." Martha tried to pull the shirt off Lex, who fought her again. "Would you please let me take a look at that?"
Lex held the shirt closed stubbornly. "Wait. Can we compromise?" She gave the older woman a pout. "I really want to take a shower. It feels like I’m wearing at least half of the back pasture."
Martha shook her head. "I don’t know what I’m going to do with you, Lexie." Then she nodded. "Okay. Compromise it is. But," she held up a warning hand, "it’ll be a quick shower, and then you’re going to bed. You’ve spent too many nights staying up late."
Amanda stood in the doorway, requested items in hand. She offered Martha mock sympathy. "I bet it was almost impossible to get her to take medicine as a child, wasn’t it?"
Lex scowled, while Martha burst out laughing. "As a child? Sweetheart, I’d rather pull my own teeth than try to get this one to do something that may actually be good for her." She held out a hand to Lex, who had a grumpy look on her face. "All right, let’s go upstairs and get you cleaned up."
"I can do it myself, you know," Lex complained, but accepted the help up anyway. "You’re not going to bathe me too, are you?" Hearing a giggle from the doorway, she glared at Amanda.
Shaking her head, Amanda cajoled her. "Sorry. You’re just too cute when you act like an overgrown child." Seeing the outraged look on Lex’s face, she backed up. "Umm, I’ll just go upstairs and get the shower ready for you." Amanda turned and took off down the hallway, still laughing.
"You’d better run!" Lex called after her.
IT TOOK A while, but Lex finally finished her shower. She walked into the master bedroom wearing her flannel pajama bottoms and a large towel draped over her shoulders and down over her chest. Amanda had returned from her own clean up effort and was sitting on the bed with Martha when Lex made her entrance. Wow, even after the day she’s been through, she’s still absolutely beautiful.
Martha stood up. "Where’s your nightshirt? Are you trying to catch pneumonia
or just drive me insane?" She grabbed Lex’s arm and pulled her over to the bed.
"I didn’t see any sense in putting it on until you were finished clucking over me." Lex sat down slowly. "It’s right here on the bed and would have bitten you on the butt if it had been a snake."
"Hrumph. We’ll just see about that, won’t we, Little Miss Smarty Pants." Martha pushed her onto her back, so that she was lying flat on the bed. She turned to address the young woman who was now standing beside her. "Amanda, don’t let this one here get away with anything. She really is impossible sometimes."
"Hey," Lex whined, trying to regain some dignity as the housekeeper spread salve over the long gash across her ribs. "Ow! Careful there, I’d like to keep myself in one piece, if you don’t mind." She slapped at Martha’s hands.
Amanda sat down next to Lex’s legs. "What on earth happened there?" She looked at the wound. "If I didn’t know any better—" Her countenance turned stormy. "You were shot?" She stood up and paced the length of the room. "I don’t believe you. You got shot, and didn’t tell me?" Amanda stomped back over to the opposite side of the bed. "How could you not tell me something like this?" She sat on the edge, glaring at the injured woman.
"No! It’s not like that. Really." Lex stretched her arm across the bed, beckoning for Amanda’s hand. "I didn’t know." Not seeing any change in Amanda’s face, she continued, "Honestly. I didn’t. I thought my ribs were just acting up again. And it’s really just a slight scrape."
Martha listened quietly to the women argue. Poor Lexie. It looks like she’s finally found someone who’s not afraid to stand up to her. Good!
Amanda took a calming breath and held Lex’s hand. She looked into her eyes and saw nothing but the truth. "Okay, I believe you." She pulled the hand to her lips and gave it a kiss. "But," she squeezed it a little tighter, "next time tell me when you’re hurting, okay?"
