by Carrie Carr
She placed the mop in a corner, daring him to say something. "Let me fix you something to eat."
Charlie Bristol had been coming out to the ranch long enough to know that tone in her voice. As much as he wanted to tease Martha about her choice of weapons, he quickly changed his mind. "That would be great, Martha. Thanks." He took off his coat, sat his hat in a nearby chair, and then dropped down into a seat. "Damn, it’s been a long night. Is Lex doing okay? You told me earlier that she was resting."
Martha began to cook him something to eat, turning her head every so often to talk. "I guess you could say that. She got shot, but it just grazed her side. She’s upstairs now sleeping." She tried to sound nonchalant, but he could hear the tremor in her voice.
Charlie got up from his seat and walked over to the stove, gently wrapping his arms around the trembling woman. "Shh, it’s okay sweetheart. Let it out."
Martha spun around, and tucked her head into Charlie’s chest, sobbing quietly. "Damn it, Charlie, I could have lost her." She felt his arms wrap tightly around her, as she let days of stress break free.
The quiet lawman just stood there, loaning his strength to a woman who rarely needed any. She’s the strongest woman I know, yet she lets me see this side of her. God, I want to take care of her for the rest of our lives. He bent his head down, and placed a tender kiss on her graying head. "I know, honey, but she’ll be fine. Our Lex can handle just about anything." He always thought of the young rancher as his adopted daughter, and he knew that she was the child Martha never had.
Martha enjoyed the embrace for a few moments more, then stepped back and wiped her eyes with the edge of her apron. "Thanks, Charlie. I guess I must have needed that." She gave him a light kiss on the cheek and turned back to her cooking. "So, any luck in finding those thieves? We had to practically sit on Lexie to keep her home last night."
Charlie moved back to the table and sat down. "Not really. Seems they broke up into two different groups and then went in opposite directions. Joseph went after one group, and I’m looking for the other." He waited until Martha turned around to face him. "Like I told you earlier on the phone, one group may be coming this way. That’s why I’m here."
"I was a little afraid of something like that. Amanda told me what Lexie had done to them. They’d have to be totally stupid not to figure out who did it." She carried a plate of food over to the table and set it down in front of him. "Do you think they’d really come after her?" She picked up the carafe of coffee and brought it to the table, along with two mugs.
"I’m not sure. Part of me thinks they’ll just try to get transportation out of here, but I don’t think they know that the bridge is out." He speared the food, speaking in between bites. "What bothers me most is the fact that they’re so good at hiding. They could be right outside, and I may never find them." He was one of the best trackers in the area, and that these thieves had the skill to elude him made him justifiably nervous.
Martha sat down, looking into her coffee mug. "I’m afraid," she whispered.
"Honey, I’m not gonna rest until I catch these bastards, and you can take that to the bank." Charlie grasped her hand. "No matter how long it takes, I will not let them hurt you."
The housekeeper looked at him with sad eyes. She finally spoke what had been in her heart for the last few days, not knowing how much more she could take. "I’m not afraid for me, but for Lexie. I don’t want anything to happen to her, but she’s so stubborn. This week has nearly killed me."
"This week? What else has happened, Martha?" he asked, forgetting his food and scooting his chair closer to hers.
"Where do I begin? It seems like if it’s not one thing, it’s another." Martha leaned into Charlie’s sudden embrace. "Friday night, she was down by the creek checking the fence, when she saw a car get washed from the bridge. Damn fool child could have drowned, jumping in like she did. But she did bring us a blessing in disguise, you could say. Not expected, but certainly welcome."
"Good grief. I thought you raised her with more brains than that. I knew that the bridge was washed out, but—" Charlie squeezed the hand in his. "What kind of blessing are you talking about? Who did she pull from the creek?"
"You know Jacob and Anna Leigh Cauble, right? Well, their granddaughter Amanda was in the car that was knocked into the creek. She’s such a sweet girl, too."
Charlie knew that look. Uh-oh. She’s got that Martha Matchmaker face on again. "Really? I’ve never met her, but old Jacob talks about her all the time, and she sounds like a wonderful girl. Is she still here?"
"Oh yes. She’s upstairs right now, taking care of Lexie."
The sheriff’s eyebrows rose at that statement. "Taking care of Lex? You’ve got to be kidding me. We are talking about the same person, right? Tall, dark, and obstinate? The Lex I know wouldn’t allow anyone to take care of her."
Martha squeezed his hand again. "You’d be surprised what Lexie has allowed that young girl to do. She even lets her win arguments. I never thought I’d see the day when that would happen." Her wistful expression faded as she got serious again. "I just hope Lexie will stay in bed for a day or so, to get her strength back. She’s been so tired lately, and this last little adventure has about worn her out."
"I don’t know if that will be possible, Martha. If my suspicions are right, half of that group of thieves could be on their way to the house as we speak. And they could be looking for trouble."
A voice from the kitchen door interrupted their conversation. "They’re headed here? Are you going to leave us some protection?"
Both people at the table looked up. A concerned young woman stood in the doorway, looking somewhat disheveled in the oversized maroon sweats she was wearing. She walked into the room and sat down at the table next to Martha.
"Amanda, what are you doing downstairs?" Martha asked, as she got up to get another coffee cup from the cabinet.
"I can’t stay long, I just came downstairs to get Lex something to eat." Amanda hoped that Martha would appreciate her sneaky tactics. "I made her promise to stay in bed today." She blushed slightly, remembering what the rancher had told her. "Only if you keep me company. I tend to get bored, otherwise." It had been said with a diabolical air, which had sent shivers of excitement up and down Amanda’s spine.
Charlie smiled tiredly at Amanda. "Miss Cauble, I really wish I could stay here and personally guarantee your safety, but the truth is I can’t even justify keeping a man on this case."
"Please, call me Amanda." She looked at him closely. "And who says you can’t stay on the case?"
The sheriff shook his head sadly. "City politics, Miss…Amanda." He saw her frown at the more formal way that he’d addressed her, and figured that if Martha had her way, she was practically his "daughter-in-law", anyway. "The county commissioners don’t much care for Lex. She really hacked them off a few years ago, and the bast…err…excuse me, old coots haven’t gotten over it yet."
Amanda was shocked. "And, because of their hurt feelings, they won’t allow you to help? That’s absolutely ridiculous!" She slapped her hand down hard on the table.
Martha stopped working on the tray for Lex and walked over to stand behind the upset woman. "You’re right, it is. Charlie, don’t lose your job over this. I’m sure Lexie can handle things just fine."
Charlie leaned back in his chair with a smug expression. "It just so happens my vacation starts today. And Joseph just happened to get sick last night. He said he owed Lex a favor, and he’ll keep looking for those thieves as long as he needs to." He stood up, and took his hat off the extra chair. "Martha, if you wouldn’t mind, we’ll keep in touch with you on the radio. Channel six."
The housekeeper handed the sheriff two thermal containers full of coffee and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I’ll carry the portable with me. Now you be careful out there. We’ve got a date next Saturday night, and I hate to be stood up."
Charlie blushed. "You know I’d never stand you up, sweetheart." He gestured with a Thermos. "Than
ks for the coffee. I’ll keep in touch." The lawman left the kitchen with a happy smile on his face.
Martha glanced over at Amanda, who was smirking. "Now don’t you look at me like that. We’ve been friends for years."
"I didn’t say a word." She shook her head solemnly and pretended to zip her lips.
The housekeeper walked over and swatted her on the arm, then turned around and moved back to the counter without speaking.
"Hey, it’s not my fault your boyfriend is so cute." Amanda chuckled when Martha actually blushed. Having gotten even for being embarrassed upstairs earlier, she enjoyed the small victory.
Martha rolled her eyes. "I guess I deserved that." She opened the refrigerator and poured a glass of orange juice, adding it to the finished breakfast tray. "How is Lexie feeling?"
"Much better, I think. She’s only running a slight fever this afternoon, and her coloring is almost back to normal." Amanda stood up and checked out the tray. "That sure looks like a lot. Does she normally eat that much?"
"Not usually, but you tell her she had better finish every bite, or I’ll come upstairs and feed it to her personally." Martha handed the tray to Amanda. "Good luck, you’re gonna need it."
LEX STOOD IN the bathroom, her nightshirt unbuttoned and opened. Turned to one side, her right side was an easy view in the bathroom mirror. She had removed the elastic bandage from her body and was now gingerly trying to peel the tape covering the wound. "Ah, damn. When will someone invent tape that can be taken off without ripping all your hide off in the process?" she grumbled as she continued to slowly pull the tape from her skin, wincing with every tug.
"Ahem."
Startled, Lex spun her head around to face the open doorway. "Oh. Hi."
Amanda stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips, one foot tapping impatiently. "What do you think you’re doing?"
"Um, well, I had to go to the bathroom."
With a scowl on her face, Amanda stepped into the room. "And you had to unwrap your ribs to do that?" She stood directly in front of Lex, looking up into her eyes.
Those same eyes rolled. "No. But my side was aching a little bit, so I thought I’d change the bandage."
Amanda pulled the shirt aside and glanced at the gauze taped over the wound. ""Okay. But the bandage is still on. Do you need some help reaching it?" She ran a light hand over the area in question, then looked back up.
"To tell you the truth, I was having some trouble removing the tape."
Amanda bent down so that she was at eye level to Lex’s waist and pulled the shirt back. "Hold this." With one hand on Lex’s hip for balance, she gently pulled the tape back. When the skin beneath her hand flinched, she admonished, "Stay still."
Lex jumped again. "Ow! I’m not gonna have any skin left at this rate," she hissed.
Amanda looked up at her and with amusement said, "Bruised ribs don’t bother you. Gunshot wounds don’t slow you down, but try to put medicine or bandages on, and you yelp like someone is trying to kill you." She patted the flat stomach. "You are such a big baby." After a short pause, she placed a kiss on the bare abdomen. "I really like that." Amanda stood up, the tape temporarily forgotten. "I really like you." She wrapped her arms around Lex’s neck and slowly pulled her head down for a kiss, trying to show what her heart desperately wanted to say.
Lex accepted the kiss and the feelings that went along with it. She pulled back slightly, noticing the sparkle of emotions on Amanda’s face—emotions that were reflecting how she was feeling as well. "I really like you, too." She leaned down and captured soft lips again, prolonging the contact until they both broke away, breathless.
Amanda leaned into Lex’s body and took a deep breath. "Whew. Okay, let’s get you taken care of, and then I’ll serve you lunch in bed." She reached for the tape again. "And if you’re a really good girl, I’ll tuck you in." She started to pull on the tape, but felt Lex tense up. "Easy. It’ll be over soon, I promise." Amanda removed the tape, and slowly tried to pull the gauze away from the wound, only to find it stuck. "Oh, Lex, it looks like it bled quite a lot." She looked up and saw the pain in her friend’s eyes. "I don’t think I can get this off without hurting you more."
Taking a deep breath, Lex closed her eyes. "Yeah, I know." She braced herself against the counter. "I need to clean up anyway. Let me just get into the shower, and maybe I can peel it off easier."
Amanda stood up and placed a hand on Lex’s arm. "I’ve got a better idea. How ‘bout you let me run you a nice warm bath? Maybe soak for a while and rest?"
Lex opened her eyes slowly and rubbed them. "That sounds like a great idea. I’m still pretty beat."
"I can tell. Why don’t you go sit down for a minute, and I’ll start the water." Amanda led Lex into the bedroom and helped her sit on the edge of the bed. She kissed the top of the dark head before disappearing into the bathroom. "Be right back."
OVER AN HOUR had passed since Lex had gotten into the tub. Worried, Amanda tapped lightly on the outer door. When she didn’t receive an answer, she slowly opened the door and peeked inside. Aw, poor sweet Lex.
Lex had slipped down into the tub, her head barely visible above the water. The bubbles that filled the bath were long gone, and the water must have been cold, but she continued to sleep peacefully.
"Just like Sleeping Beauty," Amanda marveled quietly, as she walked over to stand beside the tub. "Well, it worked for Prince Charming," she mumbled. She leaned over and placed a soft kiss on the lips of the reclining woman.
Surprised, Lex almost slipped beneath the water. She blinked several times and peeked up at Amanda. "Hey."
"Hey, yourself," Amanda countered. She wiped the damp hair away from her friend’s eyes. "I was afraid you had drowned in here."
Lex couldn’t help but smile. "Not quite. How long have I been in here?"
"Over an hour."
"Damn. I can’t believe I dozed off like that." Disgusted with herself, Lex started to stand up.
Amanda couldn’t help but stare at Lex’s wet body as the water sluiced off her slender form. Her mouth went dry, and she lost the ability to speak. She stood there, mouth partially open, staring until Lex cleared her throat.
"Would you mind handing me the towel that you’re standing on?"
"Hmm?"
Lex grinned and held out her hand. "Towel. That soft thing lying under your feet." Although she enjoyed the glazed look on Amanda’s face, she snapped her fingers to break her trance. "Earth to Amanda. As I’m sure you can tell, I’m getting cold."
Amanda’s eyes widened, and she hurriedly bent down and picked up the towel. "I’m sorry. I just, umm, well—" Her eyes, which had been studying Lex’s chest, focused on the floor.
Quickly wrapping the towel around her body, Lex guessed that her teasing might have gone too far. "Hey." When Amanda continued to stare at the floor, she caressed her cheek and then the back of her head until she looked up. "It’s okay."
Mortified at herself, Amanda swallowed hard, then finally met Lex’s eyes. "I’m sorry."
"Don’t be sorry. I’m flattered." Lex winked. "Besides, you showed a lot more control than I would have." She stepped out of the tub and leaned over to leave a kiss on Amanda’s cheek. "Thanks."
The smile didn’t leave Amanda’s face as she watched Lex walk out of the bathroom, clad only in a short yellow towel that Amanda thought was still about an inch too long. She gathered up the medical supplies and followed her friend from the room.
Lex pulled on a pair of gray sweatpants and was about to slip a tee shirt over her head as Amanda came out of the bathroom. She turned around, shirt still over her head, when Amanda spoke.
"What do you think you’re doing?"
"Getting some clothes on, why? You don’t expect me to run around in a towel all day, do you?" The shirt was almost on when Amanda grabbed it and stopped the movement.
"Smart ass. You forgot to put another bandage on." She raised and removed the garment, then swatted Lex with it. "Go lie down on the be
d."
Lex stepped away, but stopped before she got to the bed. "I really don’t think that’s necessary, Amanda." She twisted her head so that she could look at the bullet wound. "It’s hardly bleeding at all, now."
Amanda sighed and pushed the rancher back onto the bed. "Yeah, right. And I’m sure Martha wouldn’t mind you going without putting anything on it."
"What makes you say that? I’m perfectly capable—"
"Of not taking care of yourself," Martha finished for Lex, as she stood in the doorway. "What kind of bull pucky are you spreading now, Lexie?"
Lex rolled her eyes and glared at the housekeeper. "I was just telling Amanda that I don’t need a babysitter, and I’m more than capable of taking care of myself." It was hard trying to look tough while sitting on the bed in just sweatpants and the shirt hiked up high, so Lex crossed her arms over her chest to appear a bit more intimidating.
Martha couldn’t help but laugh. "Of course you are. But, just to help you along, I’ve brought some antibiotics that you conveniently forgot to take with your last injury. This should help stave off any infection." She popped a pill into Lex’s mouth before she could argue. "Hush." Turning to Amanda, she started to hold out her hand for the bandages, but stopped. "You look like you can take it from here. I’ll just run back downstairs and finish up some laundry."
"Thanks, Martha. I’ll let you know if she gets out of line," Amanda teased, expecting and receiving a disgusted look from Lex. She waved her fingers at the retreating figure, then turned her attention back to her friend. "I promise to be gentle."
"Uh-huh." Lex looked doubtful, but laid back and raised her arms over her head. "Do what you will with me. I’ll suffer in silence."
Amanda’s hand froze in mid-air. She looked at the bare skin in front of her and suddenly forgot what she was supposed to do. Don’t tempt me, Lex. If I do to you what I want, you certainly won’t be silent.
"Hello? Hey, Amanda? Are you okay?" Lex waved her hand in front of the other woman’s face.
