Death By Fright

by McCarthy, G. L.

  Death By Fright

  G. L. McCarthy

  Editors:

  Stephanie Oswald

  Elliott Night

  Copyright © 2011 G. L. McCarthy

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN: 1-4610-2846-9

  ISBN-13: 978-1461028468

  To Carol Allen

  My Vedic Astrologer

  A sage, who suggested

  I give this writing thing a try.

  You are the Best!!!

  Chapter 1

  As Alex hurried with the packing, Sam cleaned up the work room and made sure everything was turned off and unplugged, just in case. It was hard to believe that Taylorwood’s Christmas break was here and they were flying out to spend the holidays with Jessie. Alex was enjoying her medical leave since the attack by Richard Greenway, but now she was fully recovered.

  Thinking back to last month, so much had happened during that hectic time that no one had realized the approaching Thanksgiving holiday was only days away. Sam had cooked for everyone so they could all come and visit with Alex, who was improving everyday and about to start physical therapy. Mrs. Greenway, Taylorwood’s Head Mistress, had taken a short break. Some say it was to bury her son, but others say it was to recover mentally from the trauma his actions had caused her.

  The time off for Alex had been devoted to Sam, who played nursemaid and started working on Alex’s miniature ranch project. She was allowed to sit and watch Sam as she constructed the replicas and then Alex finished them, applying paint with great detail to match the pictures. They discovered a lot about each other and they grew closer with every passing day.

  Cyn and TJ were quite the cute couple and spent their weekends exploring the surrounding area, as well as each other. They were going to Cyn’s parents for Christmas so they could meet TJ. Cyn had already become a regular at the Spicer residence and Roy was thrilled to see his daughter so happy.

  All and all, life was getting back to normal. Alex and Sam planned to return from their little vacation with Smokey in tow to keep Beau company out in pasture. The women had made a pact to ride at least once a week, if not more. Sam had been hired by the sheriff as a deputy and would start working for him part time and then full time after she graduated from the police academy in the spring. Alex would be going back to Taylorwood to finish out the remainder of the school year.

  But first they were going back to New Mexico and both were excited about seeing old and new friends. The last thing Alex packed was the picture of Anna and Ramon, as well as the two fetishes, who would be going home for the holidays as well. Jason had volunteered to take them to the airport, with the condition that he be allowed to drive the F-1 for his troubles. Alex had no doubts that her beloved truck would be in excellent hands, since Jason was also going to house sit. It wasn’t so much that they needed someone to watch the place, as that it gave Jason a break from home and a chance to have his own little bachelor pad for two weeks. Although no parties were allowed as he was only a junior and way too young to be drinking.

  Jason was right on time and they ended up at the airport ahead of schedule. Alex and Sam decided to sit in the waiting area, but first they splurged on a blended iced coffee as a treat. Living in a small town, there weren’t any franchised coffee houses yet, but it was only a matter of time. Talking to the other people waiting, everyone was excited about going home or to visit relatives for the holidays. Alex never would have imagined she’d be back at the ranch so soon. It had only been six weeks since she left but she felt like it had been a lot longer. So much had happened. She felt like she’d aged several years instead of one since she’d seen her pals Andy and Pablo. Along with her equine friend Bruce Willis. She knew Sam would be happy to see Smokey and vice versa.

  Boarding the plane, she knew it was now only a matter of hours and she would be back in the Land of Enchantment, and for Alex that was saying a mouthful. She knew everything would be the same, but also had a feeling of anticipation that was much stronger than just about visiting her best friend. She looked at Sam who was like a little kid, excited about the flight and could hardly wait for the takeoff. Taking her hand, Sam gave her a big smile and whispered how much she loved her as she looked back out the window. Alex had the aisle seat so she could lean on Sam’s shoulder if she got sleepy. Besides, Sam loved to look out at the passing landscape, a sight that gave Alex a headache from the eye strain.

  The flight was uneventful and Alex slept most of the way, only waking when she needed to put her seat belt on for the landing. Sam had been reading her law enforcement training manual, a feat that Alex could never do as it made her sick to her stomach. She never really knew why, but she had never been able to read as a passenger in a car either.

  They exited the airport and were the only two on the Stagecoach Shuttle heading for the ranch. It was a bit of a drive, but nothing compared to the flight time. They would be there in time for dinner and Alex could hardly wait to enjoy Pablo’s cooking again. Sam couldn’t remember what was usual for this day of the week, but then she had never put much thought into what kind of food it was she just knew she liked it all. And for the first time in her life Alex could say that she wasn’t craving tri-tip as Sam had made it a weekly treat for their Sunday dinners. Pulling Sam close and holding her hand, Alex laid her head on her shoulder and fell back asleep, knowing when she awoke she would be back at Thunder Mountain Ranch.

  “We’re here, Darlin’,” Sam whispered to Alex as they drove through the main gate.

  “Yeah!” Alex was having the best dream and now she would want to relive it later when she and Sam turned in for the evening. Alex hoped this was like a honeymoon and that their sexual relationship would continue as it had this past month. She couldn’t have asked for a better lover if she’d put in the order herself.

  Winston had been lying on the porch to the office, but when he spotted the shuttle he knew that these were new guests and went out to greet them. It also alerted Jessie who had been watching for them ever since she knew their plane was on the ground.

  “Welcome back, Darlin’.” Jessie felt her heart jump when she saw them get out of the shuttle.

  “Hey, Jess, long time no see.” Alex gave her best friend a hug and kiss on the cheek.

  “You’re looking good, Cousin.” Jessie pulled Sam into a hug and could tell by the twinkle in her eyes that she was extremely happy with her life now.

  “Hey, Jess, thanks and you’re not looking so bad yourself.” Sam knew her cousin was very happy to have them both back on the ranch.

  “Alex, you two are back in your old casita, so I’m sure you know the way. The dinner bell will be ringing at its usual time. See you two there.” Jessie handed Alex the key and would let them settle in before she had them bring her up to date on the latest developments.

  “I do indeed and I’m starved as usual so we’ll see you in line at the buffet.” Alex winked at Jessie as she grabbed her suitcase and headed for their room.

  Walking in,it was as if they’d never left. The smells were the same of fresh towels and clean sheets. But there was also the aroma of flowers from a bouquet sitting on the little table. The card read ‘Welcome back! We’ve missed you. Love, Winston, Smokey and Bruce Willis’ Alex smiled as she handed the card to Sam. She began to tear up. She had really missed her best friend and wished they could all live in the same place. But right now her world was back in Hastings and she was grateful that Sam was willing to share it with her. She started unpacking so she would feel completely at home. Sam knew when Alex became quiet she was unable to speak. Walking up behind her, she wrapped her arms around her waist and kissed her on the neck.

  “Happy, Darlin’?” Sam knew the answer but wanted Alex to know she cared enough to ask.

>   “Ecstatic and you?” Alex turned around so she could look into those dark brown eyes and the beautiful woman they belonged to.

  “You know it. How about a quick nap before dinner? I’ll even give you a back rub for a small fee.” Sam didn’t want Alex to get too drained and could hold her for hours and never get tired of it.

  “A small fee you say. Hmmm. Sounds good. But remember I’m a big tipper so I’ll be sure to make it worth your while.” Alex’s appetite was changing from food to Sam.

  They spent the rest of their afternoon with each other between the sheets and awoke to the sound of the dinner bell ringing. Getting up slowly, Alex felt satisfied. As they slowly got dressed she thanked Anna and Ramon for finding her this woman, and for the time to enjoy her.

  Chapter 2

  Walking into the dining room, the smell of lasagna filled the air. No sooner had they gotten in line than Alex suddenly felt a pair of arms surround her. It was Andy, who couldn’t wait to give his adopted big sister a hug.

  “Hey, Andy. How’s my little brother doing? I’ve missed you. What have you been up to since I left?” Alex could only imagine what this good looking guy had been doing.

  “Staying out of trouble since you left. No one here to harass since you stole Sam from us.” Andy missed Sam as they had become good friends, although he completely understood why she left to be with Alex.

  “I’m so sorry, but I think she likes me a little more than you. So you’ll just have to cope. But you can come visit us anytime.” Alex thought it would be a lot of fun to show him around Hastings and introduce him to the Ridgeside Inn, a local gay favorite.

  “I think she likes you a whole lot more than me. But I don’t blame her. I’ll let you get your dinner and we’ll talk later. Sam you’re looking good too.” Andy winked at her and then gave her a big hug before he left them.

  “You look good yourself and we’ll definitely talk later.” Sam wanted to catch up on what had been going on since she left.

  The next person to appear was Pablo. He came from the kitchen to see his late uncle’s spirit, who was Alex now, and so they were related in a way.

  “Alex, you’re looking wonderful. How do you feel?” Jessie had relayed the story to Pablo about how his aunt and uncle had saved Alex and Sam.

  “Pablo, I’m great. How are you and your mom? I’m sorry I’ve been so busy I haven’t had a chance to call as often as I hoped, but I do want to go visit her while I’m here.” Constance was Anna’s sister and someone Alex wanted to spend time with again.

  “Mama understands completely. She was happy to hear from you even if it was only a couple of times. Did you bring them back with you?” Pablo knew his mother would be thrilled to know her sister’s spirit had come home too.

  “You bet, I’d never go anywhere without them both. You heard how they saved us. I feel so blessed to have them in my life.” Alex was starting to tear up and knew Pablo knew why.

  “We’ll talk more later. I cooked lasagna knowing it was one of your favorites. Now that you have your own chef at home I’m sure you’ve had your fill of tri-tip.” Pablo smiled at Sam and squeezed her arm. He knew she was taking excellent care of Alex.

  “Lasagna is my second favorite food and you’re right, I do have my own personal chef who pampers me something terrible. But I’m not complaining.” Alex felt so loved here that she knew it was going to be hard to leave again.

  After making their way through the line, they found saved seats across from Jessie and Dawson who were almost done with their dinner. But then they didn’t have to socialize with old friends first. Both greeted Dawson with a hug and a kiss before they dove into their dinner. He could see how happy they were and knew he wasn’t getting his best ranch hand back in the near future.

  “So, what’s been going on since I left? Jessie and I haven’t talked that much about the ranch during our semi-monthly chats.” Alex didn’t see any other familiar faces in the group having dinner.

  “Well, after Sam and Jessie went out to visit you I figured out who, besides Andy, did all the work around here. So I fired those rednecks I had working for me. I hired Pablo’s two sons and a nephew. They are all really good workers and the place is back to running smoothly.” Dawson would take Sam back in a minute if she wanted her job back.

  “Really. I always wondered what those guys did when I was off working by myself.” Sam felt great as she never wanted to feel like she had her job there because she was Jessie’s cousin.

  “When Jessie came back I think she thought she’d come back to another reality. I was in a foul mood having to deal with all the problems caused by those idiots not doing what they were getting paid to do. So she said, why not can the bunch and I did. It was the best decision I’ve made since asking her to marry me.” Dawson smiled at Jessie who leaned into her husband and blushed.

  “That’s great. Pablo’s sons? I may have met them when I was out visiting his mother. But I met so many people that day, I’ll have to reintroduce myself.” Alex was thrilled that Constance’s grandsons were working there.

  “Trust me. They know who you are. When they talk about you they remove their hats. You’re very special to the whole family. I’m sure they’ll introduce themselves to you tomorrow.” Dawson knew they were already gone, as they went home after work to do the chores there.

  While finishing their dinner, Alex and Sam brought Jessie up to date on all the latest news. Jessie was thrilled to hear Sam was enjoying her online classes to become a deputy sheriff, although she knew Sam’s parents weren’t going to be thrilled that their daughter was going into law enforcement. But Hastings was a small town and the crime rate was extremely low, except for this past month’s dealings with Richard Greenway. Sam would enjoy her job and that was the main thing, as long as Alex was okay with it. And Alex did feel fine because she knew Sam would be looked after by Ramon as she had been before.

  Seeing that they were the only ones left in the dining hall, the two couples parted company. Alex and Sam grabbed a couple of cookies each along with a glass of milk as they said their goodnights. Strolling back to their casita, the night air was crisp and the time change was catching up with them. It was way past their bedtime. The days ahead would be filled with trail rides and long walks together. Alex couldn’t have asked for a better honeymoon, if you wanted to call it that. And she did. It had a nice ring to it.

  Chapter 3

  Waking up while it was still dark, Alex slipped out of bed and let Sam sleep. She quietly got dressed, left a note, and went for a walk to enjoy the quietness of the ranch. Wanting to reintroduce herself to Bruce Willis, she walked over to the corral. Several horses headed in Alex’s direction but they were looking for food. Only Bruce Willis lingered when they realized she was empty handed.

  “Hey, handsome. Have you been a good boy since I was here last?” She rubbed his head and felt glad she had been spending more time with her Beau since her attack. She hadn’t been allowed to ride at first, but was able to do light brushing. Her physical therapist thought it would help get her arm strength back. But now she was able to ride as much as she wanted and was looking forward to getting on the trail and heading up to Thunder Mountain.

  Leaning against the fence, Alex wanted to share the sunrise with Sam and wondered if she was up. On the way back to the casita she glanced over at the crafts room and thought of Anna and all that had happened recently. When she got to their room Sam was still asleep. Alex walked up to her side of the bed and softly kissed her ear. Slowly rolling over, with her eyes closed, Sam reached for Alex and pulled her on top of her.

  “What are you doing up?” Sam could tell it was early, but knew how happy Alex was to be back.

  “Well, I slept so much yesterday I’m totally rested and wide awake. But you go back to sleep and I’ll enjoy the sun-rise with Bruce.” Alex knew Sam enjoyed sleeping in, but hoped she would get up.

  “Give Bruce my regards.” Not letting go of her, Sam thought about it for a second and realized she
could sleep in tomorrow. “Just kidding. I’m up.”

  “Great. I’ll get your pants.” Alex was thrilled and hoped she was really okay with getting up now.

  “You’re really happy being back here aren’t you?” Sam loved seeing Alex like this and hoped she would be able to keep her this happy always.

  “I’m happy being here with you or anyplace we go together.” Alex loved Jessie, but she was in love with Sam.

  “I feel the same way. Do you think we’ll always feel like this?” Sam was curious how long it took before it went south for Alex in her last relationship.

  “I hope so, but it’s something we need to make a priority. I know some days we’ll wake up not feeling it, but on the whole it will need to be there. Do you know what I mean?” Alex was hoping this time here this topic could be explored to it’s fullest.

  “Yes, I think I do. But can we talk first about it before it becomes a fight about something else totally unrelated? I’m not perfect and sometimes I can get lost in my own little world just because I’ve been alone longer than I’ve been with someone. This past month with you has been amazing and I’ve loved every minute, but I’ve also been conscious of every move I’ve made. I know I need to relax, but I can’t seem to.” Sam wanted to feel like they were a couple, but they had never really said the words.

  “Sam, you and I are a couple now. We love each other and I hope you feel as safe with me as I feel with you. So please relax, I don’t want you thinking you have to walk on eggshells with me. I thought we were beyond that point. After all we’ve been through I’d think you could totally be yourself around me.”

  “You’re right. I guess I just don’t want to blow it. But I have to trust you when you say we’re a couple and believe it with all my heart. It’s just old baggage I need to get rid of.” Sam had had this conversation before with Teresa and she ended up cheating on her. She knew Alex would never do that to anyone.