by N Kuhn
Text copyright ©2016 by the Author.
This work was made possible by a special license through the Kindle Worlds publishing program and has not necessarily been reviewed by RCardello LLC. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original Lone Star Burn remain the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of RCardello LLC, or their affiliates or licensors.
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Lone Star Escape
By
N Kuhn
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Epilogue
Prologue
“Julie, we need to be clear on this. If you don’t testify, we can charge you with being an accomplice.” The Federal agent sitting next to the hospital bed Julie Chaney was laying in intimidated her, but not as much as her boyfriend scared her. Jimmy “Skull” Mannetti was part of the Ciminelli crime family. When his last drug drop was busted up, he managed to get away. Jimmy came home, already drunk and high, where he had proceeded to beat her, as if it was her fault. He was in trouble with the family and knew it. Julie was just the unlucky scape goat for his anger. She had been found by a neighbor when he took off, half dead, in a pool of her own blood. The nurses wouldn’t give her a mirror, but she could feel just how bad her face was, even after being here for three nights. Her arms and body were covered in deep purple bruises and her eyes were so swollen they barely opened. An hour ago, Agent Michaels had come in, sat down and told her that since she lived with Jimmy, she had to know what he was up to and where he was. Sure, she did, but was too scared to tell before. Now, she was lucky to be alive, and if the Federal government was going to protect her, she would spill all, including where he was most likely hiding. She had to, the only other option she had, was to go back and that was signing her death sentence. They wanted information on Jimmy, and on his boss, Joey Ciminelli. The head of the family. She had only met the man once, but knew enough about Jimmy’s actions that they could build a case against both men. According to the nurse, the first night she was there, Jimmy had tried to come see her, but they turned him away. Since then, he’d been invisible. The Feds couldn’t find him anywhere.
“Agent Michaels, I have no problem telling you everything. You swear you’ll keep me safe?”
“I swear on my badge, on my life, Ms. Chaney, you will be safe. We will relocate you, give you a new identity and a fresh start. You’ll have startup money; you just need to tell us what you want to do for work.”
“Do I have a choice in where I go?”
“No, it’s safer that way. We don’t want to send you somewhere you may have discussed having wanted to go, or see.” She looked towards the window, the bleak day suited her mood. She didn’t care where she went, as long as she got out of New York City. Taking a deep breath, she looked back at him.
“I’ll do it. Tell me what you need, what you want to know.” For the first time in six years, since she met Jimmy in high school, she finally felt hopeful. There was more out there for her and she felt she could actually have a future now. The agent started popping out questions and she answered the best she could, hoping it was enough.
Chapter 1
Three months later
Mara. Mara Russell. She had to keep repeating her new name. Three grueling months of recovering from the brutal beating at the hands of her ex, along with staying in a safe house while the case went through court, and now she was finally free. The agent posing as her realtor opened the door to her new home. It was a small white cottage in Fort Mavis. The small town had a safe and homey feeling. Not many residents meant less of a chance of anyone finding her. The media wasn’t allowed access to her photos or personal info, though the case was highly publicized. Somehow they got the reporters to keep her out of their bylines. The agent laid a folder on the counter in her small kitchen.
“Ma’am, sorry, Ms. Russell,” he said, looking uncomfortable at calling her by the name he wasn’t used to. Travis had been one of her guards at the safe house and knew her old name, her past. He knew that she had been a waitress with a mafia boyfriend who got drunk and high and beat her often. Her testimony had put not only him away, but provided enough evidence for a Grand Jury to come back with an indictment for Joey Ciminelli. Though he fled as well, before they could put him away. That did weigh heavy on her conscious. But, they assured her that she would be safe here. According to them, he didn’t know who she was or what she looked like. Her personal belongings had been removed from her apartment. Photos and papers were destroyed. Unless he contacted Jimmy, he would know nothing. But they were watching Jimmy, who visited, who called. Mara would have to go back and testify if they found him. The FBI had said it would be awhile though. Not only to find him, but to build their case. Years maybe. When they asked what she wanted to do, Julie, no, Mara, had thought long and hard. Her happiest memories from her childhood were of the one trip her parents took her on. It was to a bed and breakfast. The small home was quaint and welcoming, the food amazing. It was the only time she was really happy. So she decided to open a bed and breakfast. Outside of her guests, she wouldn’t have to go anywhere. She could have food and items delivered and run it all online. With the famous horse trainer, Tony Carlton, now allowing sales and visitors to his ranch, the hotel couldn’t handle everyone. She hoped she could succeed with people needing to stay overnight to deal with him, or people just wanting to visit his ranch.
The feds chose Fort Mavis for the fact that it was isolated from the outside world, but also because it was growing, but slowly. They said it was a tight knit community. That she would be less likely to be recognized. In the past few months, the population grew drastically and the town was expanding slightly. A new hotel had had been built, but it was small and only had a few rooms, stores and restaurants were springing up. In no way was the small town of Fort Mavis becoming a sprawling metropolis, but it was becoming big enough that they could bring tourism in and it would help everyone. She just had to be careful and not be recognized, she hoped. Not everyone wants to stay in such a sterile hotel. She felt assured that she could succeed here, along with helping to boost tourism. Her small home was perfect. The downstairs included her bedroom with a private bath, the kitchen and a large living room, with a fire place. The front hallway opened into a small den, with an office as well. The dining room was large enough to fit twelve people. So even with a full home, there was enough room to keep everyone happy. She could live on the first floor, and cater to the guests. The upstairs had four large bedrooms, with one bathroom at each end of the hallway. The yard was quite large, with a perfect wrap around porch, just like she had seen in pictures of old southern homes. Setting her luggage of clothes down, she looked at the Agent.
“Thank you Travis, I appreciate it.” She held her hand out to shake. He stepped forward, smiling somberly. The grin hadn’t left her face though. She was overly excited and hopeful for the first time in years.
“It was nice knowing you, ma’am.” He turned and walked out, out of her home, out of her life. There were car keys on the kitchen counter along with the folder of her new papers. The had bought her a pickup truck, to help fit in. A nice new Chevy sat in the driveway. She smiled, it was an upgrade from the beat up Toyota she had driven in New York.
The file included a fake birth certificate, driver’s license from Texas, social sec
urity card, the necessary permits to turn the home into a business and fake photos of her on vacation, and at family parties. Her new identity showed she was from Chicago. They had warned her to keep it short when asked about her past. She did admit to herself, that it had been fun to pose for all of those after her face finally healed. It broke up the monotony of being in the safe house for so long. Then the Feds had a computer person create a fake past for her that would hold up to scrutiny. She spread them out and looked longingly at the photos. If only her life had been this full of gleeful memories for real, this active. Shaking her head, she glanced around her new home. It was time for her to build a new life for herself, new memories. It saddened her, to think of all the life she missed out on by choosing what she thought was love, over her future. She cut herself off from her parents and when they died, she truly had no one but Jimmy. Swiping at a stray tear, she looked around at her fresh start. This was it, she could do this and finally have the life she gave up, something happy and purposeful. No more beatings or scrimping to get by. No more fear. Standing tall, Mara decided then and there that she was going to make the most of this new life.
Walking through the front rooms, she headed off towards the kitchen, turning to head down the tiny hall into her bedroom. She couldn’t keep the smile from her face. For such a large house, everything looked so nice, so homey. The décor was light and airy. Lots of white, and pretty decorations. Her bedroom had a white lace comforter, black and white decals on her walls and double doors leading to a patio. Grinning like an excited teenager, Mara ran to the doors, throwing them open. The sun beat down on the lush green grass, the part of the wrap around porch off her room had stairs, making it the perfect shady spot for the heat of the day but giving her access to the yard. There was a cushioned swing she could curl up on, a table and chairs where she could enjoy a morning cup of coffee. This was better than anything she could have dreamed of. The yard gave way to a rundown looking garden and beyond that was the field from the neighboring farm. She could grow her own vegetables which would cut down on purchases for food. Maybe she would even plant flowers, to include fresh bouquets on the table each morning. Slipping off the flip flops she wore, Mara wandered into the grass, relishing the cool feel of it between her toes. This was something she never had the chance to experience while living in the city. She tilted her face to the sun, the warmth spread through her body. She laughed, spinning in circles, her arms in the air as the flowing green skirt she wore twirled about her body. Collapsing on the ground, she lay there and covered her face, panting, letting it sink in that she was free, finally free from it all.
“Are you okay ma’am?” The deep voice pulled Mara from her reverie. Startled, she scrambled to her feet, confronted with the sight of a tall, broad shouldered cowboy, his hat tipped low over his eyes. The sun shone from behind him, wrapping him in a halo. She shielded her eyes from the light, trying to get a better look. He raised his hands as if she were a scared filly.
“I’m your neighbor, I’m not here to hurt you.” Mara looked at him in confusion and then realized she was shaking.
“It-It’s ok, sorry, you just startled me is all,” she said, barely above a whisper. “I just moved in. I hadn’t realized anyone was so close.” Suddenly a fluffy mess of yellow hair came charging around her house, barreling right for her.
“No,” the man shouted, “Bear, no, stay down,” he moved towards her too late as the dog jumped, knocking Mara over. The beast licked at her face, its tail wagging behind it. The man pulled at its collar, holding out his other hand to help her up. Mara hesitated before wrapping her fingers around his hand. Sparks scattered up Mara’s arm. She looked wide eyed at the stranger, swaying slightly on her feet. He let go of the dog, grabbing her.
“Are you ok?” he whispered. His smelled like hay, and horses. Mara just nodded, pushing away.
“Sorry about that, I’m fine. Thanks. You are?” She shielded her eyes again, against the sun.
“Crap, look at me just scaring a fine young lady such as yourself. Here you are, new to Fort Mavis and I just walked up a stranger and let my dog assault you. I’m Beau Belmont. I own the house just on the other side of these trees.” He pointed to the thin line of trees along the side of her house. She could just make out the log cabin hiding there. “I hope you don’t mind, Ms. Mariner, the widow that lived here, let me walk Bear down to the pond you have. If it’s a problem, we won’t do it anymore. It’s just a nice place to sit and think, you know?” Mara just stared, it was a culture shock to her, people being nice and neighbors introducing themselves.
“You are?” He asked, chuckling as he moved over to the left, perfectly blocking the sun from her face.
“Right, sorry, that’s the city girl in me. Not used to friendly neighbors. I’m Mara. Mara Russell.” She took a moment to stare at his mossy green eyes. So dark, yet bright, they complimented the laugh lines around his mouth.
“Ma’am, you all right?”
“Yes, sorry, you just startled me is all. I didn’t even know my property had a pond.”
“Right, so you haven’t seen your property you just bought?” His question sent her heart racing. She quickly tried to think of something.
“I, um,” she stuttered. “I just fell so in love with the house that I didn’t care about the rest. I’m opening a bed and breakfast,” she rambled on. He grinned and it sent her stomach into a flip. She hadn’t felt this way since she met Jimmy in school all those years ago.
“That’s nice, I hope you do well with it.” His sentence sounded more like a question. Idiot, she thought to herself.
“I hope it won’t bother you. It’s not like there will be noisy parties or anything. But maybe, higher traffic. It seems real quiet around here.”
“Don’t you worry about me. I think it will be just fine. And at least I won’t worry that my pretty new neighbor is over here in this big old house by herself,” he grinned at her, his perfect white teeth showing.
When he moved towards her, she instinctively took a step back. Beau once again raised his hands in defense.
“I’m just going to head home. If you need anything, you know where I am,” he moved to stride around her. “Come on Bear, ma’am,” he tipped his hat. “Welcome to Fort Mavis.” He walked away casually, as if he hadn’t a care in the world, his dog bounding after him. Mara stared, watching the way he walked, so full of confidence. Smacking her forehead, she felt like an idiot. The first person she meets here and she acted like a scared little mouse. That’s the worst thing she could have done. Nothing makes people more suspicious than someone acting funny. She made her way back inside and began her unpacking. The house had come fully furnished since the previous owner had died and her family only wanted the personal items. Tomorrow she would get online and begin learning how to design a website. Once that was up, she could figure out advertising and more. She planned a call to the Dallas newspapers for ads and from there, after her first guests came and shared their experience, her business would grow. Her to do list for the next day grew as she searched for delivery of groceries, realizing that in such a small town, she would have to go out for them, until business grew. Maybe if she got to know the store owner, she could arrange for him to deliver supplies. There were plants to be ordered, and a garden to clean out. When Mara finally lay in bed that night, her mind still racing with ideas, she stared at the ceiling, finally feeling alone. Lonely in this big house, where until there were guests, she had no purpose.
One day at a time Mara, she thought, drifting off to sleep.
Chapter 2
Beau stretched, yawning as he rolled out of bed. Bear stood by the door looking at him, ready to go out. The sun shone in through the windows and he shuffled off to the kitchen. When he opened the door, the dog barreled outside, almost knocking him over as he did every morning. He shook his head, creeping over to the coffee pot. While it brewed, he sat at the counter, opening his laptop. Clicking on his emails, he scanned, bored because business had been slow lately
. His last job had been in Dallas and was quick, easy. A simple missing person case, and he had found the runaway girl quickly enough. She was hiding out in a hotel downtown with her boyfriend the parents didn’t approve of. The problem with being a private investigator was that business wasn’t always steady. Sure, he had enough money from his days as a Navy SEAL. He had stacked all his money away, not needing it while living on base, at the governments expense and being provided for. That rainy day fund had bought him this farm five years ago, allowing him to move into the country, to live in seclusion. His job mostly took him into Dallas, but he could escape back here, to the small town life when he wasn’t on a case. It suited him. No nosy neighbors, no disruptions. He puttered around in his greenhouse, growing potatoes, rye and barley to make his own vodka. Once he had a successful batch, he planned to try and sell it, once and for all getting away from the secretive life he led. Though he was selective in the cases he took, he came highly recommended to the rich and powerful in the big city. He had high rates but was tired of chasing cheating husbands, runaway spoiled rich kids and finding leaks in multi-million dollar companies. He wanted out, wanted a quiet peaceful life. And with this email, he scanned through thinking to himself, he could possibly get out and live comfortable without worry until his vodka took off.
An attorney in New York city was looking for a woman who had stolen a lot of money from his client and disappeared. He claimed his sources showed she was in Texas, but he wasn’t sure where. The man wanted her found and was willing to pay double the usual fee. That struck Beau as odd though. First, how had an attorney in New York found out about him? Who referred him? There was also the amount he wanted to pay. When someone wanted to pay that much, it usually tended to be illegal or shady. They only wanted to know where she was, claiming if found, they would have their own people come and confront her for the money. Something wasn’t right. Curiosity got the better of him though. He clicked the file to see what had been sent to him. The photo showed a scrawny blonde woman, who looked like life had kicked her down and trampled her. His breath caught in his throat as he realized who the woman was. Though she no longer looked so run down, it was unmistakably his new neighbor. Though this file called her Julie Chaney. He scrolled through the pages, showing her boyfriend, a Jimmy “Skull” Mannetti was wanted for assault and battery, drug possession and trafficking and they thought she was somewhere hiding Jimmy and the money he stole from his boss. The boss, was a Joey Ciminelli. A quick search on the internet gave Beau the info he needed. The mob boss was wanted on charges for racketeering, drug running and more. Apparently he took off before his arrest. So either the pretty blonde next door was a hard criminal running from her boss who she stole from or she was in danger. The reports mention something about a witness the feds had in their pocket that could put him away for good. His bet was that she was the witness and there was a leak in the FBI. This leak hadn’t known where she was exactly, only a state. They must have flown in to Dallas before driving her out here.
