“Hey, now.” I protested. “I know how to behave. I plan to work hard and be out of this miserable place soon. Hopefully, she won’t have to stay full-time. Are you going to be bringing groceries and give her a break?”
“She’s made an appointment with the doctor to see you on Friday. If everything is good by then I’ll drive you back out to the cabin to set you up there.”
“We’ve been short-staffed with you gone and then Julie out. Then the others are babysitting your family. It makes for long tiring shifts. If nothing happens this week then the chief is going to cancel the protective detail.”
J.D. popped some ant-acids.
“Did you find out where they’re staying?” I sat up in excitement only to feel my injuries tighten in response.
“Nope, the chief is the only one who knows where they’re staying. Monday is when they’ll take the detail off if nothing happens. This hospital visit has been in your favor. They’ll call off the search and then you can come back next week. You’ll be able to find your family much easier.” J.D. pulled up at the hotel where the nurse met them at the truck.
“Thanks, man. Keep checking on the details for me, would you?” I was anxious to get my family back or taken care of so I could put the past behind me.
Chapter 24
Allie
When we arrived Monday morning, the house had an air of expectation about it as everyone waited anxiously on Chief Roberts to arrive.
Megan, Mark, GG, James, Karen, Justin, and I were all gathered in the dining room while Sally had been banished to the basement out of hearing range.
“While we wait, I thought I’d let everyone know that I’m going to be staying with Justin for the next several weeks. If he doesn’t throw me out by the end of the month, then we can talk about moving in together.” With a shy smile, I threaded my hand into his.
“Oh, my gosh. Allie, that’s wonderful.” Megan jumped up to hug me.
Chief Roberts entered and we all tried to settle back down so we could hear what he had decided.
“There were no sightings of Mike. I think it’s time to cautiously move on with your lives. Be aware of your surroundings. If for any reason you feel uncomfortable, call us. We’ll come right out and check on it for you.”
“Karen, I’ve got good news and bad news for you. I’m going to need the reports on this case and then they want you back at work.”
“Where’s the good news in all that?” She joked, “I’ll have the reports for you tomorrow. I’m packed and ready to leave with you today, sir.”
“If you need anything, you just call me, and I’ll run over to help if I can get away.” Karen began to hug us. “We’ll have to plan for a girls' night in the next few weeks because I’m going to miss all of you.”
“Awe, we’ll miss you.” GG put her arms around Karen. “You’re always welcome here.”
“We’ll keep looking for Mike, but he’s probably still going to be focused on you, Megan. Be careful.” Chief Roberts headed for the door with Karen on his heels.
Everyone followed them out to the porch as the vehicles drove away.
“I guess I’ll have to leave Allie here so that you don’t all start crying at once.” Justin winked, “Just when I was going to get some alone time with her too.”
“Shoo, we’re going to go see what needs to be done over at Megan’s new home. If you hang around then we’ll put you to work.” I warned.
“Nope, I’m not really here. Just a figment of your imagination.” He ran for the barn as if the hounds of hell were chasing him.
“Oh, can we ride the golf cart down there, GG?” Sally began to jump up and down with excitement.
“I think that can be arranged.” She placed an arm around Megan’s shoulder throwing a wink at me. “Don’t worry, we’ll get you settled in and then all your friends can visit. Heaven knows we don’t want to be around Allie and Justin while they’re making love-sick eyes at each other.”
Megan laughed. “Let’s go before, she starts planning a wedding and babies for the two of you.”
I let out a laugh, but it wasn’t a horrible idea.
~~~
Chapter 24
Allie
When we arrived Monday morning, the house had an air of expectation about it as everyone waited anxiously on Chief Roberts to arrive.
Megan, Mark, GG, James, Karen, Justin, and I were all gathered in the dining room while Sally had been banished to the basement out of hearing range.
“While we wait, I thought I’d let everyone know that I’m going to be staying with Justin for the next several weeks. If he doesn’t throw me out by the end of the month, then we can talk about moving in together.” With a shy smile, I threaded my hand into his.
“Oh, my gosh. Allie, that’s wonderful.” Megan jumped up to hug me.
Chief Roberts entered and we all tried to settle back down so we could hear what he had decided.
“There were no sightings of Mike. I think it’s time to cautiously move on with your lives. Be aware of your surroundings. If for any reason you feel uncomfortable, call us. We’ll come right out and check on it for you.”
“Karen, I’ve got good news and bad news for you. I’m going to need the reports on this case and then they want you back at work.”
“Where’s the good news in all that?” She joked, “I’ll have the reports for you tomorrow. I’m packed and ready to leave with you today, sir.”
“If you need anything, you just call me, and I’ll run over to help if I can get away.” Karen began to hug us. “We’ll have to plan for a girls' night in the next few weeks because I’m going to miss all of you.”
“Awe, we’ll miss you.” GG put her arms around Karen. “You’re always welcome here.”
“We’ll keep looking for Mike, but he’s probably still going to be focused on you, Megan. Be careful.” Chief Roberts headed for the door with Karen on his heels.
Everyone followed them out to the porch as the vehicles drove away.
“I guess I’ll have to leave Allie here so that you don’t all start crying at once.” Justin winked, “Just when I was going to get some alone time with her too.”
“Shoo, we’re going to go see what needs to be done over at Megan’s new home. If you hang around then we’ll put you to work.” I warned.
“Nope, I’m not really here. Just a figment of your imagination.” He ran for the barn as if the hounds of hell were chasing him.
“Oh, can we ride the golf cart down there, GG?” Sally began to jump up and down with excitement.
“I think that can be arranged.” She placed an arm around Megan’s shoulder throwing a wink at me. “Don’t worry, we’ll get you settled in and then all your friends can visit. Heaven knows we don’t want to be around Allie and Justin while they’re making love-sick eyes at each other.”
Megan laughed. “Let’s go before, she starts planning a wedding and babies for the two of you.”
I let out a laugh, but it wasn’t a horrible idea.
~~~
Chapter 25
Megan
When we’d first walked to the house it had seemed like a huge task that was going to take days or weeks to even make a dent in the surroundings.
I’d opened the door only to be hit with a cloud of dust pouring onto me.
Sally had giggled, “Mommy, how many times have you been told to take a shower every day? This just isn’t acceptable, young lady.”
“Watch it, missy. I’ll find some dirt to throw on you just so I can wash your mouth out with soap.” Their laughter had been so infectious.
Now, almost three weeks later, I was standing out on the back porch soaking up the peaceful nature it was providing.
I could see the big house from the back porch as well as the barns. A large tree begging for a swing was just off to the side providing shade.
We’d cleaned out the old furniture that wasn’t sturdy or just impractical. Walking through the mostly empty space, I was trying to imag
ine the two of us starting over.
The back door opened into a room that we were going to make into a playroom/office. Two doors opened into the hallway straight ahead and the kitchen on the left. From the kitchen was the living room with another door, but I was certain we’d be using the one in the back as there weren’t any steps on the front.
A small hallway connected the other room and the bathroom before leading back to what I was dubbing as the office. It was a small circle which was perfect for us.
No closets, but a few wardrobes could be bought later. It wasn’t like we had a ton of stuff to bring with us right now anyway.
Sally had run through the rooms again and again as she explored until she felt at home.
I’d stolen a few minutes early to have a moment alone before the others arrived. It was painting day. Then we’d have to put on our big girl pants and be on our own.
The fact that we were so close to the ranch house made it a little easier. Close enough to run over or yell for help, but far enough away that we wouldn’t be under their feet all the time.
Allie pulled up in her new truck that she’d managed to use to purchase from the insurance settlement.
“How’s it going, Allie?” I walked down the steps to greet her. “It feels like it’s been forever since we’ve seen each other these past few weeks.” I was already getting lonely at the thought of Sally going back to school in few weeks.
“Megan, silly. I saw you just yesterday. I do get what you mean, though. I’m looking forward to staying here for the next day while Justin goes to that auction. I have no desire to hang out with a bunch of cows.”
“Well, everything is moved, sorted, and taped off. Once we’re done painting, we can officially move in.” Megan smiled as Justin followed Allie to the steps of the porch.
“Go say goodbye to your guy, since he’ll be gone the whole day. I just don’t know how you’ll survive.” I giggled at the thought of them having to be separated for a few hours.
Justin reluctantly left Allie standing on the porch before walking up to the house to join his dad for the drive to the auction.
“You kissed as if you weren’t going to see each other for years.” I winked at her. “It’s cute.”
Over the past few weeks, I’d had moments where I’d been jealous of their new thing. Mostly, I was just happy for my friend to have found happiness. She deserved a chance to have a good life.
“I miss him already.” She moaned. “He’s not even out of the driveway yet.”
“Can I go give him another kiss?” She asked as if I was in charge of her actions.
“Maybe it’s because you’re in love. It would make sense and I know he loves you.” I ignore her silly question.
“How do you know if he loves me? Did he say something? What am I supposed to do?” She sounded almost panicked.
“Uh, I would suggest that you tell him when he comes home tonight. Love doesn’t normally hurt or at least not the good kind.” As I said the words, it dawned on me that I’d never really had those warm fuzzy feelings with Mike.
“You don’t think he’ll laugh at me or worse reject me?” She hadn’t ever had someone that truly loved her.
“I think you just need to tell him.” With a weary sigh, I turned to go inside.
She followed, “If only it were that simple.”
“We should get started to help give you something to keep your mind off Justin for a while.” I slapped a paintbrush into her hand.
The glint of a pair of binoculars in the field across the way followed our movements, but we were oblivious to the danger that was waiting for the right moment.
Chapter 26
Mike
I’d found my family living at the Double G Ranch with the Greenley family. Other than the occasional police cruiser driving by, there weren’t any signs of police protection keeping me from my family.
It appeared that, that Allie woman was no longer staying with Megan. In a strange turn of events, she was dating Justin Greenley. Which must be why they were giving Megan a place to stay. At least she’d quit meddling in my family and moved on.
I still wasn’t feeling in top shape, but J.D. had helped me to set up a makeshift tent. Equipped with a sleeping bag, and chair to sit in comfortably, I could observe the ranch’s routine.
Watching Allie kiss Justin, I wished there was some way I could reach out and crush all her dreams. It looked as she might get a happy ending and I didn’t want that to happen when she’d caused so much pain.
The thought of her sitting all cozy in a house playing at being a wife just didn’t sit well with me as I soaked up the Texas heat. They’d have to pay for this behavior. You can’t just steal away a man’s family and not expect to have consequences.
I consoled myself with this thought as I sat watching the activity on the ranch. Megan and Sally had been escorted around by ranch hands with guns. Plus, the number of dogs running around made getting to them almost impossible.
Perking up as I began to see ranch hands hooking trailers to trucks, they were going somewhere.
Even though I still had moments of pain if I moved too quickly, I scrambled closer so I could hear what the ranch hands were saying.
“It’s a good thing the Greenleys’ are picking up some extra cows at the auction.” Chris scraped a shovel along the bottom of the trailer to help loosen up the old cow dung.
“Job security is what I call a cattle auction. The drought hasn’t been nearly as bad here as it has been further south. It just makes good business sense to buy cattle when they’re cheaper and sell when it goes back up again.” Harry, the other ranch hand, swept the trailer out of all the now loose droppings.
I ducked as they both left the trailer walking over to one of the hoses. They couldn’t see anything, but I’d almost given myself away with grunts of pain.
“At least we’ll get a trip out of town for the night. By the time the auction is over, it’ll be too late to load them up and we’ll have to spend the night. Nothing like getting paid to have a night of fun.” He turned the spray on so I missed anything else until he was finished.
“Justin’s a pretty cool guy. He pulls his own weight. Now, that he’s got a woman, he’ll drive back to make sure he’s with her at night.”
“Hey, can’t blame a man for taking advantage of a good thing like that.” Chris winked suggestively at Harry.
Knowing they’d need new hay for the trailers, I moved back to my camp working out a plan to take care of Megan since she would be left at home and unprotected in a rare stroke of luck.
With fewer ranch hands around to stop me, the better.
I picked up my phone.
“Hey, can you bring me a couple of steaks around lunchtime?”
“Sure, buddy. Do you need anything else?” J.D. didn’t want to make two trips into the country.
“Actually, yes. Five gallons of gas and a lighter should do the trick. I might need you to help me with my distraction plan.” More excited now that the end was closer than weeks of recovery and waiting had made me. It was finally here.
J.D. arrived at lunch in his personal vehicle which he parked on a side road into a cornfield.
“Perfect.” I rubbed my hands together in anticipation of the event as I got into his vehicle.
“Drive around to the side there and I’m going to need you to drive back toward my spot very slowly so I can pour the gas out on the side of the road.”
Looking at me nervously, J.D. did as I asked.
Gas covered the edge of the roadway and when I threw the match to light it, then it would spread to the nearby fields.
A few matches later, I watched it start to burn and smoke rise.
“Go,” I yelled and hit the roof. “We don’t want them to see us.”
J.D.’s face was white as he stepped on the gas racing back to the cornfield less than a half-mile away.
He threw the bag of steaks at me and took off covering me in dust.
“Good rid
dance to you too.” Three big steaks were inside the grocery bag. “The fire will keep the last of the ranch hands occupied while I sneak close enough for a chat with my wife.”
Screams and yells had started to erupt from across the street and I simply walked over amid the chaos I’d started.
When the dogs began to bark and gather around me, I opened the package. Tossing one steak a good way to the side, they raced toward it.
I managed to throw the other two in different directions. It should keep the dogs busy while I snuck up to their guest house.
With a smile on my face, I pounded on the door hoping the urgency of my knock would make them open it without looking to see who it was.
Chapter 27
Allie
I’d arrived just in time to help paint the last two rooms.
“Finally, we’ve finished the bedroom. Now for a break.” I wiped the sweat from my forehead, getting a bit of paint on me instead. “Oh, I there are muscles I had no idea existed before today.”
“Here, Sally. Take these and go to the bathroom sink to rinse them out. Then we’ll take a break.” Megan ordered peeling the tape off the corners and windowsill.
When a loud pounding sounded on the back door, she glanced out.
“Allie, something terrible must have happened.” She pointed toward all the people running around panicked.
When I didn’t respond, she came to see who was at the door.
Mike was standing in the hallway, the back door closed behind him.
Megan froze as she took in the gun, he had pointed at my back.
“Lady, take your gun out and put it on the floor. Remember, I have a knife too, so if you try anything crazy, I’ll just gut you as I did with Julie.” He tossed zip ties at Megan, hitting her in the chest.
“Megan, tie her up, then sit in the corner. Don’t do anything else or you’ll be responsible for someone getting hurt.” He chuckled as if it were a funny concept.
Witness Protection Page 21
