Making New Memories

by Karen Ward

  "What happened?"

  "Well, I don't usually talk about it. In fact, I haven't ever told anyone else the whole story except Barry, but I'll tell you."

  A feeling of warmth flows through me. Wow, Dylan thinks enough of me to tell me something he's never told anyone but Barry. That makes me very happy.

  Pausing to gather his thoughts Dylan begins his story, "Elena and I were high school sweethearts and she promised to wait on me until I returned from the Marines. When I retired from the Marines and went back to Texas she was waiting and we got married right away. I was so crazy about her I couldn't see straight. She got pregnant pretty quickly and Damian was born after we had been married for only eleven months. I was the happiest man in Texas until I came home from work early one day and found her in bed with a guy from the bank where she worked. I packed my stuff and left the same day. I filed for divorce, called the guys, and we started Drake Security."

  I can see the remembered pain reflected in the depths of his eyes. Gently stroking my hand down his cheek I say, "Oh Dylan, I am so sorry." I wrap my arms around his waist and pull him close laying my head against his chest.

  He wraps his arms around me, lays his chin on top of my head, and absorbs my warmth, my scent and a feeling of peace flows into his soul.

  He pulls back slightly and gazes into my blue, blue eyes and slowly lowers his head. He says, "Skye, I'm going to kiss you."

  When I look into his deep green eyes, I see the warmth, see his head slowly descending toward mine, a feeling of anticipation unfurls in my stomach, I lick my lips, and just as his lips touch mine, the fear takes hold and I push away. "I'm sorry Dylan, I can't." Tears spring to my eyes and slowly trickle down my cheeks. I turn my back so Dylan can't see.

  Dylan places his hands on my shoulders and slowly turns me back to face him. He places his fingers under my chin and lifts my face until I look into his eyes. He says, "Skye, It is all right, I understand. It will come." Then he kisses my forehead. He takes my hand in his and heads back toward the house. He stops at the front door, "Good night Skye, sleep well," and he kisses my palm, turns, and walks away.

  I head for my room with tears streaming down my face. Why can't I get past the stupid fear? I wanted him to kiss me. Dylan is so nice and I know he would never hurt me. Lying in my bed, my heart breaking, I cry myself to sleep.

  Dylan, walking across the yard to his room above the barn, shakes his head. This is going to be a long, slow road. At least she is seeking help from a counselor. He will just have to be patient. She will definitely be worth the wait.

  CHAPTER 5

  Around noon the following day, a red BMW pulls into the drive. Since Barry was notified by the guards at the front gate that Stump was on his way to the house with another man, he and Dylan are waiting in the drive. As soon as the car comes into view, Dylan recognizes Bear as the man in the passenger seat. He hurries to the front door and yells, "Skye, your car is here and you have a guest!"

  I am walking through the front door just as the car pulls to a stop and I am surprised to see Bear stepping out into the winter sunlight. I run forward and throw my arms around the giant of a man hugging him tightly. Bear wraps me in his arms, swings me around in a circle before setting me on my feet. "These folks treating you right?" he asks.

  "Yes, I love it here. I am so happy to see you! I didn't think you would ever leave Montana. Let me introduce you." I grab his giant hand in mine and drag him over to where Dylan and Barry are standing. "Barry, this is my friend Bear."

  He holds out his hand to Barry, "Clarence Kincaid."

  "Bear, I'm glad to meet you. I'm Barry Farrady. Welcome to my home. It's a real honor to finally meet the famous Clarence Kincaid."

  Blushing from head to toe and turning to Scoot Bear extends his hand and says, "I'm glad to see you again Scoot. Thank you for delivering Skye here unharmed."

  "It was my pleasure, but it was Skye that saved my life on that journey." Smiling at me he says, "She killed a mountain lion with one shot just as he was pouncing on me. Then she stitched me up like a pro before gutting, skinning, and cooking the animal for our dinner."

  Grinning at me Bear says, "I'm proud of you girl. I knew you could do it!" Then he hugs me tight again.

  Stump has been standing in the background observing the others.

  When he sees the other two former Marines come out of the barn, he hollers for them to join the group. As they approach Stump says, "Goose, Pinky, I want you to meet my father, Clarence Kincaid."

  Every mouth drops open and then Bear says as he extends his hand to Goose, "Clarence Kincaid, I'm pleased to meet you."

  After shaking the big man's hand, Pinky says, "Stump, I cannot believe we spent every day of eight years with you and you never one time told us Clarence Kincaid is your father. I thought we are your friends."

  Grinning Stump says, "Well, I didn't think it was right to tell you guys something my Dad didn't even know. I was born after he left for Vietnam and he didn't know my Mom was pregnant."

  Barry speaks up, "Shut up Pinky, you know we all have our secrets. The important thing is that Bear has come for a visit. Sir, would you prefer to sleep with the guys over in their quarters in the barn or would you prefer to stay in the house with the rest of us?"

  Smiling Bear says, "I think I will probably be more comfortable with the guys."

  "Fine, we'll expect all of you for dinner at six. Don't be late!" says Barry.

  He gives me one last hug then follows the guys to their hangout over the barn.

  Dylan takes my hand and says, "Well, what do you know? It never even crossed my mind that Stump was his son. Small world, isn't it?"

  Smiling I say, "He is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Stump has quite a legacy to live up to. Do you think he is up to it?"

  Dylan says, "Oh yeah, Stump is as good as they come. I'm happy for him. I wonder if they are going to head for Phoenix to see his Mom. She is a great person too. She works in a psychiatric unit at a hospital in Phoenix that deals strictly with returning veterans that suffer from PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder."

  Hesitating for a minute, I feel a light blush coloring my face as I say, "Dylan, thank you for understanding last night. I am supposed to meet the counselor for the first time tomorrow. Maybe next time, I won't panic."

  Smiling warmly, he says, "Anytime you want to practice, just let me know. It would only take one time to get past the fear."

  "Do you really think so? Come on, let's try and see," I say dragging him toward the barn.

  As he follows me into the barn Dylan says, "All right, here's the plan. You are going to kiss me. You will be in complete control all right?"

  He steps inside an empty stall and sits down on top of the fresh hay, then fully reclines as he holds his arms up to me. I kneel and then lower myself down beside him. I put one hand on his chest, stare into his dark green eyes glowing with warmth, and lower my face to his. I lightly touch my lips to his then quickly raise my head.

  He smiles, "That's a good start, now do it again." Opening his lips he encourages me to apply more pressure. His arms are itching to wrap her tightly to him but he resists the urge allowing her the complete control he promised. As she continues to take short nibbles at his lips then retreating, she is driving him crazy so he groans, "Skye, please kiss me. I want to taste you."

  Blushing I say, "I guess I don't know how."

  He gently places his hand on the side of my face careful to make sure I still has complete control and whispers, "Come here and open your mouth for me." As I lower my mouth to his he slides his tongue inside tasting my sweetness. I hear his moan of pleasure and a shiver slides down my spine.

  As our tongues tangle he slowly pulls me closer. When I raise my head and look down into his glowing eyes, I whisper unbelievingly, "Wow, I never knew kissing could be so much fun!" Then I lower my head again.

  Dylan's heart is soaring. Skye is so sweet and so innocent. It is going to take every ounce of his self control to
keep from scaring her again, but he is determined. He knows she will be worth the wait.

  I am so excited. I am kissing Dylan! But more important than that, I'm not afraid! He is so wonderful, so patient, and I love him. What? No, I can't be in love. He is a really good friend, that's all.

  ******

  That night at dinner, Bear enthralls everyone with stories of his time in Vietnam. The former Marines are all in awe of the man. He is careful not to talk about the goriest of the details promising to tell the guys later after they return to their quarters.

  After helping clear the table all of the men head for the barn except for Barry and Dylan. Melanie's pregnancy keeps her extremely tired so she and Barry retire early and Dylan and I decide on another walk down to the river.

  When we reach an area a good distance from the house he stops and pulls me loosely into his arms. He tenderly gazes into my eyes, places his hand on the side of my face and slowly lowers his head tenderly brushing his lips against mine. When I raise my arms around his neck and pull his head closer he tentatively pushes his tongue into my mouth. When I gasp, he pauses. Then I tug on his head again and he delves deeply into the sweetness of my mouth. Tasting every corner, every crevice he pulls me closer to his body molding me perfectly against his. He moves his hands down my back to my hips and gently presses me against his erection. A low moan rumbles up from deep within his chest.

  He raises his head and moves his lips down the graceful curve of her neck, "Oh Skye, you are so sweet." Breathing raggedly he says, "I can't get close enough to you," then moves his lips back to my luscious ones.

  I wiggle my body closer rubbing my aching breasts against his chest and unknowingly pressing myself snugly against his erection. Tugging on his head I tangle my tongue with his and drink in his warmth.

  Breathing raggedly he again moves his lips down the gentle curve of my neck and he whispers,

  "Oh, Darling, I think we better stop. You're killing me."

  Puzzled I look at him, "Killing you?"

  "Sweetheart, you tempt me beyond my ability to think rationally. I'm afraid I will lose control and frighten you again."

  "I ...I'm sorry Dylan. I ... I didn't mean to tempt you. I thought we were practicing. I guess I have a lot to learn." I am so embarrassed I wish the ground would open up and swallow me.

  "It is all right Skye. I know you didn't mean to tempt me. Kissing is one lesson you have mastered," he says. "Come on and I'll walk you back to the house."

  When we reach the front door, he pulls me into his arms and kisses me tenderly drinking one last time of my warmth. 'Good night, Skye. Sleep well." Then he turns and heads for the barn.

  This time when I get to my room my heart is soaring. I look in the mirror and see my flushed face and sparkling eyes. Dylan kissed me and I loved it! I can't wait until I can kiss him again.

  Dylan's heart is pounding and he is extremely happy. Skye is so sweet and so innocent. She has definitely gotten past her fear of kissing. Smiling he heads for his quarters above the barn and his second icy cold shower of the day.

  ******

  Early the next day Goose flies Stump and Bear to Phoenix where Bear will finally see the love of his life, Jesse. Stump is planning to stay a few days so Goose turns around and flies back.

  The following day Dylan takes the helicopter to fly to Texas for his monthly visit with his son, Damian. Dylan meets his Marine friend at the mall for his visit with Damian where they spend the afternoon playing video games in the game room. Around six that evening he leaves to fly back to the ranch in Wyoming.

  Since he didn't get back to Wyoming until around midnight he is exhausted and falls into bed without removing his clothes. Early the next morning, Goose wakes him by banging on his bedroom door. "Scoot, wake up man, you've got trouble!"

  Still groggy from lack of sleep, Dylan asks, "What are you talking about Goose?"

  Goose opens the door and explains, "The sheriff and a couple of other law enforcement officials are over at the house asking for you. They're going to arrest you for Elena's murder."

  "What? Elena's dead? When?" asks Dylan his heart pounding with dread. Before the words are out of his mouth his cell phone rings.

  "Drake," he says.

  "Dylan, this is Jacob Murray. Don't say anything to the authorities. Don't answer any questions, don't volunteer any information, and don't express any emotion. I'll be there in ten minutes. In fact, stall as long as you can if you are not already in their presence."

  "Sure Jacob, thanks," answers Dylan.

  Goose asks, "Jacob's going to represent you? Good, that's good. Is there anything you want me to do?"

  "Yeah, call Stump and let him know what's going on. Is there any coffee in the kitchen? I can't seem to wake up." Grabbing a large mug from the cabinet he pours it full of the thick as mud coffee. Taking a sip, he says, "Tell me everything you know Goose."

  "Pinky and I were over at the house talking to Barry when they came. They asked to speak to you. When Barry asked them what the problem is they proceeded to ask us questions about Elena. In the process of the questions, it came out that she is dead. They've already pulled the flight records for the helicopter and they know you were in Amarillo yesterday. They said she was strangled in the parking lot of the mall in Amarillo."

  Pinky comes in the kitchen. "You better head over to the house. They're getting ready to come over here after you. Jacob just pulled up."

  When Dylan descends the steps from their quarters he is greeted by Jacob Murray, famous Criminal Defense Attorney, and friend and neighbor of Barry Farrady and Drake Security. Walking across the yard between the barn and the house Jacob reminds Dylan not to show any emotion of any kind and not to answer any questions until after they can talk.

  I am standing in the kitchen doorway watching the men in the great room when I see Dylan and Jacob Murray come in the door. When he enters the room the local sheriff stands and greets him by name, "Dylan, I'm sorry to have to tell you, but you are under arrest on a warrant out of Amarillo, Texas for the murder of Elena Drake." He then proceeds to read him his Miranda rights.

  Jacob says, "Sheriff, can you give us a copy of the warrant listing the evidence they have in this case?"

  "Here you go Jacob. It looks pretty cut and dried to me. They have a witness that identified Dylan here."

  "I'd like a few minutes alone with my client now that I have the warrant. Is that possible?" asks Jacob.

  "I'm afraid you'll have to fly to Texas to question him. I was told to bring him directly to the airport. They have a plane waiting. He's scheduled to be arraigned later today." answers the sheriff.

  "They're certainly not wasting any time are they? Okay, Dylan. I'll see you in Amarillo. Remember everything I told you," reminds Jacob.

  I watch out the kitchen window as they load a handcuffed Dylan into the back of the sheriff's car. With tears streaming down my face I turn to find Barry standing beside me. He says, "Don't worry Skye. Jacob Murray is the very best criminal defense attorney in the country. If anybody can get him out of this, Jacob can. He got me off, remember?"

  Jacob Murray had represented Barry a few years back when Barry had been accused of murdering his first wife. Jacob had gotten an acquittal when he had proved Barry's wife had died from a rare allergic reaction to a combination of drugs she had taken.

  ******

  As soon as Jacob arrives in Amarillo he heads straight for the jail to speak with Dylan. Sitting in the private conference room he says, "All right, Dylan, tell me what happened yesterday. Tell me everything and don't leave out anything, even the smallest detail."

  Dylan starts his story, "Well, I got up around six, grabbed a quick breakfast, and checked out the helicopter. I left the ranch around seven and flew straight to the airport in Amarillo. I arrived just before noon. I picked up a rental car ...

  "What rental car agency? What make and model of car? Do you still have the contract?" asks Jacob.

  "I rented from Avis just like I always
do. It was a Ford Focus, blue, four doors. The contract is in my backpack at the ranch. After renting the car I went straight to the mall where I met an old Marine buddy, Bobby Feldman...

  "I'll need contact information for him. Did you see anyone else that you know?" asks Jacob.

  "Bobby is Damian's baseball coach and has been helping me get time with Damian for the last couple of years. His son, Bradley was with us. I didn't see anyone else that I knew. Jacob, Elena has never allowed me to see Damian even though the divorce decree says I have visitation rights. It stipulates I can visit at her discretion. When Damian got on Bobby's team and he realized he was my son he got in touch with me and we worked out a plan where I would meet them once a month or so at the mall and spend the afternoon with him. Bobby is always with us and he was with us every second yesterday. Damian and I spent the entire afternoon in the game room playing video games. I left him with Bobby at six, drove straight back to the airport and flew back to Wyoming." Pausing he asks, "Jacob, this really looks bad doesn't it?"

  "Honestly Dylan, at this point it doesn't look good but we don't have all the facts yet. I'm sure they are going to want to question you now that I am here. I also want to talk to the witness they say they have. Do you know someone by the name of Richard Thomas?"

  A scowl crosses Dylan's face and he says, "Yeah, I know him. Is he the so called witness?"

  "Yes, what do you know about him?" asks Jacob.

  "He is the son of a bitch I caught Elena in bed with the day I left and filed for divorce. He's a banker here somewhere. I haven't seen or talked to him since the day I caught them together."

  "Interesting, I'll get my Private Investigator to check him out. When was the last time you spoke to Elena? When was the last time you saw her?" asks Jacob.

  "Let me think, I talked to her the day after I got back from Montana. That would have been a little over a week ago. She again refused to allow me to visit Damian. I spoke to my divorce attorney the same day and we filed for custody. We were trying to force her to let me have my visitation rights. The lawyer's name is Fred Tucker. He has an office across from the courthouse. I haven't seen Elena since the day our divorce was finalized eight years ago."