Seeking Safety

by Karen Ward

  ******

  Michael and I are absolutely amazed by the luxurious jet Barry sent to New York to pick us up. A limousine arrived at our apartment before daylight and took us straight to the airport where we boarded the jet. We were served a sumptuous meal while in flight and were able to watch live television as we traveled. Another limousine picked us up at the airport in Cody, Wyoming and we are now nearing the entrance to the Rock Springs Ranch. Michael is so excited he can't sit still. He is peering out the nearly black windows of the limousine at all of the reporters snapping pictures of the car as it approaches. He is shocked at what Barry has to deal with every day. Then he sees him,

  "Mom! That man, the one in the red shirt, he was at the compound!" whispers Michael alarmed.

  I jerk my head toward the direction Michael is pointing. I spy the man he is talking about. "Are you sure? He does look familiar." I am extremely concerned.

  "I'm positive Mom. He didn't live at the compound but he visited regularly. I'll never forget those people! We have to tell Barry!" he whispers.

  "Yes, we will tell him as soon as we see him. Thank God he can't see into this car!" My heart is pounding with fear.

  ******

  Early the same morning Steve Simpson's cell phone rings at the compound in Idaho. One of the members he sent to New York City to find Melanie and Eric says, "Hey Steve, when we finally tracked down where Melanie and Eric have been living, they were gone. The neighbors told us they left in a limousine before daylight this morning. From what we found inside the apartment, it looks like they are planning to be gone for a while. The refrigerator was completely cleaned out and no other perishable food was in the cabinets. The landlord said they told him they would be gone at least a month. Do you think they may be going to Farrady's ranch?"

  Steve replies "Could be. I'll put the word out to the members in the area to keep an eye out for them. Why don't you guys head back here? Thanks for calling me."

  ******

  A few hours later Steve Simpson's cell phone rings again. He answers, "Simpson."

  A member that is an employee at the Cody Wyoming airport says, "Steve, a woman and a boy that looks like Eric Calloway just arrived in Cody on Barry Farrady's private jet. They were whisked away in a limousine before I could get a positive identification, but I am pretty sure it was them. The woman's hair is short and dark so I am not sure about her, but I am pretty sure the boy was Eric."

  "Thanks, I'll handle it from here," replies Steve, a grin sliding across his face. Soon, real soon, he will be a multi-millionaire.

  He has already contacted that lawyer in Seattle, Benjamin Roland, to have the adoptions papers ready. As soon as he finds Eric and takes care of Melanie, he will contact him again. Then it is just a matter of time. He has already picked out his beach house in Florida where he plans to live. To hell with this bunch of losers! He will give them the compound and what is left of the fifty thousand. Then they can fend for themselves.

  ******

  Barry is waiting in the circular drive in front of the house when the limousine turns into the drive. His heart is pounding with excitement. He opens the back door and offers his hand to Beth. When she takes his hand to stand up, Barry pulls her into his arms and gives her a quick but firm kiss on the lips. The zing they had shared so many months before roars through his veins. As he pulls back from Beth and gathers Michael into his embrace he wonders what this sexual chemistry they share might lead to or if it is even possible for them to pursue it.

  I am stunned. I remember the same electric shock when I briefly kissed Barry when we left the ranch the last time but I really didn't think much about it then because I never expected to see him again. Now I am not sure what to think. My experience with sex is very limited and certainly hasn't been positive, but I am not afraid. In fact, occasionally I enjoyed sex with Darren. The times when he was sober he was gentle, persuasive. I am just thankful I never got pregnant again and I owe that fact to my friend, Jasmine and the special herbal tea she showed me how to brew.

  Now I wonder what sex with someone like Barry Farrady would be like. He is so gorgeous and his body so scrumptious I would like to gobble him up. I shake my head. I need to get those thoughts right out of my head. We're talking about a famous movie star. He would never be interested in a plain, unsophisticated woman like me. Besides, movie stars pass out kisses like most people shake hands. It is a normal act of greeting for them.

  As soon as we get inside the house I tell Barry, "Barry, Michael recognized one of the reporters at the main gate as having been at the compound in Idaho."

  Barry jerks his head toward me, "What? You're kidding aren't you?" His heart speeds up with apprehension.

  "I'm afraid not. Can you check into it please?"

  Barry answers, "Of course! I'll call Scoot right now. Do you know his name?"

  "Unfortunately, no we don't. All we know is that he is about five foot six or seven, muscular, long brown hair tied back with a leather thong and today he is wearing a red shirt. Michael said he never lived at the compound but that he visited regularly."

  Barry picks up his cell phone and calls the front gate, "Sam, who is the reporter wearing the red shirt, brown hair tied back with a leather thong?"

  Sam answers, "I'm not sure. He's new, been hanging around for a month or so. Is something wrong?"

  Barry answers, "I don't know yet. Keep an eye on him will you? Don't do anything that might raise his suspicions though."

  Barry calls Scoot immediately.

  ******

  Scoot and the other three members of the Drake Security team arrive in a matter of hours at the Rock Springs Ranch by way of the private road from the Murray's Rocking J Ranch. Because of the nature of the Murray's horse breeding business it is not unusual for groups of people to come and go out of their ranch at all hours of the day and night.

  We all gather in the great room of Barry's house where the members of the Drake Security team show pictures to me and Michael of all of the men they have previously documented to be associated with the militia group that was once led by Darren Calloway. Halfway through the stack of pictures, Michael says, "That's him. That's the guy at the gate."

  Scoot looks at the picture then says, "Peter Williams. He's a long time member of the group and works as a reporter for a rag out of Seattle. He could be here legitimately, but my guess is, probably not. It's a well known fact that Calloway and that other guy, James Bragg, died here last winter. They may be scouting the area planning some type of reprisal. I doubt they even know about Beth and Michael being here."

  Stump speaks up, "I've got press credentials. Why not let me hang out at the gate and see what I can find out?"

  "It might work. It certainly can't hurt. Call and get your gear delivered to the airport. The three of us will stay here at the ranch. Do you have our quarters ready over the barn Barry?" asks Scoot.

  "The construction is complete, the furniture delivered, and the rooms are ready and waiting for you to move in. All of the other equipment you asked for was delivered last week and is stacked in the office area," answers Barry.

  "Great," Scoot says. "Go about your lives like everything is normal. Your new foreman, a man I'm sure you remember by the name of Bud Wilkes and his wife Mary will be arriving via the front gate later today. Bud is bringing two guys with him. Those two along with the three of us will be your new ranch hands. I think Bud plans on giving an interview to those reporters out front telling them about his new position and that you are about to begin raising cattle." Scoot and the other guys start toward the door when suddenly Scoot stops, turns, and says, "Oh, and one more thing, you just bought a helicopter. We're picking it up at the airport in Cody tomorrow."

  Barry smiles and shakes his head. He is going to love having the guys here at the ranch. One thing is for sure, life will not be boring!

  CHAPTER 7

  I have been sitting on the sofa in the great room of Barry's home listening to the men as they discuss all of the possible
scenarios. I am amazed at the knowledge and skills of these men. I feel very lucky to be under their protection. It is obvious to me that while Barry Farrady may not be one of them now, he is very close to these men and once was a serious member of this band of brothers.

  Late that afternoon a huge extended cab pickup pulling a horse trailer carrying six horses pulls into the yard. A second older truck pulling a horse trailer carrying four more horses follows.

  Barry, Virginia, Michael, and I are waiting in the yard to greet them. Michael is so excited he is practically jumping up and down. These trucks are delivering the horses, he can't wait! When the man steps out of the first truck Michael is awestruck. Wow! A real live cowboy! He looks just like one in the movies!

  When the man opens the door of the extended cab pickup and steps out into the ranch yard, I am enthralled. This middle-aged man looks like he has stepped forward in time from the old west. He is tall and lean wearing scruffy boots, well-worn jeans, a long sleeve western shirt, and a light grey cowboy hat. He walks with a swagger that only hours in a saddle could cause. His face looks like it has been chiseled from granite and is the color of weathered leather. No doubt he made quite an impression on those reporters at the front gate. Stepping to the passenger side of the truck, he lifts a petite red head down and places his arm protectively around her shoulders.

  When Barry steps forward and greets the older man, I realize they are old friends. He briefly encloses the man in a warm embrace and then plants a warm kiss on the woman's cheek. Barry introduces Bud and Mary Wilkes to Virginia, me and Michael. Then Bud introduces Barry to the two other cowboys, Jorge and Gus. The two wranglers followed Bud in the gate in a rusty red pickup pulling a second horse trailer. Bud tells Barry the three of them will handle the new cattle operation and will live together in the small caretaker cottage and attached bunkhouse.

  When the other members of the Drake Security team come down the stairs from the second story of the barn to assist in unloading the horses, I am shocked by their transformation. I feel like I have fallen into a movie set. They are all dressed in well worn jeans and muddy boots with cowboy hats covering their heads. I would never have recognized them.

  Eric says excitedly, "Wow, Mom, look at the guys! They look like real cowboys!"

  Barry walks up beside me and drapes his arm casually around my shoulders, "Impressive, aren't they?" he asks smiling.

  At Barry's touch, warmth flows down through all of my limbs. I look up into his smiling face and nod, "Very impressive."

  He takes my hand and leads me, Virginia, and Michael back into the house. He briefs us on the guests for dinner. In addition to Bob Kenner and the members of the Drake Security team, the new foreman and his wife will be joining us. He explains that Bud Wilkes was a Marine for over twenty years and has worked with him and the other guys on several of their operations over the years. This position is perfect for him since he has worked on ranches across the southwest most of his non-military life.

  Dinner that evening is an interesting affair. Michael is thrilled to be surrounded by real cowboys and is looking forward to learning to ride and rope. It is already obvious to me he is going to love being on the ranch. He is happier than he has been since leaving the compound and I am already dreading when I have to take him back to New York City. He was never happy in the city with all of the people, the gangs, and the drugs. Michael is a good kid and I want to instill in him the values my parents had tried to instill in me when I was growing up and it will be extremely difficult if we continue to live in New York City.

  It doesn't take long for me to realize that Barry's Mom, Virginia and Bob Kenner, the foreman from the ranch next door are attracted to each other. They keep sharing secret smiles and he was holding her hand when they came out of the kitchen. Seeing the two of them holding hands causes a happy memory to flash across my mind and I wonder if my parents are still holding hands when they walk together. It is one of the happiest memories I have about my childhood. I know I broke my parent's hearts when I ran away from home. I have often wondered if they would want to see me again. Once again I regret the decision I made so many years ago to run away from home. My life was irrevocably altered that day.

  Halfway through their meal, Scoot's cell phone rings and he quietly steps out of the dining room to take the call. When he steps back in the room he signals Barry to join him in the study.

  As they step into the study, Barry asks curiously, "Scoot, is something wrong? Who was your call from?" His heart is pounding with apprehension.

  Scoot explains, "My call was from my contact at the FBI. He told me that Melanie's apartment in New York was broken into early this morning and ransacked. The neighbors told him that two rough looking men were asking a lot of questions about Beth and Michael and were referring to them as Melanie and Eric. From what he could find out, the men were told that Beth and Michael left by limousine before daylight this morning. It sounds like her cover has been blown and they may suspect that she and the boy are here on the ranch. Do you think we should tell her or wait and see what develops?"

  Barry's heart is pounding with apprehension. "Damn! That really doesn't sound good. Thank God they are here at the ranch. They'll be safe here. I really hate to upset her until we know something for sure. Are they going to check for finger prints and DNA in the apartment? Maybe we should wait until we know for sure they were members before we tell her. It could have just been a couple of thugs."

  "They are checking for finger prints. But from what he tells me, they are pretty sure the two were members of the group. Don't forget they were asking questions about Melanie and Eric." Scoot replies.

  "That's true. Did he say why they think the group is looking for Melanie and Eric?" asks Barry.

  "He said he was looking into that. He doesn't know yet." Scoot answers.

  "We better tell her. I'll go and get her." Barry walks back into the dining room and quietly asks me to join him in the study.

  My heart is pounding with dread. Oh God, something bad has happened. When I walk into the study I see Scoot standing by the window and I nervously ask, "What is it? What's happened?"

  Scoot responds, "Beth, I had a call from the FBI a few minutes ago. Your apartment in New York was broken into this morning shortly after you left for the airport. It was ransacked. Several of your neighbors reported that two rough looking men were asking a lot of questions about you and Michael. At least one of your neighbors told them you left before daylight this morning in a limousine. The men were referring to you as Melanie and Eric."

  I sink down in a chair in front of the desk. I look up at Scoot, panicked, "Oh my God, what if we had still been in the apartment? Do they know for sure who it was?"

  Scoot responds, "They think they were members of Calloway's group."

  "Why? What are they after?" I am stunned. Why would they be looking for us?

  Scoot answers, "The FBI told me they don't know yet. They are looking into it now."

  Barry interjects, "Let's be thankful that you weren't at the apartment, or even still in New York. You'll be safe here."

  I nod my head in acknowledgement. I saw the razor wire around the top of the fence when we came through the front gate. I also saw the armed guards. Barry has definitely beefed up security here at the ranch. I feel sure we will be safe here.

  ******

  Later that night after everyone has retired to their rooms I walk out onto the stone patio in back of the house and find Barry sitting in a wooden swing staring up at the sky sprinkled with what looks like thousands of stars.

  I approach him, "Hey, I thought you went to bed."

  Smiling up at me he replies, "I could say the same to you."

  Laughing I reply, "I couldn't sleep. Do you mind if I join you?"

  Sliding to the side of the wooden swing Barry invites, "Please do."

  "I really like Bob Kenner. He appears to be a really nice man. Your Mom seems to like him too," I offer as a conversations starter.

  "Ye
s, I'm really happy for her. She deserves to be happy," answers Barry. "Mom has been alone for much too long. My father left us when I was only nine and Mom had to work three jobs just to keep food on the table."

  We spend a few minutes discussing dinner and the other guests.

  Then I say, "I am just so thankful we had already left the apartment this morning. I can't bear to think about what could have happened if we had still been at the apartment. I just don't understand what they want. Why would they go to so much trouble to track us down in New York City? How did they even know where we were living?"

  Barry replies, "I can't answer those questions. I'm sure the FBI will let you know as soon as they figure out what those men are after. You will be safe here. Scoot and the other guys will protect you." Then turning toward me and placing his arm along the back of the swing he asks, "Beth? Would you mind if I kiss you?" His curiosity about their sexual attraction has gotten the better of him and he has to know if it is the real thing.

  I smile, "Are you always so hesitant with the women you kiss, Mr. Movie Star?"

  Smiling back he says, "No, but they don't usually have your history. I'm not sure how you feel about intimacy after ..."

  "It's all right Barry. I'm not afraid of you." I lift my face to his. My heart is pounding with anticipation. Oh God! Barry Farrady is going to kiss me!

  He moves his arm from the back of the swing to my shoulder and pulls me close against his chest. I can feel his heart pounding with excitement beneath my hand on his chest. Then he places the palm of his other hand on my cheek and slowly lowers his lips to mine. He barely brushes his lips against mine and the electric zing that I am coming to expect zips through my veins and I hear his sharp intake of breath telling me he feels it too.. He slowly he increases the pressure of his lips until I moan. He pulls me closer nibbling at the corners of my lips, and then he pushes his tongue past my lips into the deep recesses of my mouth. I hear a moan rumble up from deep in his chest. He takes his time tasting every corner, every crevice, drinking deeply of my warm sweetness.