by Carrie Carr
AFTER TELLING ANNA Leigh goodbye and not to wait dinner for them, Amanda and Lex found themselves sitting at a secluded table in a nearby restaurant. Tinny Mexican music floated through the air from unseen speakers, while brightly colored serapes and piñatas decorated the walls and ceilings, respectively.
Amanda attacked the chips and salsa with gusto. “This is great,” she mumbled between mouthfuls. She noticed Lex staring
at her with an amused look on her face. “What?”
“Amazing.”
“What?” Amanda stopped chewing long enough to speak. “Do I have something on my face?”
Lex unsuccessfully tried to lose the silly smile she knew she must be wearing. She loved how Amanda enjoyed life to the fullest. No matter how mundane something was, even if it was just eating at an inexpensive restaurant, the woman across from her took pleasure from it. “No.” She took a sip of her ice tea, then cleared her throat. “I can’t help it. You’re just too damned cute.”
Amanda blushed, then ducked her head. “Thanks.” Her eyes grew large as a waiter brought a sizzling platter of fajitas to their table. “Ooh.”
“Hey, I just realized something.”
Amanda looked up from assembling her fajita. “What’s that?” She added a dollop of guacamole, then folded the tortilla over in triumph. “Perfect.”
“This is the first time we’ve gone out to eat together. Kind of like a first date, huh?”
Chewing then quickly swallowing, Amanda nodded. “You know, you’re right. Want to do the entire cliched first-date thing? How about a movie after dinner? We could make an evening out of it.”
“Sure. But do I have to get you home early? How late is your curfew?” Lex lifted a forkful of Spanish rice to her mouth. This place is good. We’ll have to come here more often.
“Nothing to worry about there. My grandparents trust me. I’ve never had a curfew with them.” Amanda took a sip of her tea, then batted her eyes at her “date.” “Of course, I’ve never had such a good incentive to stay out late before, either.” Watching Lex flush, she giggled.
Lex, finished building her own fajita, tried to will the redness from her face. “Then I guess it’s probably a good thing we didn’t meet any sooner. I might have corrupted your tender sensibilities. Although, I believe it would have been fun to try.”
Amanda wiped her face with her napkin, then returned it to her lap. “You can say that again.”
After flirting shamelessly with Amanda throughout the meal, Lex dropped her napkin to the table with a heavy sigh. “It’s actually a pretty nice evening and not too cool. Could I interest you in a walk through the park instead of a movie? I need to work off this dinner, somehow.” I really need some fresh air. All of this indoor activity is starting to make me a little stir-crazy.
“Do you feel well enough to go on a walk? How’s your side?”
Lex leaned back away from the table. “I feel fine. Stuffed, but fine.” She waved at the waiter for the check. “Are you about done?”
Amanda placed her napkin on the table and groaned. “Mmm. I think a walk is a great idea since I won’t be able to eat another bite for a least a week. As a matter of fact, there’s a nice little park a few blocks from the house, and it has a small lake and path to walk on.” She grabbed the check as soon as it hit the table. “My treat. I asked you to dinner, remember?”
Lex conceded with a nod. “Okay, next one’s on me.” Seeing the smirk on Amanda’s face, accompanied by a lecherous waggling of the eyebrows, she shook her head. “Uh-uh. Don’t you even think about going there.”
Amanda struggled to keep an innocent look on her face. “Who, me?” She left money on the table with the check and then stood up. “Let’s go see what kind of trouble we can cause at the park. I’ll get my dessert later.” With a wink, Amanda strolled happily out of the restaurant, leaving her companion to pick up her jaw and scramble after her.
Chapter Five
THE LAST OF the sun’s rays reflected brightly off the pond in Schicksal Park. There were no other cars in the lot when Lex parked the dark truck in a nearby space. “It looks pretty deserted around here.” After she got out of the truck, Lex pulled on her old, faded denim jacket, closed the door, and crossed to the other side of the vehicle.
Amanda climbed down out of the truck then slipped on the coat she had brought—the old leather jacket Lex had worn in high school that she had appropriated from her lover. “Yeah, but you should see this place in the spring and summer. You can rarely find a parking space then.” She shivered, and buttoned the coat closed. “Brr. That wind is getting pretty chilly.” Amanda led Lex to a paved path. “Let’s get moving, so I’ll warm up.”
The quiet of the lake was something Lex needed, although she hadn’t realized it until they were there. She watched as Amanda’s face relaxed as well, then asked, “Do you come here often?” When the arm linked with hers tightened, other cares fell back into the distance.
“Yeah. This is my thinking place,” Amanda said. “I usually bring old bread along and feed the ducks for hours at a time.” The paved path was easy to walk, and the leisurely pace they set kept them from getting around the pond too quickly. “When I was in school, I always spent my summers here in Texas. Mother never understood why I wanted to.” They continued their trek slowly around the tranquil water, keeping off the path for a while. “She and Dad would go to Europe, and Jeannie traveled with them, or spent her time at one type of camp or another. I always begged to come here to visit Gramma and Grandpa. I suppose I craved the quiet, normal summers that a small town allowed, instead of traipsing all over the world.”
Lex pulled her close. “I don’t really remember much about any of my grandparents,” she said quietly. “Dad’s folks died when he was just a kid, leaving him the ranch, so I never knew them. I vaguely remember my mother’s father. He was tall and handsome and a really nice guy. But after Mom died, I never saw him or my grandmother again.” She straightened a little, then smiled. “They didn’t care much for Dad. He’s kind of rough around the edges.”
Feeling her heart break at the wistfulness in her partner’s voice, Amanda put her arm around Lex. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m not. Martha and the guys at the ranch more than made up for it, believe me. I had more attention from all of them than most kids ever get from two sets of grandparents.” Lex leaned down and kissed the top of Amanda’s head. As much as she hated baring part of her inner self to anyone, it just seemed right to be speaking of these things to the woman beside her. Her heart swelled with the love she felt.
“Really?”
“Oh, yeah. Of course, most of the hands usually helped me get into trouble. Poor Martha spent most of her time chasing me with a spoon and hollering, ‘Get your filthy butt out of my kitchen and get into the tub!’” Lex paused, and a thoughtful look crossed her face. “Come to think about it, she still does that.”
“I bet you were a real handful growing up.”
“I didn’t think so, but I’m sure Martha’s opinion would differ.”
Amanda reached for Lex’s hand. The area was deserted; even so, she wouldn’t have cared if anyone saw them. “Let’s not use the path. Do you mind if we just walked along the shoreline?” She held the hand in hers tightly as they continued their walk.
They were on their second circuit around the water when Lex’s cell phone rang. Jumping slightly, she stopped and pulled the device from her coat pocket. “Hello? Martha, what’s wrong?”
“Lexie, I’m really sorry to bother you like this.” The usually unflappable housekeeper seemed very upset.
“Don’t worry, we were just taking a walk. Now tell me what’s the matter.” Lex forced herself to stay calm. Martha hardly ever calls me…I can’t remember the last time I heard this damned phone ring. “Go on, tell me.”
“It’s your brother. He called the house a few minutes ago looking for you.”
“Okay. Did you tell him I was in town?” Since Martha would usuall
y wait until she got home before giving her this type of message, Lex didn’t like where this conversation was going.
“No, not at first. I didn’t figure it was any of his business. I told him you weren’t available. That really upset him.”
Lex laughed. “I’ll bet. Then what?”
“He told me it was very important that he talk to you immediately. I told him again you couldn’t come to the phone. That’s when he really started getting angry.”
Dammit. Lex felt a headache fast approaching. “What did he say to you, Martha?”
“Oh, well, he yelled and whined quite a bit, then he said, ‘Forget it. I’ll just come out there myself,’ and hung up.”
“He’s on his way to the ranch?” Lex ran her hand through her hair. “Shit.” She glanced at Amanda, who was watching her with a worried expression. “How long ago did you talk to him?” Lex was already pulling Amanda down the path, on their way to the parking lot.
“I just hung up with him right before I called you.”
“Good. I’m on my way. Just lock all of the doors in case he gets there before I do. Don’t let him in for any reason.” They were back at the truck, and Lex held the passenger’s door open for her companion to get in. Still holding the phone to her ear, she closed the door, then quickly jogged around to the other side and climbed in.
“Why? Are you expecting him to cause trouble?” The tone of Martha’s voice changed, from amusement of Hubert’s usual antics, to one of concern. “What’s going on, Lexie?”
Holding the phone with her shoulder, Lex put the truck in reverse and backed out of the parking space quickly. “I don’t know what to expect. We found out that he’s the one who’s been taking money from the ranch account.” She turned and asked Amanda with her eyes what she wanted to do. Even though it would take more time, Lex wouldn’t mind dropping her friend off at the Cauble’s if that’s what Amanda preferred.
Amanda understood the unspoken question. Nothing was more important to her at the moment than being by her lover’s side. She said, “Tell Martha to sit tight. We’re on our way.”
Lex smiled at her companion and turned the truck south, on the road out of town. “Amanda says to hold tight—”
“She’s there?” Martha cut in. “Let me talk to her.” She could hear the roar of the truck engine on the phone. “You shouldn’t be talking on the phone while you’re trying to drive anyway, it’s not safe.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Lex handed the phone over. “She wants to talk to you.”
“Hi Martha. It’s great to hear from you, although I’m sorry about the circumstances.” Amanda genuinely missed the older woman, even though it had only been a couple of days since she had last spoken to her.
“I know what you mean, Amanda. I loved meeting you, but I just wish it hadn’t been due to being dumped into our creek. How are you doing?”
“Great! I’ve really got a lot to tell you when I see you again. So much has happened.”
“Really? Well, I can’t wait. Were you able to get Lexie to see the doctor? I swear, that woman argues with me sometimes just for sport.”
“Yesterday morning, as a matter of fact. Her side was terribly infected, but Dr. Anderson took care of that.” Amanda reached over and caressed her lover’s leg, causing a slight smile on Lex’s face and removing the serious look that had been there.
“Blast it! I knew that would happen. But you say she’s okay? She never takes care of herself,” Martha muttered, more to herself than to Amanda.
“She’s fine. Lex got a couple of stitches, and Dr. Anderson made her promise to keep her ribs wrapped for another week. He thinks it’ll help keep the bandage in place for the gunshot wound. There was one thing. He says she’s gotten too thin.” This tidbit of news got her a glare from the subject in question. She glared right back at Lex and said, “Don’t give me that look. And keep your eyes on the road.” Then she turned her attention back to Martha’s voice.
“Well, if I could get her to sit still long enough to eat, she wouldn’t look like she’s about to blow away. But, I think that Lexie’s eaten more in the last week or so than the entire last month combined. And I have you to thank for that. She’s happier now than I can ever remember seeing her. So thank you, Amanda, for giving my little girl back her heart.”
Lex turned to glance at Amanda, who had stilled suddenly. Even in the fading sunlight, she could see a deep blush on Amanda’s face. Trying to keep one eye on the road and one on her passenger, she reached with one hand and touched her lover’s shoulder. “Hey, are you all right?”
“Yep.” The heartfelt words from Martha meant a lot to her, and it took Amanda a moment to get herself back together. She finally was able to speak into the phone again. “Martha, I think I got the best end of the deal.”
“I think you both did. How far out are you now?”
The truck turned off the main road, and Amanda could see the old bridge up ahead. “We’re almost to the bridge, so we should be at the house in about ten minutes or so.”
“Great. I just started a fresh pot of coffee. I have a feeling we’re gonna be needing it.” Martha stopped. “Hold on a minute, Amanda. I think I hear a car pulling up out front.”
“Wait! Martha? Are you there?” Amanda heard the sound of the handset being placed on a table, or countertop. After what Lex had said about Hubert, she was worried about Martha’s safety.
“What?” Lex struggled to keep her eyes on the road as they started across the bridge.
Amanda listened intently to the phone, trying to hear any unusual noises. “She thought she heard a car drive up and put the phone down to go look.”
“Dammit!” Lex sped up the truck, practically flying across the old wooden structure.
“Lex, Slow down! We’re not going to be any help to Martha if you kill us!” Suddenly more afraid of Lex’s driving than what could happen to Martha, Amanda used one of her hands to brace herself against the dash.
Almost against her will, Lex slowed the truck down. “Has she come back to the phone yet?” She had a death grip on the steering wheel, and the dash lights cast an eerie glow on her tense face.
“No, not—wait, I think I hear something.”
“Amanda?” Martha sounded breathless. “Are you still there?”
“God, Martha, don’t scare me like that. Are you okay? We’re almost to the house.”
“Oh heavens, yes. But I’m afraid Hubert is going to hurt himself trying to get in. It sounds like he’s working his way around the house, banging on windows and doors as he goes.”
The truck skidded to a stop in the long driveway, right beside a grossly expensive BMW convertible. Lex turned to Amanda. “Do you want to wait here, or—”
“Do you really want me to?” Amanda was hurt by Lex’s question. She unbuckled her seatbelt, hoping she wouldn’t be forced to stay behind when she was just as concerned about Martha as Lex was.
“No, I’d rather you stay with me. I’m less likely to strangle Hubert if there are witnesses.” Lex gave her a wry grin before unclipping her own buckle and opening the door. “Come on, let’s go get this over with.”
They were almost to the front door when they heard a man’s voice yelling from somewhere behind the house. “Dammit, old woman, I know you’re in there. Open this fucking door before I kick it in!”
Lex unlocked the front door and ushered Amanda inside, then closed and locked the door behind them. “Martha, we’re here.”
Martha stepped out of the den, causing Amanda to yelp in alarm. “I’m sorry, Amanda. I didn’t mean to startle you.” A loud banging on the front door interrupted anything else she might have wanted to say.
“Goddammit, unlock this door you old bitch, or I’ll knock it down!” Hubert kicked the door ineffectually.
Lex swung the door open. “What the hell is your problem?” She stood in the doorway, daring him to try and get by her. “And watch what you say about Martha.”
“Get the hell outta my way, Lex.” He tr
ied to push past her, but was stopped when Lex put her hand in the middle of his chest. Hubert was only an inch or two taller than his younger sister, but he outweighed her by at least thirty pounds. The extra weight didn’t seem to help him though, and he sputtered when his progress was halted.
“Why?” Lex pushed her brother back a step. “What business do you have in this house?” She stepped out on the front porch with him. “I believe we settled that when I gave you the house in town. You didn’t want anything to do with this ‘old, dirty ranch,’ or so you said then.”
Hubert stood quietly, remembering. He’d always hated the ranch, even as a child. Illogically, he felt that this place killed his mother, since she had gone into labor here at the house, and it took longer than it should have to get her to the hospital in town. Then, of course, his father bypassed him and taught his younger sister how to run it. It continued to hurt, all these years later. Looking at Lex now, he realized just how much he missed his mother. She looks so much like her. Shaking his head slightly, Hubert glared at his sister. “I don’t want anything to do with this shithole. But I seem to be having some trouble accessing the bank records, and I thought I may have left some papers here last time I did the books.”
“I should hope you’re having trouble getting into the account. I changed it.” Lex leaned back against the doorframe and stuck her hands in her jeans pockets. She seemed completely unconcerned about her brother, and the thought rankled him.
“What?” Hubert grabbed the front of his sister’s denim jacket with both hands, and pulled her close. “You can’t do that!”
Lex grabbed his wrists and squeezed them. “Let go of me,” she muttered quietly, “or I’ll break ’em. Then we’ll let the sheriff deal with you.” She enjoyed seeing the fear of comprehension flicker across Hubert’s angry features.
Hubert pushed her away as he released her. “Bitch.” He took a couple of steps and then ran his hand through his dark, slicked-back hair. “Why didn’t you call the law when you found out?”
