by Lynn Landes
“Sorry, Zacky, but you have worn out your usefulness.” She checks his pulse, “Good, you aren’t dead.” Quickly, she takes his wallet and keys and then stuffs them into her jeans pocket. Chewing on her lip, she looks down at him. “Now, how to get you into the jeep?” Mel thinks for a moment and then goes outside and opens the jeep door, tossing her bags into the back seat. “Good thing you are small,” she whispers as she drags him outside and props him up against the jeep tire. He stands about five feet nine and is athletically built.
As luck would have it, the hotel is not busy. It's a cheap dive, and anyone else would have just driven on, but it was exactly what they needed. Breathing hard, she takes a break for a second and leans him back when his body tries to slump over and slams his head on the door frame. “Oops, sorry Zacky,” she whispers his childhood nickname.
‘Wacky, Zacky, wacky Zacky,' the voice laughs, causing Mel to giggle as she squats in front of him. At five feet ten, she is tall and strong enough to lift him if she uses the jeep. She drapes his arms over her shoulders and lifts him using her legs to shove him into the seat. “Ugh, God, you're dead weight.” She buckles him in and rushes around to jump in and drive.
Driving up to the mountains she glances over at him with concern. Hopefully, he will not wake up before they reach the overlook. “I'm going to show you how you should have handled Delta,” she mumbles, “and then I'm going to make her pay.”
Melody drives to the same jeep trail he took Delta on. She drives as far up the path as the jeep will go, before parking and jumping out. Her headlights illuminate the inky black forest as Melody opens the passenger side door and unbuckles his seatbelt. Grabbing a fistful of his shirt, she pulls, and he tumbles from the car, falling to the ground with a groan. “Uh, oh. By Zack.”
“Mel?” Zach tries to sit up but grabs his head with his hands. “Oh, my head!”
‘He’s gonna take you back to that place. Hit him, now!’ the voice orders and Mel grabs a tire iron from the back of the jeep.
“What the hell are you doing, Melody!” Zach yells and pushes up to his knees.
Stomping over to him she swings the tire iron, but Zach blocks it, covering his head with his arms. The sickening crunch of bones and his shriek of pain causes her to sob.
‘Again! Hit him again!’ Ignoring his screams and the horrible silence that follows the next blow, she obeys the voice as it tells her, ‘One more time!’ Melody strikes him once more before tossing the weapon to the ground.
Blood pools around his head and reflects off the headlights as she calmly climbs into the jeep and buckles up. Tearing off down the mountain she throws dust and rocks over his prone body.
‘Stop crying, you are free now, Melody.’
“I’m free,” she whispers as she wipes her eyes. “I’m free,” she says louder. Zach pulled six hundred dollars cash from his bank after his release. Tonight, she will hit the ATM a few more times just to make sure she has enough money. “I need a place to stay for the night. Then, I will get ready to visit Daniel. I will make him understand that we were meant to be together.”
‘If he doesn’t, then you will make him pay for betraying you,' the voice whispers.
“Yes, make him pay,” she grins.
Chapter 12
Delta wakes early Monday morning to see Abby off. Daniel is snuggled behind her, and she sighs with contentment. This will be the last time she sleeps with him, and it makes her sad. It's strange to say that in his arms, she feels like she belongs. God, how she missed this. The connection of belonging to someone and feeling this beautiful cowboy around her, she wishes she belonged to him. Right now, he feels responsible for her and only time will tell if that grows into something else. Delta knows the physical attraction is there, but could they have a chance for more?
Once this mess is over, they will see. This last week with him, he has shown her that he's a fantastic father, compassionate caregiver, and savvy businessman, with exceptional taste in literature. Today Phillip and Easton are coming, and she is desperate to see them. They will help keep her grounded, and Delta is excited to show Phillip the first few chapters of her new book based on a ghost town!
“Good morning, beautiful,” Daniel murmurs in her ear and chews lightly on her neck. Chills erupt, and she grins, turning on her back to look at him. Lifting a hand, she trails her fingers across his forehead and down his chiseled cheek, memorizing the details. “Your eyes are incredible, so dark and sexy,” she murmurs.
“That’s because they’re looking at you.” Leaning down, he softly kisses the side of her mouth before trailing his mouth along her jaw to nibble on her ear.
“Daniel, you make it really hard for me to get out of bed,” she says running her hands over his shoulders. He nibbles at her collarbone and laughs, “Good, my plan is working perfectly.”
A knock at the door, has him dropping his head to her shoulder, and she laughs. “Coming…” Daniel yells. Turning back to her he whispers, “Hold that thought.” He rolls away and dresses quickly.
Delta stares at his sculpted body and thinks hours, we could have hours today, alone, in this bed. Chewing on her lip, she is thankful he can’t read her mind. Daniel walks to the door and stops with his hand on the doorknob, “I’d give anything to spend hours with you in this bed. Rest up, Delta, you’re going to need it.” Grinning, he hurries out to help Abby.
Staring at the door in stunned silence, Delta laughs out loud, “Maybe you’ll be the one who needs rest, Daniel.” She dresses and moves out to say goodbye to Abby with Chase.
“You will call me as soon as you’re with your mother?” Daniel orders as he walks her to the truck. Abby is bouncing with excitement, she turns to look at Delta and hugs her goodbye. “I hope you feel better soon, Delta.”
“I will, sweetie. I’ll be a hundred percent when you get back. I think Sasha is going to miss you something fierce, though.” Sasha whines and lifts a paw at Abby. She drops down in front of her and hugs her tight only to be rewarded with a ton of dog kisses.
“Have a great time, Abs. Take lots of pictures at the rodeo. I'll see you on Sunday night.” Daniel kisses her and buckles her in as Chase tells him that he's going to work at the lodge this morning. The latest wedding party is checking out this morning.
“No problem, Dad.” He waves good-bye as they ride away.
Turning back to Delta, he grins, “Now where were we?”
Delta smiles at him and holds up a crutch, pointing it at him. “Daniel, what kind of girl do you think I am?”
His smile fades, and he stalks towards her. “My kind of girl,” he replies instantly.
Delta feels tears prick her eyes. “Oh, Daniel…” he pushes her crutches to the side and wraps his arms around her waist, lifting her off her feet. The moment his lips touch hers, she forgets to protect her heart, it’s too late for that now. Hungrily kissing Delta, he steps to the front porch to carry her inside when he hears the crunch of gravel behind them.
“Seriously!” Daniel grumbles and Delta smothers a laugh.
Sheriff Ford parks his patrol car and gives a friendly wave as he climbs out. “Good morning.”
Daniel gently lowers Delta into a rocker on the front porch. “Morning, Allen.”
“Ms. Richards, I’m Sheriff Ford. I’d like to get a statement from you if I could, regarding your incident.” Daniel’s hand drops to her shoulder and squeezes gently.
“Of course,” Delta replies.
“I’m confused, Allen, we were told they were released,” Daniel snaps clearly agitated now. Delta reaches up and grabs his hand.
“They were released. However, four hours ago some hikers found her cousin Zach on the same trail Ms. Richards was abandoned on.”
Delta gasps, covering her mouth with her hand. “Is he okay?”
“He's alive, barely.” His blue eyes shift to Daniel. “Zach was able to tell us who his assailant was. He claims Melody beat him when he threatened to call her doctor. She bashed him with a lamp, broke his
arm with a tire iron and cracked a few of his ribs. Melody stopped after he blacked out. He'll survive, but his main concern was for you, Ms. Richards.”
“I don't understand, Sheriff,” Delta says.
“Why? He's the one who helped her in the first place,” Daniel snaps. Delta sits back and glances at him.
“Daniel will you make us some coffee while we talk.”
The Sheriff smiles as he steps inside. “Thank you. I won’t dance around this, Ms. Richards. Melody thought he was passed out. He heard her say she was going to make you pay. In exchange for a written statement from him and a promise to testify against her, he will receive immunity.”
“I see. What do you need from me?”
“A written statement regarding the incident.” He hands her paper and pen on a clipboard. Daniel returns with the coffee and stands nearby listening.
“Daniel, I need to ask you some personal questions.” Clearly uncomfortable now, he glances at Delta. Daniel shrugs and looks at her.
“I have nothing to hide, ask your questions, Allen,” he says sipping his coffee. Allen stands up and walks over to him.
“Did you have a personal relationship with Melody?”
“Of course not. She’s worked at the lodge since she was sixteen years old, Allen.”
Delta listens and watches as he glances at her.
Allen sighs and removes his hat. “Good. We have a statement from her doctor. She's disturbed, Daniel, with multiple mental disorders. Unfortunately, she has fixated on you.”
Half an hour later the Sheriff takes her written statement and turns to Daniel. “The arrest warrant was issued this morning. She won't get far.” After he leaves Daniel glances at Delta.
Guilt weighs heavy on him. She's in danger, and it has nothing to do with her. There's no telling how long this could go on for. The safest thing for her is to be far away from him. If she is hurt again because of him, he will never forgive himself.
Stomping inside, he brings her crutches to her. “We should get inside.” Delta sighs, standing up and follows him inside. He locks and sets the security system. Daniel avoids looking at her. “I'm going to grab a shower, you should rest.” He walks away without touching her, and she watches him go.
Delta calls Phillip and is surprised to find out they’re having problems getting a flight. “I don’t want you to come here.” She tells him about the police and how things have changed.
“Okay, then it is clearly time for you to come home, Delta. When they catch her, you can go back. This isn’t worth putting your life in danger,” Phillip argues.
“I have to see the Doctor on Thursday, I'll make up my mind after that appointment,” Delta grumbles and stares at the closed door.
Daniel knows what he needs to do. He showers and dresses quickly before heading to his office down the hall, while Delta gets dressed. Avoiding her still he makes a few phone calls and hires extra security before buying a plane ticket for Delta for Thursday afternoon. Printing it out he looks up surprised to see her in the doorway.
“What’s going on, Daniel?” She asks.
The doorbell rings and Daniel walks past her without commenting. Delta follows quietly.
“Delta, come meet our security team.”
Delta is shocked that he would go to such lengths, but part of her is relieved. Two men dressed in plain clothes, introduce themselves.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she states softly. “Daniel, are you sure this is necessary? The Sheriff…”
“The Sheriff can't be everywhere, Delta, and I have to get back to work. They will work in rotating shifts of two. You will never be alone. It's the safest course of action.”
“I see.” Delta covers the hurt, but not quickly enough. Daniel curses inwardly, but he knows this is necessary to keep her safe. Daniel walks out and gives the security crew a guided tour of the grounds and houses. They go over the security system on the house before he leaves to go to work.
Delta calls Phillip and Easley to tell them she will is flying home on Sunday. They're relieved to know she will be safe and she promises to call them when she is home. It's amazing how quickly they believed her. She wants to keep them safe and bringing them here with all of this is going on just wasn't a risk she was willing to take. Easley was able to research Melody and found out that she had been hospitalized for six weeks during college, for deteriorating mental conditions.
“Delta, it's only a matter of time before everyone he loves becomes a target. It's best for everyone if you are not in the middle of this. Let the police do their job.” Delta agrees with her and hangs up. She doesn't feel guilty for keeping them safe. They're part of her family, and she is sure they would do the same for her.
Over the next three days, Delta barely sees Daniel. He chooses to sleep in the guest room upstairs and keeps Chase away from the house. Delta feels like a prisoner in a stranger's house. She works on her books and begins to exercise her leg by walking without the crutches. Her leg is healing well, and she is excited to go to the doctor on Thursday morning. When Daniel comes home Wednesday evening, she is waiting for him.
“Delta, is everything alright?” Clearly shocked to see her sitting alone in the living room, he locks up, setting the alarm. He continues avoiding eye contact with her.
“No, Daniel.” She stands up and limps to him. “What’s this?” Holding up the printed e-ticket she waves at him.
“I meant to talk to you about that, but I’ve been busy.” Daniel’s voice is cold and distant. “Considering everything you’ve been through since you checked into the ranch house, we’ve decided to not charge you for your stay. This is a prepaid first class ticket home for Thursday afternoon.”
Delta was prepared for this. “That’s very… kind of you, Daniel. If you think this is for the best. I’ve already spoken to the security team about my appointment tomorrow. They’ve agreed to take me and then drop me off at the airport directly after.” Delta stands and moves towards him with her hand raised to touch him, but she stops herself.
“Goodbye, Daniel,” turning she goes to his bedroom and closes the door quietly. Her suitcases and garment bags are packed and ready to go. The box of books is hidden in his closet with a note to be mailed to her home after she's gone.
He watches her limp away and his heart is screaming at him to follow, but he will not put her in any more danger. “Goodbye, Delta,” he murmurs and grabs the whiskey from his cabinet.
“Stupid cowboy!” Delta grumbles. “I can’t believe this.” She mutters and Sasha whines, watching her pace in the big room. “He can’t seriously think I’m going to walk out of his life that easily?” Tomorrow she will put her plan into action. Daniel believes that if she leaves, then Melody will leave him in peace. The truth is that she is a demented human being. What about Chase? Abigail? No one will be safe until this girl is caught. “I have to help them. I can't leave it like this. What if something happens to them?” Delta’s voice breaks, “I’m not going to bury another man I love…” eyes wide she sits down heavily on the edge of the bed, shocked at how easily that came out of her mouth. “Love?” Sasha nudges her with a paw. “Is it possible for the heart to fall so quickly?” With Daniel, she feels cherished, respected, and more. “We need time to explore this, Damnit.”
In her heart, she knows he's trying to protect her, but a part of her is afraid that he doesn't feel the same way. A radiant smile spreads across her face. She knows how to test that theory. Slipping into her green silk chemise, she walks as quietly as she can into the darkened kitchen. Delta doesn't bother to turn on any lights, she knows how the security system works. It will pick up any movement inside the house and alert Daniel.
She opens the refrigerator and grabs a water bottle, illuminating her in the fluorescent glow. Closing the door, she almost screams when a strong hand seizes her upper arm. “What do you think you are doing?” Daniel glares at her.
“Damnit! You nearly gave me a heart attack, Daniel. I, I… was just getting a water.” H
er voice lowers, and her heart begins to pound harder now. His eyes devour her body, and he releases her like she is contagious. A tear forms in the corner of her eye drawn from her heart, it threatens to rip his soul to pieces. She has her answer. “I'm sorry,” she whispers hoarsely.
Turning to go, Daniel stops her with a hand to her bare arm. Confused, she looks up at him just as he lowers his lips to hers. “Delta,” he murmurs, and her breath hitches. Every nerve in her body hums to life, and his hand slips into her wavy hair and tilts her further into his body. He deepens the kiss, demanding she feels what he does. Heat boils between them, and she opens her mouth to him, allowing him to taste her. Daniel growls and pushes her away from him.
“Go to bed, Delta,” he demands and stomps back upstairs. Delta nods and walks back to the bedroom. Now she has her answer. “There's no way in hell, I'm leaving him.”
Chapter 13
Sleep did not come easy. Daniel was up early and gone before Delta. He had two horses being sold to a rancher across the country and another mare ready to have her foal. Spring was a busy time for him. Delta's flight left two hours ago, and with any luck, Melody would try to contact him once she becomes aware that Delta is gone.
“Looking good,” he hears his dad call out to the stable workers as he makes his way through to his son’s office. “What’s going on with Abby? She called me this morning, upset, son.” Daniel sighs and looks at him.
“Abby will be spending another week with her mother. It was easy enough to change her flight, and she has another week of spring break. I want to keep her safe as long as possible, Dad.”
Chase glares out the window. “This is ridiculous. How can she turn our lives upside down like this? Do the police have any leads yet?”