Death By Fright

by McCarthy, G. L.

  “Okay, so you really want to go see the sunrise with me?” Alex wanted the truth.

  “Yes. I didn’t at first, but then I wanted to see your face light up at the sight.” Sam realized experiencing these little things with Alex was just as important as the big events.

  “That was the answer I hoped to hear. But you have to feel safe with me to tell me when you’re too tired or not interested, okay?” Alex realized that in order for Sam to feel safe she needed to be okay with any answer she got and that may be harder then she thought.

  “Deal. Now let’s go see the sunrise with Bruce and Smokey.” Sam hoped her equine buddy wasn’t mad at her for leaving him for so long.

  Walking out to the corral, holding Alex’s hand, Sam felt like she’d never left. She was glad she didn’t have to feed the livestock or do all the assorted chores before she could have breakfast herself. As they neared the corral Smokey spotted his owner and nickered as he trotted over. It was mainly because he was hungry and knew she would feed him something, if only a little hay. He was right and as Sam went to get a handful for both Smokey and Bruce, she met the ranch hands arriving to do their chores.

  “Hi. I’m Sam, Jessie’s cousin. You must be the new hands Dawson was talking about.” Sam didn’t want them to think she was doing something she wasn’t supposed to.

  “Hi Sam, we’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Carlos and this is Little Ramon. We’re Pablo’s sons. My cousin Rafael is off today. It’s nice to meet you.” Both boys were in their early twenties and moving fast to get the stock fed before they woke up the guests with their whinnying.

  “Nice to meet you both, too. I was just grabbing a quick snack for my horses, Smokey and Bruce Willis. Don’t let me keep you from your chores.” Sam took a handful and headed back to her hungry friends.

  “Who were you talking to?” Alex couldn’t see them, but heard them talking.

  “Pablo’s sons, Carlos and Little Ramon. You wanna bet who Little Ramon is named after?” Sam smiled at Alex and knew she didn’t need to guess.

  “That’s so sweet they call him Little Ramon.” Alex thought it was special that her Ramon had a nephew named after him and that he wasn’t just called Ramon. It was like there could only be one Ramon and no one else would be called by just that name in their family. “Can you introduce me?”

  Sam took Alex’s hand and led her around to where she thought the two boys would be working now. Upon seeing Alex approaching, both boys took off their cowboy hats and bowed their heads to her. It brought her to tears at being shown such respect by these two young men.

  “Hi, I’m Alex. I’m glad to meet you both. Which one of you is Carlos and who is Little Ramon?” Alex could see their resemblance to Pablo and his mother, Constance.

  “I’m Little Ramon, and this is Carlos.” Little Ramon stepped up and extended his hand as he had been told about his great uncle and how this woman had found him so he could rest in peace. “It’s an honor to meet you. We’ve heard so much about you and hope you enjoy your stay here.”

  “It’s an honor. My grandmother and father speak very highly of you.” Carlos bowed his head as he shook Alex’s hand.

  “I’m honored to meet you both too. I plan on enjoying every minute I’m here. I’ll let you get back to work; I know how hungry these horses are. I hope to see you around. Take care.” Alex felt that she had big shoes to fill and hoped she didn’t let anyone down.

  Walking away, Alex grabbed Sam’s hand and led her out of ear shot of Carlos and Little Ramon.

  “Sam, you’d think by the way they act that I’d found the cure for cancer or something amazing like that. I only did what I was asked to do, nothing more.” Alex thought this display of homage from them was really more than she deserved.

  “To them what you did is a big deal. So just be gracious and leave it at that. It’s not like they expect you to walk on water or at least not yet they don’t.” Smiling at Alex, she caught a serious look that turned into a smile and a hug from her when she realized Sam was right.

  Watching the sun come up was breathtaking and Alex loved the fact that she had Sam to share it with. The sky changed colors several times as the sun slowly peeked over the horizon. Then it was off to the dining hall which was open for those who wished to get that early cup of coffee and a breakfast roll. On the way Alex’s old friend, the roadrunner, made his appearance and streaked across the grounds. They were the first to arrive and took their coffee to a secluded table over in the corner so they could talk without anyone being able to eavesdrop.

  “So what would you like to do today?” Sam figured a trail ride would be one answer.

  “Well, I’d like to take a ride up to the canyon and see if it still looks the same as I remember. That day is a bit of a blur. Do you mind?” Alex knew it wasn’t one of Sam’s favorite places.

  “Sure, we can do that. I’m sure it will look different to you. We took a lot of people up there after you left. The cave has been sealed so no one will get trapped in there, but the rocks from the slide are still present.” Sam wondered if Alex would get any vibes from Ramon since that was where he died.

  “Thanks. How about we take our coffee back to the room and get comfortable. We could take our shower together and conserve water.” Smiling, Alex knew Sam would know what she was getting at.

  “Absolutely. I’m all about conserving our natural resources.” Sam got up and took Alex’s cup to get them both a fresh refill before they headed back to the casita.

  Taking a shower together did save a little water but then again maybe not, since the time spent in the shower was double what it should have been. Shampooing and conditioning each other’s hair was the plan, but the necking in between lather, rinse, and repeat was very time consuming. Finally, when they were finished in the bathroom they knew they were right on time for breakfast as the guests could be seen heading for the dinning hall.

  As Alex and Sam strolled over Jessie came out of the office to join them with a sly smile on her face. No one needed to tell her what these two had been up to. She had seen them come out of the dining room with their coffee and now they weren’t in the same clothes. Alex took Jessie’s arm and smiled back with a wink and knew her best friend was on to them.

  “How are you two this morning?” Jessie was just asking to make conversation.

  “Excellent and how are you this fine morning, Mrs. Black?” Alex was in a very good mood to say the least and was looking forward to every minute she would spend there.

  “Hmmm. Excellent, you say. So I can assume you two slept well last night.” Jessie wondered just how much she would see of them during their visit.

  “No complaints in that department. Hey, Jess, can you go for a ride today? We were going to ride up and revisit the canyon.” Alex wondered if Jessie had ever seen it.

  “I’d love to. I’ve never made it up to see the crime scene; in fact I don’t think I even know where it is.” Jessie was glad the ranch wasn’t going to be full for a couple of days so she could socialize with Alex and Sam.

  “Great.” Alex squeezed Sam’s hand and gave her a quick smile and wink knowing Sam would understand why she invited Jessie to join them. Not wanting to monopolize all of Sam’s time while at the ranch, Alex wanted them all to have quality time together as well as one on one.

  Jessie left them standing in line for the breakfast buffet as she went off to talk to a guest who had some questions. Alex was staring at the back of Sam’s shirt, lost in thought, when she felt a presence behind her. Turning around, she saw a small boy holding his plate and looking up at her with wide eyes.

  “Hi, I’m Bart. We’re here from Cleveland. I’ve never been to a ranch like this before, have you? I’m really hungry, are you? Do you like to ride horses? I’ve never been on one before, have you?” Finally stopping his questions, he stared at Alex and wondered why she was taking so long to answer.

  “Hi Bart. I’m Alex and I would say yes to all of your questions.” Smiling, Alex wondered if h
e remembered what they were.

  “Cool. So, Alex where are you from? Do you have any kids? What do you do for a living?” Bart was full of questions and he knew everyone else’s story.

  “I’m currently living in Hastings. No, I don’t have any kids, but I am a teacher so in a way I do have kids. They just don’t live with me.” Alex was enjoying his curiosity and it brought back fond memories of her last visit.

  “So you’re on Christmas break too. We got here two days ago because I go to a private school so we can leave when we want to. What do you teach?” Bart followed the two to a table and made himself comfortable sitting next to Alex. He hadn’t noticed Sam yet.

  “I teach English at an all girls’ school called Taylor-wood. Bart, this is my girlfriend, Samantha.” Alex wanted him to realize she was with someone.

  “Hi, Samantha. I have a girl in my class named Sa-mantha. We call her Sammi. What do people call you?” Bart didn’t seem to be phased by this new addition.

  “Hi, Bart. My friends call me Sam. I used to work here until a month ago when I moved in with Alex. Have you done any riding yet?” Sam smiled at Alex as she figured he had a few minutes of stories to tell so they could eat.

  “Wow you really worked here? Are you an Indian? You look like the pictures in my history book.” Bart just realized he could be talking to an authentic Native American.

  “Yes, I am. That’s very astute of you to notice.” Sam, smiling at Alex, was trying not to laugh at how serious this little boy asked his questions.

  “Cool. What kind of Indian are you?” Itching his nose with the palm of his hand, Bart was now focusing all of his attention on Sam.

  “Zuni or Ashiwi as we call ourselves.” Sam wasn’t sure how much information to tell him. She was hoping he would finish his breakfast and go back to his family.

  “I’ve heard of the Zunis. My mom has a stone carving of a bear. Wait ‘till I tell her!” Bart turned and took off for another table with two adults and two older children.

  “Do you think he’ll be back soon?” Alex whispered to Sam.

  “I hope not. But I’m sure he will be. We’re just to cool for words.” Sam knew Alex liked kids and wondered if she ever wanted one of her own.

  “So true. It’s nice that you’re the center of attention for a change. I had my fifteen minutes of fame last time.” Smiling at Sam, she noticed that Bart’s father had made him sit down, so no more interruptions for the moment.

  “Did you ever want kids of your own?” Sam figured now was as good a time as any to ask.

  “Once, but then I realized how much one has to sacrifice of their own life to accommodate them. I can’t say I would never want a kid. That is, if my girlfriend had kids or wanted them, I wouldn’t be against it. It’s just a task I wouldn’t undertake on my own. What about you?” Alex had never thought seriously about having kids and wondered if Sam wanted one.

  “I feel the same way. I guess I’m a little too selfish to have to split my time doing for another person that may someday tell me off and leave; it would be one thing if she was a girlfriend, but your own kid? No way. I’m a one person person, if you know what I mean. That is, I want to do things for my girlfriend and only for her.” Sam watched for a surprised look or reaction from Alex.

  “I like the way you think. But that’s only because I’m your girlfriend. I will share you with Jessie and your family, but that’s it.” Stroking Sam’s hand, Alex was glad they thought the same about this subject.

  Suddenly Bart appeared, but just to get his plate to take back to his table. He said his goodbyes and hoped to see them both later. Sam and Alex could hardly wait.

  After breakfast they went back to the casita. They had about an hour before the trail ride would leave. They planned to go out with the main group and then split off and head up to the canyon to explore on their own. Alex felt sleepy after her breakfast and curled up with Sam for a little nap. Sam wasn’t sleepy, but wanted to stay with Alex until she fell asleep. Then she was going to hunt for Andy and find out what happened to the old ranch hands that were fired. Feeling Alex completely relax was Sam’s cue to slip out. Putting her pillow in her place, she then tip-toed out and eased the door closed. Figuring he would be with the livestock, she headed for the barn and found him cleaning out the stalls.

  “Hey, Andy, qué pasa?” Sam was not missing this job at all and liked staying clean while she made her living.

  “Sam. You lazy bum, why aren’t you in work clothes so you can help me?” Andy missed her, because he could talk to her about anything.

  “No way, Jose. I’ve joined the nine to five group and as soon as I graduate I’ll even be in the law enforcement group.” Sam didn’t know if Jessie had told Andy about her recent adventures.

  “Hey, I heard a vicious rumor that you’d joined forces with the man. Jessie didn’t fill me in on all the details since she said you both were coming for a nice visit. So tell me everything from the day you arrived at Alex’s.” Andy wanted every juicy detail including how the romance was going.

  Sam gave Andy a blow by blow description of everything that had happened to her and Alex since she arrived in Hastings. Then, not going into specific details, she laid out how their romantic relationship was going how she was feeling very comfortable with Alex and that they had yet to have any problems. So far they were in sync with each other and it was kind of spooky at how they knew how the other would react to any given situation. Andy was very happy for them both and commented that it sounded like a match made in heaven. That brought up a question about Anna and Ramon. Wanting to know how much Sam believed in the two spirits, Andy was reassured that she believed with all her heart that they were with them at all times. Sam even commented she thought it was the two of them that were helping their relationship by keeping them on track as far as how each other felt.

  “It’s kind of weird, Andy. I can look at Alex and know what she’s thinking. Like this morning, I didn’t want to get up, but I knew Alex wanted me to go out and watch the sunrise with her. I could have said no, but I knew she really, really wanted me to see it with her. It’s those little things that I would have let go in the past, but now I see the importance in doing those things because the big things don’t happen that often. It keeps the romance fresh for us. To me, it’s like we’ve been on a honeymoon ever since I arrived. It was never this way with Teresa or any other woman I’ve been with. I cherish every minute we have together and I’ve never felt this way in my whole life.” Sam realized that this was how she wanted to feel forever.

  “So Ramon is keeping you in line as far as the relationship part.” Andy loved thinking that their relationship was being guided by spirits.

  “Well yeah, because Alex is technically Ramon in this life so they already think the same way. Alex is so loving and caring. I’ve never met anyone like her before. She always has time for people and it never seems to bother her. Anna has helped her, in that she makes Alex stop and think about herself more. I see her start to push herself and then stop, think about it, and change her mind. I’m sure she doesn’t realize that maybe it’s Anna telling her to take it easy, but I believe it is.” Sam had noticed this new behavior ever since Alex left the hospital and knew the old Alex would have pushed through and not taken care of herself as well.

  “So you’re okay with being manipulated by another force?” Andy thought Sam might not have thought of this angle.

  “Not manipulated, more coached. I can use all the help I can get in this area. Besides Ramon’s not making me do anything I wouldn’t want to do for Alex.” Sam wondered if she sounded hopelessly in love, which she was.

  “Oh girl, you’re a goner. It’s a good thing you’re with Alex or you’d be putty in the hands of anyone else.” Andy smiled as he knew Sam didn’t care.

  “I love being putty in Alex’s hands. She can do whatever she wants with me.” Sam smiled as she remembered taking their shower together.

  “Good thing. So what are you two doing today?” Andy
was taking the trail ride out and hoped they would come along.

  “We’re going to ride up to the canyon and take a look around. Jessie’s never been up there and I thought we could have a picnic too.” Sam hoped Jessie could get that much time away from her duties.

  “Sounds like fun. If I wasn’t the lead wrangler I’d tag along. These new guys are good, but they just need more experience with the guests you know, trying to keep them from running off to play cowboy.” Andy knew he would be able to go with them another time.

  “Hey, we’ll go out with you guys one of these days.” Sam realized she needed to get to the kitchen if she wanted to get a lunch packed before they left, and needed to check things out with Alex first. “I need to get moving if I want this plan to work. So we’ll talk more later.”

  “Absolutely, see you then. You three have fun, if we don’t talk before we head out.” Andy wished his boyfriend, Dean, was here. He was spending the holidays with his elderly parents, but would be here for New Year’s Eve.

  Walking in quietly, Sam found Alex staring at the ceiling holding her pillow. After sliding her boots off she slid across the bed and lay next to her. Alex was watching her and smiled as she rolled over on her side to face Sam.

  “What were you thinking about?” Sam had seen that far away look in her eyes.

  “We were having a picnic up in the meadow like last time and just enjoying each other’s company. How’s Andy?” Alex hoped they had a nice talk as she outlined Sam’s jaw with her index finger.

  “He’s fine and I invited him to have dinner with us one night. I was thinking about taking a picnic lunch on our little adventure today. What do you think? That way we won’t have to hurry back.” Sam wasn’t sure if this would work since Jessie might not be able to take that much time away from the office.

  “I love that idea. Let’s go see Pablo and tell Jessie. If she doesn’t want to be gone that long, can we still make it work?” Alex didn’t want to shoot down Sam’s plan, but she wanted Jessie to be able to come today.