The Payment

by Mysty McPartland

  Roughly moving his wife out of the way, Dane went to toss the covers aside. He intended to get out of bed, get to town, and try to save his brothers.

  Surprised at being shoved away, India jumped off the bed. She placed her hands on Dane’s chest, keeping him in bed. “For God sakes, Dane what are you trying to do? I know how much you want to go to the boys, but you’re in no state. Please just stay where you are.”

  Dane growled. He could feel himself already weakening. Seething, he fell back against the pillows.

  “I’ll go to town and see the boys and Jeff.” Jesse spoke up once Dane lay back down. Spinning around, he rushed from the room consumed with guilt that he never stopped the twins from leaving.

  When Jesse left, Dane knew the next time he saw his brother; he would have to apologize to him. It isn’t his fault the twins found themselves in trouble.

  Not long after Jesse left Dane, fell asleep. India stood gazing down at him with her arms wrapped around her waist. Worried about the twins she wondered how any of them could help them out of this horrendous situation. She knew Dane must be going out of his mind with worry for them, and she hoped it wouldn’t interfere with his recovery.

  How could things become such a mess? What would happen if the twins were found guilty and were hung? She hated to think what might happen to the rest of them if it happened. She didn’t doubt the first thing they would do would be to seek vengeance, and she knew it would be in bloodshed. She didn’t doubt it for a moment. Somehow, she needed to find a way to prevent it if it came down to such a thing.

  Her heart ached for them all, she only wished she could find away to send their mother away. There isn’t any doubt the woman caused all the problems they were suffering. Somehow, they needed to find a way to be rid of her for the last time. Sighing heavily, she turned away from her husband and with a heavy heart left the room.

  After supper, Jesse returned with Jeff. Along with everyone else, except Mason and Tye, they were cloistered up stairs with Dane. India tried to concentrate on her sewing but her thoughts were on her husband and the twins. Though a little hurt over not being included in the discussion-taking place, she knew someone needed to be with Mason and Tye.

  She sighed sadly and let her hands and sewing drop on to her lap. The young ones were now in bed and asleep. However, she knew they would most likely find their way into her and Danes bed sometime during the night.

  This latest catastrophe hit them hard, and they have been upset since they returned from school. She wished she could find some way to protect them from all this, but she knew there would be no way to shield them. She prayed they would all come out of this ugly situation without any of them being destroyed.

  Completely worn out, Dane lay back and closed his eyes after everyone left his room. He felt so utterly useless lying here. He also felt worthless knowing for the moment he could do very little for the twins. He did not want to think about what would happen if they could not find proof or prove the twins were not responsible for the man being killed.

  It would destroy them all if the twins were found guilty, a harsh determined light filled his eyes. No, he needed to find the truth and establish the twins were innocent; never would he let his brothers hang. Never. If he needed to kill to save them so be it, he would do whatever he needed to do. He swore to protect his brothers no matter what.

  THIRTY-SEVEN

  Dane had done a heap of thinking since the twins were arrested and everything inside him told him their mother was behind all the trouble they were having. The bitch would use anyone or anything she could to get what she wanted. She did not care who she destroyed or what damage she did as long as she got her way. Well, this time he would stop her.

  This time she would find out she could not have what she wanted and if the twins were sentenced to hang, he would kill her with his bare hands. Mother or not the bitch is pure evil, and he wanted her out of their lives forever.

  Full of deadly rage, he sat up and tossed the covers aside sick to death of lying in bed, and sick of his wife hovering over him forcing him to remain here. Enough was enough; he swung his legs over the bed and winced as pain tore through his injured shoulder. Gritting his teeth, he stood up, moved over to the dresser, and pulled open the draw.

  He lifted out a pair of denims and with his jaw clenched tightly pulled them on. Frantic to go to town and see the twins, he would not put it off a moment longer. His head lifted when he heard the sound of a horse. He moved over to the window and lifted the curtain. When he saw who sat in the buggy cold lethal rage filled him. Dropping the curtain, he quickly did up his pants. He ignored the pain tearing through him as he hurried from the room.

  In the parlor, India tried to ignore her growing worry over the twins and the hurt she felt over her husband’s coldness. She continually told herself it was only because of his worry over the twins, but still it hurt. She knew also that she probably would not be able to keep him in bed much longer. He grew more desperate each day to go town and see the twins.

  Worriedly she stood up when she heard the sound of a horse. She patted her pocket and felt the little gun; she kept it with her continuously now. She hurried out of the room and pulled the door open. Taking one look at the woman in the buggy, she hastily pulled the gun from her pocket, and hiding it in the folds of her skirt, ready if she needed it.

  Irene, about to step down from the buggy when the front door flew open, decided to sit back down. She smiled superiorly when she saw her son’s wife.

  When the woman did not say anything, India lifted her chin arrogantly. “What are you doing back here? I’m sure you realize you're not welcome here.”

  Irene turned to the Sheriff, fluttered her lashes and looked dejected. “I tell you Sheriff Butt it breaks my heart to know I’m not welcome in my own home.” She reached out and placed her hand on his arm. “It seems I must insist you do your duty Sheriff, since I am being treated so meanly.”

  Sheriff Butt blushed and cleared his throat as he felt himself fill with desire for the beautiful Mrs. Mathews. “Ahem, I’m here to get the youngin’s. They belong with their Ma, and I came to make sure she leaves with them, since she’s their proper guardian and all.” He eyed the woman at the door warily, remembering his last confrontation with her a few days ago.

  Indignation filled her, India stiffened and went to take a step outside, but she found herself being pushed aside and watched as Dane charged out of the house bare footed and shirtless. Her gaze shifted to the pair in the buggy, and she could see the shock and worry on their face. She knew then they were hoping to find her alone, making it easier for them to steal the boys away.

  Dane heard what the Sheriff said as he stood on the veranda, his eyes burning and glittering with the immense rage that filed him. His lip curled up in a sneer. “I warn you bitch, if you try and take the boys you’ll live to regret it. Now get the hell out of here.”

  Irene dropped her lashes over her eyes and tried not to let herself be affected by the powerful anger emanating from her oldest son. She could feel the fury and hate and forced herself not to tremble. For the first time, she could ever remember she felt apprehensive and a little fearful. She drew in a breath and pushed the feelings away, determined nothing would to stop her getting this ranch. Nothing.

  She lifted her lashes and lifted her head. “Those boys belong with me, and I’m taking them. I have papers signed by Judge Owens giving me custody. Now I suggest you run along and fetch them, and then I’ll be on my way.” Smiling confidently she knew her son would have no other choice but to hand the boys over to her. Once they were in her hands, she would finally have what she wanted and when she did, they could have the little brats back.

  Dane threw his head back and gave a chilling laugh. He watched the self-assured smile die on his mothers face. “That piece of paper is as useless as you are. Pa made sure that you would never get your dirty disgusting hands on the boys and gave me and Jesse guardianship until they turn twenty-one. If anything happens to
Jesse, my wife, or me the other boys, Tuff and Chin Li would take over the guardianship. You’ll never have a chance to ruin their lives.”

  Irene jumped up, her face twisted in anger and hate, making her look ugly and evil on the outside, just as she was on the inside. “You dirty bastard you’ll never get away with this. You’ll see. I’ll get those boys and this ranch, one way or another, I’ll get them. This ranch should have been left to me. After all I had to put up with, having one brat after another. Having to give myself night after night to that pitiful man you call father. I earned it and nobody will stop me from having it.” She collapsed back in her seat unclenching and clenching her hands in her lap.

  “Get her out of here Butt, and I warn you to keep her away.” Dane warned in a deadly voice and watched the Sheriff start the horse and turn the buggy around and head down the drive.

  India, still reeling over the horrible scene she just witnessed, moved slowly outside and stopped when she stood beside her husband. His anger frightened her; even now she could see the cold deadly look on his face. She reached up and placed a hand on his arm. She felt the muscle's bunch beneath her fingers. When he turned to look at her, she dropped her hand and took a step back alarmed at the deadly rage in his cold hate filled eyes.

  For the first time, she truly felt frightened of her husband, when he turned away and walked back inside she sagged against the railing. Her heart beating like a drum, she lifted a hand and covered her mouth stopping herself from calling out his name. Never before did she ever see anyone look so furious or deadly determinedly cold.

  Unable to bury his murderous rage, Dane shrugged his wife’s hand away. Even though he looked at her, he didn’t see her. All he could see was his mother’s ugly evil face. He stormed inside the house and into the study and slammed the door shut. He ignored the pain rippling in his shoulder.

  He pulled the top off the decanter and lifting up the glass bottle drank deeply. Trying to dull the cold deadly rage eating away at him, all he wanted to do when he saw his mother was to put his hands around her throat and squeeze the life out of her. “Bloody women they were all the same, cold blooded bitches every one of them.”

  Once more, he drank deeply from the crystal decanter. When he emptied, he tossed it on the floor. Wiping his hand over his face, he let out a loud roar, bending over he flung the cupboard doors open. Spying a bottle of whiskey, he grabbed it up and spinning on his heels stalked across the room and flung the door open.

  THIRTY-EIGHT

  He needed to get away from here. He needed to get away and calm down. Without thought or concern to the way he was dressed, he headed back outside. When he stepped onto the veranda, Dane ignored his wife’s soft voice calling his name and headed for the barn.

  India wiped the tears from her cheeks when she heard her husband’s bellow of pain and anger. She wanted to go to him and sooth him. She straightened up when she saw him come outside with a full bottle of whiskey in his hand. She called his name and it hurt when he ignored her and strode angrily towards the barn.

  A few moments later she watched him ride out and away. She collapsed into a chair, covered her face with her hands, and wept softly. The change in her husband frightened her, and it hurt her to realize that he did not want to share his pain with her. It finally took this to show her that he did not love her. He may care for her, but love her, no.

  Oh, he may be happy about the child but his heart, he kept to himself. It devastated her to finally know the truth. Now all she wanted to do is leave, but she couldn’t. The boys needed her and she could not break their hearts. No, she would have to wait until all the problems were solved and leave then. It would hurt unbearably but she could not remain here knowing that Dane did not love her.

  Jesse arrived home and once he saw to his horse, he headed to the house, when he opened the door and met with silence he frowned. What now he thought? Didn’t they have enough trouble? With a heavy worried sigh he moved into the parlor, pulling off his hat, he spotted India curled up on the sofa weeping softly.

  Worried, he hurried forward and squatted down in front of her. “What’s wrong? Dane’s all right isn’t he?”

  India lifted her head and tried to blink away the tears that filled her eyes. “He’s fine. He took off over an hour ago, just after your mother left.”

  Rocked by what India told him, Jesse shuddered when he heard about their mother being here. He could well imagine the scene. When he heard India sob, he dropped his hat and took her into his arms. “Hush India, he’ll be back soon.”

  With a shake of her head, India sobbed softly. “No, it was horrible Jesse, really horrible, and ugly things were said. He didn’t need me.” She buried her face against his shoulder and wept.

  Oh, God Jesse thought it must be even worse than he imagined, he searched desperately for a way to stop India from crying. He almost sighed in relief when he saw Chin Li come into the room.

  Chin Li kept checking on little Missy every few minutes ever since Dane rode out like the devil chased him. He grew very concerned for her and when he found her weeping in Jesse’s arms shook his head sadly. “You best go find him, Missy needs him. If she keeps weeping, I worry about baby.” He sat down, took Missy out of Jesse’s arm, and held her while she wept.

  Jesse could only stare at Chin Li’s in shock; no one knew that Dane and India were expecting a baby. Seeing the worry in Chin Li’s eyes, he reached out, picked up his hat and stood up. Shoving his hat on his head, he gave a quick nod and hurried outside to start searching for his brother.

  As he rode, Dane drank deeply from the bottle, trying to rid himself of all the pain and worry eating away at him. Swaying slightly in the saddle, he reined in his horse and awkwardly slid from the saddle. When his feet hit the ground, he took another long swig from the bottle and staggered towards the river. He pushed a branch aside and sucked in his breath.

  He stood motionless as he watched Dianne standing naked waist deep in the water. His eyelids grew heavy as he watched her place her hands on her breasts and lift them. He watched as her hands slid down her body and beneath the water.

  Dianne heard the horse ride up. At first frightened, she turned to flee but when she saw Dane, she peeked beneath her lashes and let a small smile play over her lips as he stood staring at her. She intended to tease him and let him see what he so foolishly gave up. Playing with her breasts, she let her hands slip slowly down her body and under the water. Suddenly, she turned fully to face him and let out a gasp of surprise. “Oh my I had no idea you were here.”

  Dane lifted the bottle and took another drink, he could feel himself swelling and growing aroused. “Is that right?” He slurred and grinned at her.

  Her eyes traveling over Dane, Dianne grew breathless and hot. She became aware of his state of undress and noticed the bulge growing quickly in the front of his pants. Licking her lips, she moved seductively out of the water and towards him. When she reached him, she lifted her hand and placed it on his naked chest.

  “Let me show you how good I can make you feel, and then you’ll realize you should have married me.” Her hand glided over his hard massive chest, down his ribcage, and flat stomach to the top of his pants.

  His breathing harsh, Dane didn’t move. He wondered though, just how far Dianne would go, and he admitted his curiosity grew to find out. As he watched her from heavy hooded eyes, he took another drink. “Well then sweetheart stop talking and let’s see.”

  Unaware of his cold sarcasm Dianne started unbuttoning his pants, her heart pounded in her chest as desire and triumph rushed through her. When the last button fell open, she pushed his pants down and wrapped her hand around his hardness. She glorified in his raspy growl and the thrust of his hips. At last, she thought, I have this man in my power, and now I will enthrall him for all time. Dropping to her knees, she knew what she intended to do would hold him to her for as long as she wanted him.

  Dane, amused at Dianne’s antics, but when she held his throbbing hardness in her hand
, he couldn’t help his reaction. When she dropped to her knees, he sucked in his breath and stood eagerly, anticipating what would happen next.

  THIRTY-NINE

  Jesse spotted Dane’s horse and slowed his own down to a walk; he pulled up beside the animal. Dismounting and dropping the reins, he moved through the bushes and came to an abrupt stop when he saw the scene in front of him. His blood turned cold and sickness filled his belly.

  He could not believe it, did not want to believe what he was witnessing or what he could see his brother about to do. He slammed his eyes shut as he tried to rid himself of the horror his eyes just saw. He shuddered and opened his eyes just in time to see Dianne drop to her knees. Unable to bear any more, he let out a tortured roar and pulled his gun. “Get your scrawny ugly body out of here bitch before I put a bullet in your filthy whoring heart.”

  Dane groaned and turned to look over his shoulder to gaze drunkenly at his brother. “Ah come on Jesse. When she’s finished with me, she'll do you.”

  At first terrified, Dianne froze at Jesse’s cold deadly words. When Dane started speaking, she smirked, but a second later, she screeched in outrage at his ugly suggestion. Pulling her hand away from his hardness, she jumped to her feet.

  Jesse moved closer, ignoring his brother, his eyes drilling into Dianne’s. “Get the hell out of here now.”

  Dianne gazed at Dane hoping he would stop Jesse.

  “Oh come on Jesse, put the gun away.” Dane slurred out the words.

  Dianne felt herself growing a little confident. “Yes Jesse put the gun away and leave, Dane and I are busy.”

  Never before could he ever remember feeling so disgusted or sickened in his life, Jesse let his gaze roam over Dianne’s nakedness contemptuously and when he finished laughed coldly. “I would prefer any one of the whores in town brother to this skinny undesirable bitch. I’m warning you for the last time Dianne leave now.”