When Jesse swung her up in his arms, India wrapped her arms around him. “Please Jesse tell what’s happened to him.”
He found it impossible to meet her gaze. Jesse concentrated on making sure he didn’t miss a step on the stairs. “His been whipped badly, but listen to me India, he’ll be fine.”
A sob caught in her throat. “And Traye?”
His gaze flew to hers, his eyes full of torture. “I don’t know. He’s lost a lot of blood but Chin Li will save him.”
Before she could say anymore, Jesse carried her in to her room. She gasped in horror at seeing the destruction to her husbands’ back. Oh God. Who would do such a terrible thing? When Jesse placed her on the chair next to the bed, she reached out and brushed the hair off his brow. “Oh dear God, Dane. Dane my love can you hear me?” Tears poured down her face as she stared at her husband’s face, hoping he would open his eyes.
Tears welled in his own eyes; Jesse turned away and quickly left the room to fetch the things India needed to take care of Dane until someone else could take over the task.
Reluctantly moving her eyes from his face, India forced herself to look at the damage done to his back. Dear God, what sort of monster would do this to another human being? She forced herself to concentrate on what needed to be done. When Jesse came back, he would have to strip Dane, she needed to clean the wounds thoroughly so no infection would set in.
Jesse rushed back into the room with Reese. Both carried a bucket of water and things India would need to take care of Dane. After they placed the things by the bed, tight lipped, they went about stripping Dane of his clothes. When they finished, they covered him with a sheet draped over his hips. Reese left the room wanting to be at his twin's side.
“India let me help you sit on the bed.” Jesse helped her and once she was seated, he placed a hand on her shoulder. “Call out if you need anything, or if you get tired.” He wanted to stay and help but Traye’s injury was more life threatening and Chin Li needed help taking out the bullet. Reluctantly he left room.
Drawing in a deep breath, India went to work. She wet a soft cloth and after wringing it out as gently as she could, she started to clean the wounds on her husbands’ back. Every now and then, she needed to stop and wipe the tears running down her cheeks. It might be slow painstaking work, but she wanted to make sure that no dirt or anything else remained in any of the open wounds.
FIFTY-TWO
After checking on Traye and seeing that Chin Li and everyone else were in control of the situation, Jeff raced up the stairs to check on Dane. For a moment, he stood in the doorway and shook his head sadly. He could see India drooping with exhaustion. She needed to rest. Striding across the room, he stopped beside her and snatched the cloth from her hand.
About to protest India turned and looked up. Seeing Jeff, her shoulders slumped. “I have to clean them again.” She said weakly.
Jeff bent down beside her. “I know but you’re exhausted, I’ll do it. Let me help you to another room to rest.”
She shook her head backwards and forwards in denial. “No I can’t leave him.”
“Then let me help you around to the other side of the bed, and you can lay next to him.” Jeff blew out a breath when she nodded in agreement. Tossing the cloth in the bucket, he straightened up, helped her to her feet, and led her around the other side of the bed. When she sat down, he bent down and took off her slippers, lifted her legs, and placed them on the bed. “Try to sleep.” He said softly before he hurried around the bed. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he went about cleaning Dane’s wounds.
India hated feeling so helpless. Curling up on her side, she watched Jeff as he gently and methodically went about cleaning Dane’s wounds.
Finally, satisfied Dane’s wounds were now thoroughly cleaned; Jeff straightened up and shifted his gaze to India. He smiled seeing that she at last slept and she still held Dane’s hand. Hearing the sound of footsteps approaching, he stood up and sighed when Chin Li hurriedly entered the room.
“How is boy and Missy?” Chin Li stopped beside Jeff.
“The wounds have been thoroughly cleaned and India is sleeping. How is Traye?” Jeff held his breath as he waited for the answer, praying that Traye would live.
“He strong will take while, but he will be fine, now I take care of Dane. Go.” Chin Li moved around Jeff and picked up the jar of cream.
Knowing not to argue with Chin Li, Jeff took one more look at the pair on the bed and reluctantly left the room. When he walked into the parlor, he saw Reese, Jesse, and Tuff sitting on various chairs looking tired and worried. He took a seat of his own and stretched out his legs. “Devon should be back soon. He’s sending a wire to some friends of his, and they should be here in a few days.”
“I don’t want to wait a few days. I want to get the bitch now.” Reese was about to jump to his feet but Tuff’s words stopped him, and he slumped back in his chair silently fuming in impotent rage.
“Just sit where yah are boy, yah in enough trouble as it is and yah ain’t going off half cocked anywhere. We’ll wait until Devon’s friends arrive and do this all nice and legal.” No matter how much he wanted to go after the bitch who hurt his boys, he knew he would have to leave it up to the law.
“Tuff’s right Reese. No matter how much we all want to, we can’t. Just a few more days Reese and it will be all over, and she will never see the light of day again I promise.” Jeff said emphatically, once Irene was captured he intended to make sure the woman would be jailed for the rest of her evil life.
Reese mumbled a few curses and jumped to his feet. “I’m going to go up and sit with Traye. Let me know how Dane’s doing.” He stomped out of the room and upstairs to sit with his twin.
“Can’t blame Reese. I want to get my hands on that bitch so badly.” Jesse said after Reese left.
Tuff felt tired and old, he had failed to keep the boys safe.
Out the corner of his eye, Jesse saw Tuff’s shoulder's slump. He rose to his feet and went to sit on the sofa next to the old man. “The boys will be up soon, they’ll need you.”
Jeff quickly caught on. “Yes they will, we all need you and Chin Li.”
Tuff fought the tears filling his eyes. “I’m just an old man; I failed to keep yah safe.”
Jeff jumped to his feet and joined the others on the sofa. “Damn it Tuff you didn’t fail any of us.”
“He’s right Tuff, you couldn’t prevent what happened. You and Chin Li are our fathers, and we will always need you both.” His words rasped out of him. Jesse reached out and hugged the old man. “We love you.” He whispered softly.
Not used to showing affection easily, Jeff cleared his throat and joined Jesse in hugging Tuff.
For a moment Tuff let himself be caught up in the emotional moment, his arms went around both the boys and for a precious moment, he hugged the boys back. After a few minutes, he dropped his arms and cleared his throat. “Ah come on you two let’s get in the kitchen and get some coffee on and start breakfast.”
Both Jeff and Jesse blinked the tears from their eyes and gave each other a rueful smile before they stood up. When Tuff got to his feet, they followed him out to the kitchen.
“Mason and Tye are going to be upset. Someone will have to keep them busy for the next few days. I don’t think it would be wise to let them go to school.” Jeff suggested as he filled the coffee pot full of water.
“Don’t worry none. I’ll see to them.” Tuff replied. He felt guilty for failing to keep Dane and Traye safe.
Jesse gave Jeff a grin and a wink before he went into the larder to fetch the slab of bacon. He took a few moments to get his own emotions under control. Rage sat in his blood waiting to get out, and he hoped Devon’s friends would get here quickly.
Finished applying the salve to Dane’s back, Chin Li tiredly sat in the chair by the bed. The tears ran down his face. How could a mother be so evil she would do such ugly and cruel things to her own flesh and blood? He knew the answer, and it shamed him
to his soul that the woman was part of this family.
Well evil beget evil, the woman’s soul will burn in hell for eternity for what she has done to his boys. This latest evil would be the last. It is time to end things for good. Since Missy came, the boys have changed so much and much happiness filled the house, and it will again he promised. It will again.
FIFTY-THREE
Dane swam up from the blackness and groaned when the fire on his back consumed him. He clenched his jaw to bite back another groan.
India lay awake for some time and continued to stare at her husbands’ face; she gasped softly when she saw his lashes flutter and heard his soft moan. She knew he must be in unbearable pain. She lifted her hand and stroked his cheek. “Dane? Dane can you hear me?”
Slowly, Dane forced his eyes open and from blurred vision could make out his wife’s face lying on the pillow next to his own. “India, oh God India. Traye, Traye where is Traye?”
“Sh don’t get yourself upset, Traye is fine just as you are.” India quickly reassured him.
“Thank God, India I lo…” He couldn’t finish the blackness swallowed him up again, but before he completely succumbed to it. He felt relief wash through him knowing Traye is safe and alive.
Tears slipped down her face, India felt relieved that Dane finally regained consciousness, even if only for a few moments. When the door opened, she turned her gaze and saw Jeff step into the room. She needed to relieve herself and needed someone to help her off the bed.
Jeff came in and stood by the bed gazing down at Dane. “How is he?”
“He just woke up for a few moments. Jeff, I need you to help me.” India felt the blush cover her face embarrassed of her plight and she couldn’t meet Jeff’s eyes.
His gaze going to India’s and seeing the embarrassment on her face, Jeff felt his own face heat up understanding what she needed. Dropping his gaze from hers, he hurried around the bed and as gently as he could help her up on her feet. “Ah…do you need any more help?”
India didn’t think her face could burn any hotter, but it did. It might be all right doing this with Dane but with one of his brother’s well it was downright embarrassing. “No I can manage.”
Relieved Jeff quickly left the room to give India some privacy. He would go down stairs and bring her up some breakfast.
“How is Dane?” Jesse asked as soon as Jeff walked in the kitchen.
Jeff busied himself loading a tray. “Fine. India said he woke up for a short time. I’ll take her up some breakfast.”
“I want to see Dane, why can’t I see Dane?” Tye cried.
Jeff reached over and ruffled the boy's hair. “Course you can, you can help me take the tray up to India. Do you want to come Mason?”
Mason swallowed back the tears that clogged his throat. “Yeah and I want to see Traye as well.”
Jesse could see Mason fighting back his tears and moved over, placed an arm around his shoulder. “Well I’m taking a tray up to Traye you can come with me.”
“Yeah and when you boys are finished with yah visiting yah can help me.” Tuff quickly spoke up, the young ones needed to keep busy and that is what he planned to do. Keep them busy so they wouldn’t fret or be frightened.
Tired to the bone, Devon saw to his horse and walked through the kitchen door. “How are they?” Were the first words that left his mouth when he stepped in the room.
Every head in the room turned towards the voice.
“They’re going to be fine.” Jesse answered and smiled reassuringly.
Devon took off his hat and hung it up. “Thank God for that. How bout a cup of coffee and I will tell you what’s planned. Then I intend to get a few hours shut eye.”
Chin Li had already poured coffee and handed Devon the mug.
A smile of thanks on his lips, Devon pulled out a stool and sat down. After taking a long sip of coffee, he set the cup down. “Marshal Williams and a few rangers will be arriving in a day or two.”
“Good but where have you been? We expected you back hours ago?” Jesse asked.
A smirk lifted his mouth Devon’s eyes twinkled. “I went back to the King ranch. There was sure a hell of a fit when they finally realized Dane and Traye had somehow escaped. After a few hour's shut eye, I’m going back to make sure none of them decide to sneak off.”
“I’ll go.” Reese said as he came further into the kitchen. He noticed the worried looks everyone sent him and glared back. “Don’t worry. I don’t plan to do anything else but keep an eye on every one of them.” He stood with his fist clenched at his sides as he waited. He relaxed only slightly when he received the nods of approval.
“I’ll help you saddle up and tell you where the best place to hide is so you can see both the back and front door.” Devon finished his coffee and stood up, he clapped Reese on the shoulder and both of them hurriedly left the kitchen.
“Can’t say I ain’t worried about the boy.” Tuff mumbled in concern.
“He’ll be fine; Devon will have a talk to him while they saddle the horse.” Jesse reassured Tuff. “Come on Mason, you can come up with me and since Reese is going out you can sit with Traye for awhile then go and see Dane.”
Mason gave a quick nod and jumping to his feet didn’t wait for Jesse but hurried up the back stairs to Traye’s room.
With a sad sigh, Jesse picked up the tray and followed behind Mason. God he wanted this over with and their life back to normal again, especially for the young boys. He could only hope that no lasting damage would be done to them.
A few moments later Jeff and Tye headed upstairs to Dane and India’s room.
India saw the fear on Tye’s young face, managed to pull herself up to sit, and opened her arms to him. When he came flying into the them, she hugged him and kissed the top of his head. “Dane’s going to be all right Tye I promise and so is Traye.”
For a few moments, Jeff let India's sooth Tye. “Come on Tye, let India eat her breakfast.”
Grudgingly Tye moved out of India’s embrace and sat on the bed staring at Dane’s injured back. “What happened to him?” He asked in a small-frightened voice.
Jeff positioned the tray on India’s lap and placed a hand on Tye’s shoulder. “It doesn’t matter. All that matters is he and Traye are going to be alright.”
Grateful to Jeff, India smiled up at him then dropped her eyes to Dane. She gave a soft cry when she saw that his eyes were open and clear.
“I hope there’s some coffee for me.” Even though the pain to his back burned unbearably, Dane determinedly would not to let it show.
Tye moved over to Dane, as soon as he heard his voice. He picked up his hand, held it tightly, and couldn’t fight back the tears that filled his eyes.
“Don’t cry Tye everything is going to be all right I promise.” Dane pulled his hand free and wrapping it around his younger brother, he pulled him down and cuddled him close. His eyes closed, weary from the effort but his little brother needed him and no matter how painful it might be or how weak his body felt, his brother came first.
FIFTY-FOUR
After regaining consciousness, Dane spent the first few days reassuring his wife and little brothers. Now thankfully he felt his strength nearly fully returned. Even though his back felt on fire, he was filled with determination to go with his brothers, the rangers, and the Marshal to finally finish it with his mother and the Kings. He sent India down stairs and now with Devon’s help dressed.
“Damn it Dane, why don’t you stay here? You can barely stand and your back must be killing you.” Devon tried to get him to see sense, but he could see by the stubborn set of his face, that he would not listen to reason.
It took everything in him but Dane gained his feet and adjusted his gun belt on his hip. “No I’m going. Nothing is going to stop me from seeing this through and ending it once and for all.”
“Hell.” Devon mumbled but knew Dane wouldn’t change his mind. “Come on then. Let me help you down stairs. But if you can’t sit on your blaste
d horse, you’re not coming.”
Dane threw Devon a disparaging glare, and clamped his mouth shut as Devon helped out of the room and down the stairs. Every step he took was pure agony and sweat popped out on his brow, but he would not change his mind. He just hoped he could stay on his damn horse, Devon would never let him forget it if he couldn’t.
“India isn’t going to like this, you realize it don’t you?” Devon hoped India would be able to talk Dane out of this madness. If anyone could it would be her.
“Damn it I know it. Let go I’ll be fine.” Dane said as they reached the foyer. For a moment, he closed his eyes and drew on every bit of strength he could find inside him. He would definitely need it to face his wife. After a few moments, his eyes opened, and he moved to the parlor doorway. He didn’t intend to go any further. “India.” He called her name and waited for her to turn, when she did, he smiled. “I’m going with the boys, don’t worry sweetheart we’ll be back in a short while.”
Surprised at hearing Dane call her name, India’s head swiveled around. She gasped to see him standing in the parlor doorway. “Dear God Dane are you mad? You can’t go anywhere in your condition. Please I beg you to not go.”
His jaw clenched tightly, Dane gave his wife a cold penetrating glare. “Don’t try to change my mind. You know it’s something I have to do. I promise we’ll be back soon, and it will finally be all over.” Before she could say anything else, he spun around and stumbled slightly as the pain ripping through him nearly overwhelmed him.
It was with only the greatest of efforts and willpower that he managed to overcome it and walk away.
Cursing, Devon hurried after Dane and caught him at the front door. “You’re being a stubborn fool. Come on damn it, let’s get this finished. You better stay on your damn horse.” He grumbled as he opened the door and helped Dane out of the house and over to the barn.
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