Cowboy Sanctuary (The Dixon Ranch)

by Michelle Hughes

  My brother was a smart man most of the time, but his stupidity here was going to get him an ass whooping. Without a second thought, I smashed my fist into his jaw, sending him stumbling to the ground. “If you ever speak about Dana that way again, I’ll kill you!” I shouted. Of course I wouldn’t, but I was like a man coming off a two-day drinking binge.

  “If you weren’t my brother, I’d have you locked up for that.” Travis glared at me, and I returned it, not sorry in the least for punching him. I was willing to do more if he made the mistake of saying anything against my woman again!

  “Fine, you pigheaded ass. You don’t want a dose of reality, you’re entitled. I gave my warning, so if you choose to run off without knowing what’s going on, it’s on you. Just remember, that kid out there needs a father, and if you get locked up, then you take away all he’s got left in this world,” my brother reasoned.

  The last part made sense, but what was I supposed to do? I couldn’t sit here and do nothing when Dana was in danger. If she was afraid for our safety, then her own was my worry. “What the hell am I gonna do?” I wasn’t asking Travis, because he was at the top of my shit list right now—well, second place, anyway. I was thinking out loud, not sure how to fix this and keep my boy safe at the same time.

  “I got some friends on the force up that way. I’ll send someone over to her house and make sure she’s OK,” Travis offered. That idea was the smartest, but smart and love were rarely good companions.

  Maybe I was feeling a little guilty for cold-cocking him now and was trying to make amends, so I asked, “How the hell do you know people up there?”

  “We had a National Sheriff Association convention up there a few years back. You should remember, since you pitched a damn hissy fit over me leaving for the weekend.” Travis was acting like my burst of rage was already forgotten, but I knew my brother. He’d find a time and place to get even when I least expected it. I couldn’t say much since I probably deserved it. Still, he wasn’t going to bad-mouth Dana!

  “Fine, but if I don’t have an answer in two days, I’m heading to the city.” Let him think I was taking his advice, because I wouldn’t put it past him to lock me up on an assault charge to keep me here. As much as we acted like idiots to each other sometimes, we would do anything to protect our own. “So you know, if he hurts her, nothing will stop me from destroying that piece of shit!”

  “Could you not tell me that? I’d like to have at least plausible deniability if something happens. I do work to uphold the law, asshole!” Travis could say whatever he wanted, but I knew if something happened to me or any member of the family, he’d say the same. Putting on a badge didn’t take away the need to protect those you loved.

  “Just find my girl,” I said, then walked out to the porch to take my son from my mom. I needed to hold the most precious thing in the world to keep me from going insane.

  “You and Little Man need to come stay at the big house for a few days,” Mom suggested. “I don’t know everything going on, but if Dana left, I know she had her reasons.” Leave it to my mom to be on my side. I think she already considered Dana one of her own.

  “I don’t want to stress you out,” I replied. That, and I wasn’t good company for my folks right now. If I didn’t go, my mom would know I was going to bring my woman home. What the hell was Dana thinking?

  “I wasn’t asking. Go pack your things. Your sister and Levi are staying until Matthew gets back from buying those new Angus cows. It’ll do you some good to spend some time with the family.” I’d forgotten my brother-in-law was headed to Nebraska this week. Arguing with my mother was never a good idea, so I agreed. She’d worry like crazy after I left, but hopefully one day she’d forgive me.

  I packed up a bag for me and Jeremy, leaving another dozen messages for Dana before we even got to the folks’ place. Mom was worried about me, I could see it in her eyes, and the way she kept patting my leg reminded me of when I was a kid needing comfort. “She’s a smart girl, son. Give her credit that she knows what she’d doing.”

  I had to bite my tongue because I respected my mother more than any person on this earth, outside of my pop. Forcing calm into my voice that I didn’t feel, I responded, “I know she is, but that man is dangerous, and she’s a good girl. She should have stayed and let me protect her.” It was my duty as a man to take care of her!

  “If I thought Crawford or any of you boys were in danger, I’d do whatever it took to protect my family. I know y’all think women can’t do everything a man can, although me and your sister should’ve taught you better. I blame that on your father. It’s one thing to respect a woman, another to treat her with kid gloves. You mark my words: she’ll fix what needs fixin’ and be back before you know it.”

  “Now, Mom, I ain’t never thought you were some weak, helpless woman. Hell, you are the heart of this place, and I’ve seen you do more than most grown men could handle. Dana’s different, though. She wasn’t raised on hard work and country values.” Sure my girl was full of piss and vinegar, but that was attitude. A stiff wind could blow her away, and though Derrick wasn’t a big man, I didn’t think she was strong enough to fight him off if he did something she didn’t like.

  “Shut your mouth, boy. I won’t have you talking about her like she’s some weak-kneed city girl! That woman took care of your boy on her own, dealt with the murder of her sister, and still managed to drive halfway across the country to bring Jeremy home,” my mom pointed out. Little Man began whining when my mom raised her voice, and I was shocked at the rage in her tone. I knew where I got my temper from. Toning it down, she tossed in one last barb. “Sometimes having a brain works better than being strong enough to rope a calf, and she’s got more smarts than you and me combined.”

  “Big brother, I’d advise you to listen to something other than that big ego of yours for a change,” Susan said, her hands out for Jeremy. He reached his for her, and I watched them walk away.

  I thought about what she’d said. It was my “Me man, you woman” attitude that had put me in this position to begin with, so I tried to consider what my mom and sister were saying.

  “Maybe I have been a little pigheaded, but what am I supposed to do? I can’t just sit here worrying about what Derrick is doing to her.” My mind was coming up with all the worst-case scenarios. He was beating her, raping her, force-feeding her drugs. I was so full of fear and anger that I couldn’t think straight.

  “That’s how I felt every time you left for the rodeo.” Mom put her hand on my arm gently. “Sometimes you must put your faith in the good Lord and hope for the best.”

  And sometimes God helped those who helped themselves. I kept that thought to myself because sassing my mom wouldn’t change anything, and I was already going against her by putting a plan of action together.

  My phone rang, and I hoped it was Dana. I answered it quickly. No such luck. All hell had broken loose. Ranger had been thrown from his horse, and several hands were out in the field trying to calm down Borris, the stud bull. That damn animal was the orneriest we had, and had he not been a champion breeder, I would have sold him off.

  “Shit, damn, and tarnation!” I screamed into the phone, because not only was I worried about my brother, I needed to get on the road, and I couldn’t leave with a situation like this happening.

  “Language, young man!” My mom still treated us like we were school boys at times, and she didn’t allow profanity in her house. I quickly explained what was going on, and she promised to watch Jeremy and call Travis in.

  I drove like a man possessed to the barn to mount Satan, hoping I could get this taken care of, then take care of my other business. No such luck!

  Ranger was fine but a little winded, but the disaster was that Borris was charging anyone who came near him, and he wasn’t an animal to be toyed with. Marshall had ridden out with me, but I demanded he stay outside the gate. The last thing I needed was his momma cussing me out for letting her little boy get mauled. He wasn’t happy being
treated like a kid, but his ego wasn’t my problem now. Getting Ranger out of a dangerous situation was.

  Frank was trying to lead the bull off, but Borris kept circling, wanting to finish what he’d started with my brother. Ten other riders were trying to corral this monster, and I swore he would be sold the minute we got him under control. If he hurt my brother again, he might make it to the kitchen table. Ranger was trying to stand up, and it made Borris attempt a charge. Without thinking I jumped off my horse and ran to put myself between them. Worst damn rookie mistake ever!

  Borris tossed me over his head. I landed on my ass, and luckily escaped being gorged to death. “Fuck!” The word escaped my lips as I felt searing pain move through my head. A loud shotgun blast cracked across the field, and finally the nightmare was over. Travis came running, gun blazing like some Wild West cowboy. Never in my life had I been happier to see him.

  “Y’all done lost your damned minds?”

  Ranger and I were stumbling to our feet. I managed to stand, then crumbled to the ground again, darkness surrounding me.

  I woke up later in a hospital bed, cursing, only to hear my brothers laughing their asses off and my mother telling them they’d be needing their own bed if they didn’t knock it off. “Get the nurse in here,” she yelled. Her raised voice made my head feel ready to explode, and I lifted my hands to cover my ears, suffering another round of almost nauseating pain.

  “What happened?” I’d sustained injuries before but never lost consciousness.

  “Got some bruising on your ribs and a concussion, both deserved for not using your common sense,” Travis explained. He was once again on my shit list, and I glared until the pain in my side made me grunt.

  Ranger looked like he had come out better than I had, since he was standing and I was hooked up to an IV and now looking at a nurse, who seemed to enjoy looking into my tortured face.

  “Try not to move your head so much,” she said with a mocking smile, and I could tell we weren’t going to get along well. “Next time consider not putting yourself in front of a wild animal. Although every nurse up here is talking about how brave you were.”

  Was she flirting with me? Had to be the head injury. I felt like hell and was sure I didn’t look much better.

  “I appreciate the help, but you know you’re gonna be ribbed on this for a long time,” Ranger put in. His chuckle told me he was going to make sure I didn’t hear the end of it.

  “Just remember whose ass—I mean, butt—I was saving, pretty boy.” I spoke the words softly, because sounds weren’t my friend, but I had enough common sense to tone down my language with my mom standing close by.

  “How long will it take him to heal?” Mom was giving me that patented “I’m going to dress you down” look, mixed with with concern, and I knew playing the pity card might save my hide.

  “All the tests came back normal, so it could be in a few days or more,” the nurse replied. “Best thing to do is rest and take acetaminophen for the pain. We’re going to keep him overnight just to make sure there’s nothing else going on.” She handed me a little plastic cup with two pills in it, and my mother poured a glass of water and waited until I put them in my mouth before putting a straw to my lips.

  “Momma’s boy,” Travis joked with a smirk, and I was thinking my fist needed to find his face again.

  “Stop that right now. I’m staying over with him tonight, and Susan’s taking care of Jeremy. You boys head on home and help her out. Y’all know Matthew is out of town, and your pop isn’t much help taking care of kids.” Mom was officially my hero as they piled out of the room with their heads bowed. That woman knew how to get things done.

  “I appreciate you staying, Mom, but I’m gonna be fine. You should go home and get some sleep. Susan shouldn’t be stressing herself out with another baby on the way either.” I didn’t mind her being here but worried it was too much.

  “That girl could round up a herd while carrying both those babies on her hip, so just get some rest and let me worry about everything for a change.”

  She winked at me, and I wasn’t going to argue. Mainly because it wouldn’t do any good, and I liked having her here. I hated hospitals. Always had since the last time I’d seen her laying in a bed here.

  I couldn’t remember ever feeling this tired before, and doing as ordered, I fell into a deep slumber. In what felt like minutes, I was awoken again by a different nurse. This one was a sweet young thing I’m sure Ranger would have fallen head over heels for. “Sorry, but I have to wake you up every three hours,” she said. She checked my vitals and smiled at me. I returned the smile, not wanting to be rude even though I felt ready to smack someone.

  “If you need anything, I’m Cassandra. Just hit your little red button, and I’ll come check on you.” She was a cute little thing but not my type. There was only one woman who fit my needs, and then the memory of where she was came filtering through my skull. “Are you in pain?” Cassandra asked.

  “What? Oh. No, just thinking about someone.” I kept my voice down because my mom had fallen asleep in the cot they’d brought in for her.

  “If you’re sure, I guess I’ll let you get some rest.” The nurse’s eyes roaming over me told me she was interested, but I wasn’t in the mood to flirt.

  “I’m fine. Thanks.” Closing my eyes so hopefully she’d get the idea and leave, I thought about getting out of here and going to retrieve my woman. It was dark outside, which meant I’d been here most the day, and Dana was still in that monster’s grip. My head starting aching—not from the concussion, but from being unable to act on my plans.

  By the time I was cleared to leave, it was halfway through the afternoon the following day. My mother kept me cocooned to her side like some invalid, and I was getting angrier by the minute that I couldn’t go where I belonged.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Dusted

  Dana

  Dining out with Derrick wasn’t something I was looking forward to. Thankfully he’d given me a day of reprieve, telling me he had things to take care of before we could move forward. I’d managed to pull myself off the couch and walk through my existence, even though I felt like I was barely living. Life without the little man and Brock felt like the worst form of torture.

  I realized I hadn’t given up a thing by leaving Chicago, and even found it hard to sleep with all the sounds because I’d grown used to the peace and quiet back on the Dixon Ranch. I forced myself to get dressed in a style Derrick would approve of, but I hated that I was already bowing to his needs. We were meeting with some business associates, so at least I wouldn’t have to be alone with him. I’d take that any day of the week.

  He picked me promptly up at seven and made a few tactless remarks about how good I looked. His opinion didn’t flatter me; instead it made me want to go throw on a pair of jeans and T-shirt. Thinking better of that idea, I slid into his sports car and buckled myself in, and he drove like a maniac to the classier side of town. I loved the restaurant he’d driven us to but doubted I could eat a thing. I didn’t ahve much of an appetite. In fact, I hadn’t done more than drink coffee since returning home.

  Alinea was a restaurant my sister and I often went to before she met Derrick. We didn’t partake of the gallery dinners that were outrageous priced and about as private a dining experience as eating in your own home. Eating here was like watching the best of the culinary world, and I hated that I was experiencing it with Derrick. Five of his colleagues joined us, and while they looked like upstanding, well-off businessmen, there was something off about them that I couldn’t put my finger on.

  Five courses into the thirty that would finish the cuisine show, I knew my instincts were on target. The eldest of the group, who was probably in his early fifties, began talking about the repayment of a loan. I was obviously in the dark since I didn’t know what business arrangements Derrick had, but the man kept turning his attention to me with a glare that told me I was involved somehow.

  “I’ve got everything
handled. All I’m asking for is a little more time.”

  Derrick was nervous? From what I’d seen and Danielle had told me, he was always cool in the face of adversity. Now I was beginning to worry.

  “Your version of that and mine don’t seem to mesh, Mr. Stallings. I expect immediate repayment. Things will not go well for you if you can’t give me a better answer than having it handled.” The man looked at me again, seeming to take in my person with a little too much interest for my liking.

  “Perhaps I should leave you gentlemen to talk business,” I suggested. I wanted to run from the room because my fight-or-flight instinct was taking over. I can’t recall ever being this nervous in the company of others. Standing up, I physically recoiled when the older man grasped my wrist firmly.

  “I believe you might just be the incentive needed to make sure this agreement is honored,” he said. The smile on this man’s face was like something out of an old gangster movie, daring me to take another step.

  “There’s no reason to get excited, Beckman. I told you I would take care of this. Besides, Dana is mine, and I don’t appreciate her being touched by anyone other than me.” Derrick had picked a great time to label me as his property. The last thing I wanted was these men thinking I had some emotional connection to Derrick when it was apparent they weren’t nice people. I attempted to snatch my wrist away, but the man held on tighter, making me gasp in pain.

  “Take your fucking hands off her,” Derrick demanded. The look of anger on his face scared me almost as much as being held by this unreasonably strong man. He didn’t look like he possessed the ability to hurt a fly. I guess looks were deceiving, because a gun appeared out of nowhere, aimed right at Derrick’s head.

  My first thought was horrible—as in, I hope he shoots him so my problems will be over. Then I realized that thought made me a terrible person. “Look, I’ll sit down,” I said. “There’s no reason for violence.” I didn’t want to do it, but watching Derrick get killed would make me feel guilty for the rest of my life. He probably deserved it for all the horrible things he’d done, but that wasn’t my call to make.