Broken Vows (Domestic Discipline Romance)

by Mariella Starr

  "I don't know," exclaimed Jenny turning to see her blouse sleeve red and wet with blood. She pitched forward. Josh grabbed her before she hit the floor, gathered her into his arms, and carried her into the old laundry room they now used as a break room. The men had moved an old table and chairs into there, along with the requisite coffee pot. Kevin ran out the kitchen door.

  Josh set Jenny on an old kitchen chair, where Buddy came over, gently laid his muzzle in her lap, and whined softly. Kevin came running in a few seconds later with an oversized EMT first-aid kit he kept in his truck. He handed Josh scissors, "Cut off the sleeve so we can see what happened."

  "Keep your eyes closed, sweetheart," Josh ordered, his voice thick with concern. He knew his wife's predisposition to fainting at the sight of blood.

  There was a three-inch, horizontal gash across the bicep of her arm.

  Kevin ripped open several packages of gauze and applied it to the cut. "Put pressure on it," he directed Josh as he began opening and closing kitchen cabinets. He found a large stainless-steel bowl, filled it with water, and then went back to searching the cabinets. "There are no towels here. I'll have to get them from your place."

  "Go to Mila's," Jenny said weakly. "Please, don't scare her or Emmie. She is at our house. They were napping when I left."

  He was gone in a flash, as Josh continued to hold pressure on her arm.

  "What happened?" Josh asked. "No, keep your eyes closed."

  "I don't know. I ended a call to Mom when something knocked the phone out of my hand. My arm stung and then started burning. Was I shot?"

  "I think so," Josh said. "Luckily, it looks as if it is only grazed the skin. I told you to stay away from the wooded areas."

  "I wasn't anywhere near the woods!" Jenny's eyes flew open in indignation, but at the sight of the blood-stained gauze, she at once closed them again as a wave of dizziness washed over her. Josh pushed her head down between her legs.

  At the same time, Kevin came through the door laden with paper towels, tea towels, and soap. "What's wrong?"

  "She faints at the sight of blood," Josh explained.

  "Wet a towel with cold water and hold it on her forehead or to the back of her neck," Kevin instructed. He took over the job of dressing her arm. "Buddy, back off, down!" he commanded. The concerned dog stopped pacing and lay down in front of Jenny's chair, his eyes watching every movement they made.

  "I called the Sheriff," Kevin stated. "It's a superficial graze, but he had to be notified. I don't think it needs stitches, but you should get a tetanus shot if you haven't had one in a while. I think you might have to go to the hospital, anyway. I suspect it might be standard operating procedure when dealing with bullet wounds."

  It was the procedure. The Sheriff did not arrive for thirty minutes. By then, the men had bandaged Jenny's arm, and she had changed her clothes. Mila now knew what had happened, and was both disturbed and angry.

  The Sheriff took their statements. He assumed it was a stray bullet from someone hunting in the area. He said she was extremely lucky.

  Josh did not think it lucky and he lambasted the Sheriff because the incident meant someone was using the property as a hunting territory. He personally had posted 'no trespassing' and 'no hunting' signs around the perimeter of the entire property. Josh demanded to know what else they could do to secure the area.

  The Sheriff tried to calm him down. This was the only accident, so far, out of the hundreds of gun carrying hunters who had descended for the season, and the injury was minor. He told Josh short of erecting a fence around the entire property, there was not much more he could do to keep hunters away. If a rifle shot did not hit its target, it would keep traveling. A stray bullet could travel a mile or more under the right conditions. It was a fluke this one had gone through the woods without embedding itself in a tree or branch."

  Jenny said she had not heard the crack of a rifle shot.

  The Sheriff said Jenny needed to go to Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango and have the doctors look at her arm for the official police reports and insurance purposes. He called out several of his deputies, along with the Game Warden, to search the surrounding wooded area for hunters since it was private property.

  Jenny complained about making a needless trip, but it did her no good. She was bundled into Mila's slightly larger coat and off they drove to Durango. They sat in a waiting room for over an hour behind numerous cases of sprained and bruised body parts from the ski resort. After a tetanus shot and a prescription for antibiotic cream, they were on their way back home.

  Josh was quiet for a long time on the drive back before saying, "I want you, the kids, and Mila to stay inside or close to the house until hunting season is over. It will continue for three more weeks, not including the poachers and trespassers who aren't supposed to be on the property. In the meantime, I am contacting Mitchim to get authorization for a fence, a tall fence, conceivably electrified, or with razor wire to discourage trespassing."

  "How much land goes with the property?" Jenny asked.

  "A little more than five-hundred acres," Josh said.

  Jenny thought it over and then said, "Could this be a fluke as the Sheriff said? I mean, yes, we will stay inside as much as possible until after hunting season, it makes sense. However, even if the new owner agrees, a fence around the entire perimeter sounds terribly expensive."

  "I don't think the cost will matter," Josh said carefully. "He has a family, so I know he would do whatever it took to protect them, just as I will. I am all for letting hunters do their thing, but not when it endangers my family. I will get an answer this afternoon or tomorrow."

  They drove in silence for a while.

  Josh felt both furious and helpless, but he did not want to sound as if he blamed Jenny when she was not at fault.

  Jenny bit her lip. She was concerned Josh would blow this incident out of proportion. She did not want to leave their home and move again. It might be temporary, but they were happy here. Yet, she knew Josh would move them in a heartbeat if he thought they were in danger.

  Josh finally took her hand, squeezed it, and smiled weakly. "I'll take care of it, Hon.

  "There's something else you should know. I meant to tell you earlier, but it went clear out of my head after you scared me half to death. Tyrell called. He wants to bring his family out for a skiing vacation sometime before Christmas. Since we live here and have access to what Mitchim referred to as a Chalet in Vail, I'm going to check into it."

  "It sounds like fun, but remember Mila is due the week before Christmas. We shouldn't stray too far for a couple of weeks both before and after her due date.

  "I'll shoot for the second or third week in November," Josh promised. "Then we won't compromise Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the birth of the baby. According to Tyrell, this is supposed to be one heck of a winter, something about an arctic airstream?"

  "Where is your mysterious friend and boss? Why isn't he taking advantage of the skiing at Vail?" Jenny asked.

  "He is working, taking care of his family, and trying to get his head on straight," Josh answered truthfully. "I don't know anything about this Chalet except it is in Vail, which is an expensive resort area. Apparently, the chalet was an investment property rented out in both summer and winter. He decided not to rent it out from November through February this year, to keep it open for his use. When he's not using it, we can."

  "He is a very generous boss," Jenny said, "an improvement over Pugh and Barkley.

  Josh laughed, agreed, brought her hand to his lips, and kissed it, "A significant improvement."

  * * *

  "I'm all right," Jenny repeated for what seemed the hundredth time over a late dinner Mila had cooked. "I will take aspirin tonight and be okay. In the morning, we will go to the church we wanted to try. In the afternoon, we will help paint your bedroom and living room. It has been such a crazy week, we haven't had time to get to it, but we promised."

  "You are not painting tomorrow. You are resting,
" Josh said firmly.

  "It's my left arm, I am right handed," Jenny protested.

  "No. We will get the painting done, Mila. We have been delayed, but I promise we will get to it."

  Jenny did not argue. She knew from the look on her husband's face, she had no chance of winning. "Are you coming to church with us," she asked Mila.

  "I'm not much of a church-goer," Mila answered.

  "Another thing we have in common," Kevin said. "Josh, I have something I want to show you before I leave."

  "Sure. I will be back in a moment, Jenny. I'll take care of the dishes. I want you on the couch vegging. Thanks, Mila."

  Josh followed Kevin to the main house and into his office where Kevin pulled a stack of papers off the printer. "I didn't invade your computer, I used my laptop, but I did connect to your printer. These are printouts for some rough estimates on the cost of fencing in the property… ten-foot chain link, one or two rows of electric optional."

  "How did you know what I was thinking?" Josh demanded.

  Kevin shook his head. "Man, I guessed it when you were sparring with the Sheriff. You are a city man who would think a fence can protect your family, and it will to a certain degree. I called three local companies I know and can vouch for them. I hope the guy who owns this place has deep pockets. These estimates have a steep price tag."

  "Can it be done in the winter with the ground frozen?" Josh asked.

  "Oh, yeah," Kevin said. "Hydraulic down pressure augers can drill into the frozen ground. It's kinda cool to watch because they raise the rig off the ground and use the weight of the machine in addition to the weight of the auger. Snow will delay them, but not frozen ground. Well, I have to get home to check in at the shop and make sure everything is on schedule there."

  "Thanks for your help today," Josh said. "You said as a city man I would think fence. What would you think?"

  "If it were my family, I would have a bunch of buddies out there on ATV's or snowmobiles, watching for trespassers and tracking each other by walkie-talkies. If we managed to catch some good old boys, they would spend time in jail although the Sheriff probably wouldn't be too happy with my friends or me. I can't advocate you doing that because you are too new to the area. You and your boss would both be best served going with a fence. The fencing would also keep the elk and deer outside the property lines, and that's what the hunters are following."

  "What about surveillance cameras instead of electric fencing?" Josh asked.

  "It's a thought, but you wouldn't be able to use local vendors. One of the problems with small towns is everyone knows everyone else's business. If the owner wants to go high-tech, it might be better than fencing. It would be something to look into, only keep your mouth shut about it. Otherwise, the very people you are trying to catch will know all about it."

  Josh nodded, "I am beginning to get the hang of this small town living."

  "Small town living is great, for the most part. Durango has fewer rotten apples than most cities. The trouble is we have so much good going on, the few bad apples stand out more."

  "Sometimes, I think you are no more a small town local than I am," Josh said sagely.

  "It's my wild college years in Miami showing through," Kevin said smiling. "When I was twenty-two, I thought sun, beach, and bikinis were my destiny. I was young and dumb. It took me a while to figure out where I belonged. The funny thing is I came right back to where I started. Well, I have to get Buddy. I think I have lost partial custody of him to your kids. You should think about getting them a dog, the pound is full of them, and they are good for security, too."

  "We've talked about it. Enjoy your day off."

  "Oh, I will," said Kevin with a gleam in his eye.

  Josh sat down at his computer and did some preliminary research, in addition to reviewing the fencing estimates. He did not particularly care what it cost. He wanted electronic surveillance, in addition to fencing and for the first time in his life he didn't have to worry about the costs.

  * * *

  Kevin Carter pulled off the road and into the driveway of a house owned by snowbirds. Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to Colorado during the winter months, but not the Elkins. Before the first snowflake fell, they were sitting on a beach in Belize. No one would notice him here. He watched until Josh and his family drove past on their way to church in Durango. He waited twenty more minutes before returning to the Bentley place, telling Buddy to lie down on the porch, and knocking on Mila's door.

  "Aren't you off today?" Mila demanded, standing in the doorway and blocking him from entering.

  "Yes, but we are here to keep you from doing something you are not supposed to do," Kevin said pushing his way past her. He surveyed her living room and turned back to face the pretty, but angry, pregnant woman. "I knew it. I saw it in your eyes last night when Josh said they weren't going to paint your place today. I knew you would try to do it yourself."

  "Whether or not I paint my living room is none of your business," Mila exclaimed.

  "Have you looked in the mirror lately?" Kevin demanded. "You have no business attempting this. You even have a step ladder to climb!"

  "Again, it is none of your business," Mila exclaimed.

  Kevin took off his fleece-lined jeans jacket, tossed it over a peg, unbuttoned, and rolled up his sleeves.

  "I didn't invite you in here," Mila snapped.

  "Tough," he growled. "Sit your ass down in a chair, supervise if you want, but it is as close as you get to a paint roller or brush."

  "You can't tell me what to do!"

  "Try me, Missy. I know you are a capable woman, Mila, but you are acting like a spoiled brat. Your job right now is to protect the little one inside you, which includes not doing dangerous things."

  "Why do you care?" Mila demanded.

  "I haven't got a single clue," Kevin said honestly. "However, I will not let you hurt yourself if I can stop it. Make me some coffee and stay out of my way."

  Mila never moved.

  "Sweet Pea, I don't know what kind of men you are used to, but I am not the kind you want to piss off. You may be very pregnant and uncomfortable, but I can add to your discomfort by spanking the shapely little ass of yours. You might as well learn quickly when you have lost an argument with me. Now, make me coffee. I tend to be cranky without my morning caffeine rolling around in me, and you are not helping matters." He grabbed the stepladder and a roll of masking tape and began to tape around one of the window sills.

  Mila gave a frustrated huff and went into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. When she returned, she took a roll of tape and began to tape around the doorways as far as she could reach without stretching or bending.

  Kevin turned to stare at her for a few seconds, and then nodded and returned to his work.

  When Mila completed what she could, she went into the kitchen, poured a large mug of coffee for him, sneaking a sip before making herbal tea for herself.

  "Thanks," Kevin said, taking the cup and downing a third of it gratefully. "Are you allowed to have any?" he asked.

  "One eight-ounce cup a day," Mila admitted. "I cheat with decaf in the morning and the real deal in the afternoon."

  "It won't be for much longer unless you plan on breastfeeding."

  "Are you sure you don't have a wife and ten kids?" Mila sniped. "You know an awful lot about pregnant women."

  "Six married sisters, twenty-three nieces, and nephews," Kevin reminded her. "I am the certified backup birthing coach in the family since I have EMT training. I take one-evening shift every two weeks at the volunteer fire department. I have delivered two babies and been a coach twice when my brother-in-laws were out of town and their kids popped out unexpectantly. I'm a handy person to have around when women go into labor."

  He moved over to the paint cans still stacked against the wall. "Which color?"

  "The sage green."

  "Do you want to save this carpeting or are you going to rip it out," Kevin asked.

  "I haven't ch
ecked to see what is under it yet. It's not my property, so Josh's boss makes those decisions."

  "Josh likes wood," Kevin said walking over to a corner of the room. He bent down, gave a yank, and pulled the carpeting and underlayment away from the walls and the floor. "There's oak under here. I wasn't sure since I was in college before this section was built."

  Mila moved closer to look at the beautiful wood floors. "Why would anyone cover this with carpet?" she asked.

  "Mrs. Eugenia Dougherty was the housekeeper here. She came with Mr. Bentley from wherever he lived before moving here. Local rumor had it he came from California or Florida depending on who is telling the tale. He had a mini-stroke, or an aneurysm, or something, not long after he moved in. Afterward, no one saw much of him. He paid a fortune to build this place and didn't skimp on details. My Dad said he put three of us kids through college on what he earned working here.

  "Mr. Bentley worked with a decorator in the beginning, but after his health failed, he lost interest. Mrs. Dougherty took over. Her taste ran toward yard sales and white elephant church bazaars. Everyone in town knew if you posted a sign, she would be there early. The woman loved what she called 'a bargain.'

  "These floors are in good shape," Kevin said, walking to another corner and yanking up more carpeting. "I will have to remove the tack strips, but a round-edge kick molding will cover the damage. I'll use the carpeting as a paint drop before removing it. A good cleaning, a buff, and this floor should be good to go."

  "You don't have to do this."

  He grinned. "Yes, I do. Otherwise, you will try to do it. I would hate to swat a pregnant woman's bottom, even one as cute as yours. Put on a jacket and extra socks, or go over to Josh's house, I'm opening windows."

  * * *

  "What on earth," Jenny said as they parked the Land Rover in the driveway after church. They saw Kevin loading rolls of carpet into the back of his truck, there was a lot of it.

  "Let's get the kids down for naps, and then we will find out what he's doing," Josh suggested. Kevin waved a hand with a metal tool in it and went into Mila's section of the house. Meanwhile, Buddy left his sunny spot on the deck to trot towards them to greet the kids.