by Darla Lark
She banged his head against the floor and screamed, “She didn’t deserve to die. You should’ve left me and the people I love alone. Now I’m going to show you how it feels to die.” She began to wale on him. By this time, she was uncontrollable and even more enraged. She beat him with the flashlight. “You’re a worthless piece of garbage! You’re nothing! You son of a bitch! Murderer!”
She didn’t know how long she had been beating him, but she eventually felt her body ache and trembled. With tears streaming down her face, Cheyenne pulled away from him and leaned against the recliner. She began to cry even harder as she pulled her knees to her chest and pondered what she was going to do next. Her life had been torn apart. After the divorce, things were supposed to get better. Then Eric happened and took everything from her. Everything! Deep in her thoughts, as she cried, she didn’t notice the movement next to her. She heard the click.
Chapter 49
She snapped back to attention and saw the gun pointed to her head. She looked up at him. His face was bruised and bleeding. He was angry and ready to shoot.
“Get up,” he shouted. She hesitated and he repeated, “GET UP!” He snatched her by the arm, yanked her up in a fit of rage and threw her against the wall so hard she felt it dislocate her shoulder.
Cheyenne howled. “If you’re going to kill me, do it. Get it over with. I’m sick of you, sick of looking at you and playing your warped games.”
He glanced at the empty recliner. “Where is he?”
“I don’t know and if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.”
He hit her with the butt of the gun and she dropped like a hammer hitting a nail. She lay there pretending to be unconscious hoping he would go away. He stood over her and aimed the gun at her head. When she heard the click, Cheyenne leaned up and bit his leg. He screamed. She shot up and knocked the gun out of his hand, grabbing it. Tears were streaming down her face and her hands were trembling. She wasn’t sure if she would be able to fire the gun if he moved to attack her.
He stood there holding his leg. A twitch at the edge of his lips curled into a mean smile. “You’re definitely a tricky, yet brave one.” He paused. “Or stupid. You really should think before you do things like this.”
“Shut up. For once, just shut up.” She couldn’t hide the trembling of her voice. “You picked the wrong one to mess with.”
“If that’s true, why don’t you shoot me then? Get it over with, Cheyenne.” He started to move toward her and she took a step back. “Come on. Don’t be a chicken. Do it. Come on, Cheyenne. Do it! Come on! Do it! Do it! Shoot me!”
Cheyenne shook her head. “No. You’re not worth it. I’m not like you. I’m not a murderer. Nor am I psychotic. You think you can just take anything or anyone you want, but you can’t. What you believe we have isn’t real. I feel nothing toward you. Nothing. No love. No respect. No fear. No anger or hatred. Nothing.” She could see his expression change. Fearing what he might do next, she took another step back.
“What are you going to do with that if not shoot me? Huh?” He lunged at her, causing her to drop the gun. A skirmish ensued before he overpowered her. He had his hands around her throat, squeezing. There was no room for her to kick him. His legs pinned her down. Her hands were on his arms trying to pull him off of her, but he was too strong to fight and she passed out. Her eyes closed as she saw a shadow come up behind Eric.
~
Cheyenne saw light, but her sight was blurry. She struggled to regain focus. Familiar voices. She was confused. Where was she? What happened? Her vision cleared and she saw Raina and a nurse talking.
“But she will be okay, right?”
“Yes. She’ll be all right, but she will need time to heal.”
“When can I take her home?”
“My guess is within a day or two, but I’ll have to ask the doctor to be sure. Anything else?”
Raina smiled wearily. “No. Not at the moment. Thanks.” The nurse walked out and Raina quickly wiped her tears away when she realized Cheyenne was awake. “Oh Chey!” she said, making an attempt to hold the tears back. “Michael called the police and knocked Daniel… Eric… whoever he was, out. Then he passed out.”
“Michael?” she asked and attempted to sit up.
Raina rushed to her side. “No Chey. Just lie there. You need to rest.”
“But Michael… where… how is he?” Cheyenne stammered. “Is he okay?” The look on Raina’s face revealed too much. “Oh no!”
“No, no, no.” Raina grabbed Cheyenne’s hand and squeezed. “No, honey. He’s not dead, but he is in ICU, in critical condition due to a massive amount of blood loss.”
“Is he going to be all right?” Cheyenne’s voice a mere whisper.
“I don’t know, Chey. I don’t know. The police have Eric in custody. He’s been charged with murder, kidnapping, and rape. The police were ecstatic that they finally caught him. Detective Lawrence, especially.”
“Poor Michael. It was so hard to find him like that. So hard, Rain. He is such a good man. I love him. If he…” Cheyenne burst into tears and began to fear the worst. Please God. Please don’t let him die. I love him.
Raina was quiet. “How’s your arm?”
She sniffled. “It’s okay, but Michael has it worse. I’m less worried about myself than I am about him. I need to see him. How’s Mrs. Warner?”
“She’s not handling it so well.”
“Poor woman. She probably blames me. Though I can’t blame her if she does. It’s my fault entirely. I should’ve never moved in with him. Michael would never have gotten hurt.”
“Sweetie, it’s not your fault. I’m sure she doesn’t blame you,” Raina encouraged as she stroke Cheyenne’s hair.
Cheyenne sighed and closed her eyes. “Yeah. Well. If I were her, I would.”
“Chey, she doesn’t.” Raina’s face held a somber expression. “She’s angry with Daniel or Eric, whatever his name is, but we’re glad they caught him. In fact, we both are.”
“I don’t know, Rain. I just don’t know. I’m so scared for Michael.” Cheyenne sobbed, making the bed shake.
“Oh, honey. I know, but you have to think positive. He’ll be okay once they get more blood in him. He’s going to be fine.”
“I put him in here,” Cheyenne wailed.
“No, Cheyenne, you didn’t.” They looked over to see Mrs. Warner walk in. “I can’t and won’t blame you for this. It was that psychopath’s fault. How are you feeling, my dear?”
“Mrs. Warner. I’m so sorry. I should never have been with him. He should never have gotten involved in my problems. No one should have.”
Mrs. Warner gently patted Cheyenne’s hand. “Don’t worry, my dear, he’s going to be all right. He’ll be in ICU for a little while getting blood transfusions and his wounds monitored.”
“I tried to protect him. I tried.” Cheyenne became hysterical.
“Nurse! Nurse!” Raina called out.
The nurse came in quickly with a sedative and a needle, injecting Cheyenne. Within minutes, Cheyenne mumbled, “I’m sorry,” before blacking out.
Chapter 50
Cheyenne awoke to find her sister sitting next to her with her head resting on the bed. Raina still had her fingers interlaced with Cheyenne’s. Cheyenne remained still so as not to wake Raina and stared at her. How tired she looks. Poor Raina. She must’ve been so worried. Her stress levels must’ve been so high. Then again, so were hers. She felt bad for Michael. It was her fault he was injured and no matter what anyone said, she would always feel guilty. If it hadn’t been for her, Michael wouldn’t be hurt, Mrs. Warner wouldn’t be worried about her son, and she wouldn’t be here feeling guilty about it all and hating herself.
Cheyenne felt Raina move and squeezed her hand. “Hey, Rain.”
Raina rubbed her eyes and stretched. “How are you feeling?”
“It depends. How’s Michael?” Cheyenne asked with concern.
“Still the same.”
Cheyenne flooded with
guilt again.
Raina patted Cheyenne’s leg. “I know that look, Chey. It’s not your fault.”
“I want to see.”
“See what?”
“Michael. I need to see for myself. I need to know he’s all right. Besides, I don’t want Mrs. Warner thinking that I’m trying to avoid her or Michael.”
“She doesn’t, Chey. Mrs. Warner is very kind and understanding. She is just as worried about you as she is Michael. Besides, you’re in a hospital bed, honey. It’s not like you’re going anywhere right now.”
“I have to see him, Rain. I need to see him.” Cheyenne whimpered. “I love him and want to spend the rest of my life with him. He’s the most caring, loving, wonderful man. What am I going to do if he dies?”
“Oh Chey! He won’t die. I promise.” Raina patted her hand for comfort.
“You can’t make those kinds of promises. No one can. Now can I see him? Please?”
Raina sighed and nodded reluctantly. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you.”
~
Raina walked back in twenty minutes later. This time a nurse walked in with her. Cheyenne looked at her sister, questioningly.
“I brought your nurse in to explain.”
“Explain what?” Cheyenne asked.
Raina nodded at the nurse. “Ms. Harrington, you can’t go see Mr. Michael O’Neill. At least not for a couple of days. We just want to monitor you to ensure that everything is all right.”
“But I’m fine. I feel great.”
“I understand that, but we need another day or two and we’ll see. In the meantime, I will check on him for you and come back with an update. Does that sound okay for the time being?”
Cheyenne looked back and forth between the nurse and Raina and realized she didn’t have much of a choice. She reluctantly agreed, but not without a few protests. The nurse gave her a shot. Cheyenne relaxed and quickly fell asleep again.
Chapter 51
Cheyenne was at home while Michael was still in the hospital. He’d be coming home in a few weeks. All she knew was that she was glad to be home, but wished Michael was with her now.
Raina stared at the scarred wood where Eric had impaled the sword and finally inserted the key and opened the door.
“Thanks Rain.” Cheyenne said as she walked into the mansion.
“For what?”
“Everything.”
Raina closed the door and locked it. “What? Being a sister? No need for thanks. If I can’t be here for my only sister, then what am I here for? You would do the same for me.”
“I’ve been through a lot lately and I know I’ve put you through it, too. I don’t know what I would have done without you. I’m truly sorry for not being there for you. I’ve been so wrapped up in my own problems that I haven’t thought about yours. You lost your husband and your children lost their father. Things couldn’t be more painful than that.”
Raina placed her hands on Cheyenne’s shoulders. “Look, you’ve had a lot going on. It’s okay.”
“How are the kids handling things?” Cheyenne motioned to the couch. The recliner still had blood stains. She shivered and attempted to remain focused on the conversation at hand.
“Still a little rough. They can’t believe he’s gone.” Raina twirled a strand of her hair around her finger before flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Why don’t I go fix us some tea? Then we can talk.”
“Sounds nice.”
“Be right back.” Raina hustled to the kitchen.
~
Raina reappeared twenty minutes later with a tray holding a teapot and two teacups with sugar and milk. She filled the cups and began to ask how much sugar and milk Cheyenne wanted. Once they each had a cup, she sat.
“Anyway, where were we? Oh yeah. You and the kids. What’s been going on with you guys?”
Raina sipped her tea and shrugged.” Like I said, the kids are taking Aiden’s death pretty hard. I haven’t and won’t tell them the entire story. I can’t destroy their memories of him.” Her eyes welled up and she quickly turned away to hide her pain.
“How’s Finnegan?”
Raina laughed. “I was wondering when you were going to get around to asking about him.”
“I’ve been a little busy. How is he?”
“He’s doing great. The kids absolutely adore him and he has adjusted so well. Fin fits right in.”
“I guess it’s a good thing I wasn’t planning on keeping him, isn’t it?”
“Oops. Sorry. Guess I wasn’t thinking that one through.” Raina grinned.
“Of course you didn’t,” Cheyenne said with a shrug. “However, I am glad he’s doing well.” She cleared her throat. “What are you planning to do now?”
“What do you mean?”
“With your life without Aiden. You and the kids.”
Raina let out a ragged sigh and shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. Right now, I’m trying to work through all of this and make sense of things.”
“I know, sis. I am too.” Cheyenne turned her cup of tea in her hands. “I am at fault for this.”
“Chey, look at me.” When Cheyenne raised her head to meet her sister’s gaze, Raina continued. “None of this is your fault. You had two psychopath’s stalking you. No one could have anticipated any of this.”
“I can’t help but feel responsible.” Guilt washed over her. “If it weren’t for me, none of this would have even occurred.”
Raina reached and gave Cheyenne a pinch on the leg. “Stop it. Don’t beat a dead horse. Everyone has told you it’s not your fault. I love you, Chey, but you need to move on from this. This is as much of a struggle for me as it is for you.”
Before Cheyenne could respond, the doorbell rang, giving them a start. They looked at each other with wide eyes. Cheyenne half expected the door to be knocked in and a gun pointed in her face again. Raina stood next to her and linked her arm through Cheyenne’s. They haltingly made their way to the door.
“Wh-who is it?” Cheyenne called out.
“It’s me, Mrs. Warner.”
“Mrs. Warner.” Cheyenne breathed a sigh of relief before opening the door.
“Hello, my dear. How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. Come in.” She closed the door behind her and turned to look at Mrs. Warner. “How did you get past the gate?”
“He is my son. It’s not like he never gave me the code. I am his mother after all.” Mrs. Warner toddled into the living room. “Where do you want me to put these?”
“Muffins,” Cheyenne stated.
“Chocolate chip.”
“Mm. My favorite.”
“That’s why I baked them just for you.” Mrs. Warner started to place them on the table.
“Thank you.”
“Why don’t I take them into the kitchen so you two can talk?” Raina took the plate and walked away.
“You want to sit?” Cheyenne asked and offered her a place on the couch.
“Sure.”
“I’m really glad you stopped by.”
“Me too, Cheyenne. Me too. I wanted to let you know I don’t blame you for what happened, because I know you’ve been worried about that. I don’t blame you. Stop worrying your pretty head about it.”
“I’m glad you don’t, but I do. I can’t help it. To be honest, I’m thinking about calling it quits with your son to keep him safe. If anything else happened to him, I wouldn’t be able to live with, much less forgive myself. I love him too much.”
“I see. Let me say this. Before you actually do that, I want you to think about how much he has been through for you. In fact, he was just talking about how much he’s looking forward to coming home to you. He’s in love with you, Cheyenne. I’ve never seen him so happy with anyone else.” She reached over and put a comforting hand on Cheyenne’s knee. “Look, Cheyenne, I understand what you’re trying to do and I appreciate it, but honey, he loves you so much. Believe you me, I get that you are scared after everything you’ve been t
hrough, but he can keep you safe. Plus, he’s a constant in your life. A very strong constant and you need that.”
“What if Eric escapes from prison and comes back? What if he kills Michael? Wouldn’t you blame me then?”
“The police are working on keeping him in prison. Michael and Detective Lawrence have been talking quite a bit. My son is more worried about your safety than his. All he’s been thinking about is protecting you and, no, I would not blame you.”
“How can he be that thoughtful after the injuries suffered because of me?”
“Love. Besides, you have no control over unstable individuals. Just give it a chance. Don’t break his heart, please. He’s a good man and you’re a good woman. You deserve to be together. You need each other.”
Cheyenne nodded. “I know. I love him, but want to keep him safe, too. Ever since we got together, it has been nothing but problems and none of them have been between us.”
“Oh, honey. It’ll be all right.”
“Thanks Mrs. Warner.”
“So,” she said as she slapped her knees, “we’ve got a wedding to plan.”