by Hebby Roman
“Can you believe we pulled this off?” Though more of an internal thought, she spoke the words out loud. A strong sense of dread started to crowd her thoughts. This had gone off way to easily. And it was far from over.
He squeezed her fingers gently. “It’s been a long night, but I never had a doubt. I had a good partner. How about we go take care of these horses and then I’ll leave to get my truck.”
Addison shook her head. “Why don’t you go get your truck now? I’ll brush down the horses.” Warily she considered all which could go wrong. “Better yet, we can ride back to the property line and then I’ll just pony Black Jack home. It’ll be faster.”
“You sure?”
“Honestly? No. I have a bad feeling about this, but, I’d rather you get there and come home as quick as possible. I’ll be on pins and needles until you return.”
“Home?” Sawyer teased. “I like the sound of that.”
Warmth crept up her neck, burning her cheeks. Embarrassed, she shrugged. Hard to admit the ranch felt complete, more like a home, when he was around. “You know what I mean. It will be.”
“Are you sure you’d be okay? This has been a long night.”
She nodded. “Yes. I’ll be fine. I won’t be able to sleep until you are back anyway. Plus, I’d like to check on the cows and the fence line again anyway. I’m more worried about you.”
He raised his hand, trailing his fingers along her cheekbone. “Don’t be. I’ll make it quick. In and out.” He leaned in and kissed her lips with a reassuring peck. “I have to. You promised me a lot more of these when this is all over, remember?”
“Yep. I’ll hold up my end of the bargain as long as you hold up yours. Make it quick and then get back to me.” She forced a smile, though her insides twisted with apprehension.
“Deal.” He kissed her again. “Let’s get this over with.”
They remounted and urged the horses forward. As soon as they reached the property line, Sawyer dismounted and handed her the reins. “I’ll see you in a few.”
Before she could reply, he headed toward the fence. Separating the barbed wire with a well-placed toe of his boot, he crossed through to the other side and then he was gone, his shadow swallowed by the darkness.
Addison shifted in her saddle unable to shake the feelings of uneasiness. On edge, she waited a few moments before heading back to the stables. She slowed down as she passed by the cows, which had clustered in a group. Fumbling in her pocket, she pulled out the flashlight and cast the light over the animals.
Satisfied, she stuffed the flashlight back into her pocket and continued on, praying Sawyer would be waiting at the stables by the time she reached home. However, as she neared the barn, there wasn’t any sign of Sawyer or his truck. A prickle of fear filtered in, but she refused to let the emotion take hold by telling herself he probably hadn’t even reached the vehicle yet.
She removed the saddle and pad from Black Jack and quickly brushed him down, and then turned her attention to Chesney. After taking care of the mare, she left the barn and gazed down her drive. Nothing. Something was wrong. He should’ve been back by now.
Struggling to breathe, she’d felt as if a weight had been dropped on her chest. She gasped for air, but forced herself to focus on a dark shape in the distance to control the panic rising up within. After a moment, she managed to catch her breath.
The shadow moved and she jumped. Reaching into her pocket for the flashlight, she grasped the cold metal with shaky fingers and pressed the button to turn it on. A beam of light highlighted an isolated cow.
The lone animal had strayed from the herd, somehow making its way close to the barn. Appearing restless, the cow kicked at the air and swished her tail. These signs, added to the cow’s desire to stray from the herd, led Addison to believe the animal was getting ready to calve.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she exclaimed out loud. After the night she’d had, a cow in labor was the last thing she needed.
Chapter Seventeen
Sawyer cut through the field swiftly. Guilt spurred him forward. Thoughts of Addison invading his every move. Leaving her behind would hurt more than he’d imagined. But, what else could he do? He should’ve been honest with her. Told her the truth about his past. And now it was too late. Time for him to move on.
To be brutally honest, running away was a far better choice than facing her with what he’d done. Seeing the horror of his actions reflected in her stare would likely kill him. Unless Ramsey got to him first. Hopefully this plan worked. If he took the fall, Addison would be free and clear.
All he had to do was drop a few hints and brag to the other ranch hands that he’d stolen Ramsey’s cattle right out from under him and then Sawyer could be on his way. Considering the front of the field ran alongside the road, it might even be believable. Who’s to say he didn’t have a truck and trailer sitting there ready to go?
The only part of his plan which wouldn’t work was Addison. His previous convictions faltered. He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t leave without giving her a say in the decision. The least he could do was tell her the truth. He owed her that much. If she didn’t want anything to do with him after he told her everything, then he’d understand.
As he neared the ranch hands’ quarters he slowed down. Though it was close to dawn, no one was stirring yet. Good. He could slip into the bunkhouse and spread his lies. If it all worked out, no one would be the wiser, and then he could return home to Addison.
Home. Addison. They were one and the same.
“Going somewhere? Or let me guess….you were just checking the fields?”
The sound of Ramsey’s voice spun Sawyer around. Before he had time to respond, a hard punch slammed into his face. Bright stars exploded, followed by intense pain, and the warm gush of blood.
“Some fools never learn. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Work him over boys. Then tie him up in the barn,” Ramsey ordered.
Though his vision was blurry, Sawyer tried to focus. He clenched his fist, raising both hands in defense as three vague, dark shapes surrounded him. Obviously outnumbered, he refused to go down without a fight. He swung, smashing his knuckles against one of the men’s jaws.
Shaking off the pain, he lashed out again, and soft flesh met his fist. A solid blow slammed into his stomach stealing his breath and another hit his side followed by two more jabs to his face, but he continued pummeling at the bodies coming at him.
A blunt object struck the side of his head, and though he fought hard, the impeding darkness won.
* * *
Sawyer heard the voices before he opened his eyes. Well, one eye. The other was swollen shut. He remained still despite feeling as if he’d been hit by a large truck, but managed a quick glance. Four men stood at the opening of the barn. One of them Ramsey.
The man would pay, he vowed. The moment he got free, Ramsey would suffer a beating worse than he’d received. And Sawyer wouldn’t have to employ three men to do the dirty work. He’d take care of the man himself.
He took a quick inventory of his surroundings. A thick rope about his chest secured him to a chair. His clothing was stained brown with dried blood, but nothing seemed broken besides his nose. He wiggled his fingers and shifted his weight to make sure. And though it was a struggle, he managed a deep breath.
Hay and straw littered the dirt floor and he knew he was in a barn. However, he wasn’t sure which one. There were three on Ramsey’s ranch. If he was in the one close to the bunkhouse, his truck would be nearby.
Not that it mattered at this point. The vehicle could be parked right beside him and he wouldn’t be able to get to it. Ramsey neared and kicked his boot. “Did you actually think you could’ve gotten away with double-crossing me?”
Sawyer raised his head and landed his gaze on the man’s smug face. If he weren’t tied to this chair, he’d knock the pompous man into next week, starting with the self-righteous smile.
“I guess you are denser than I thought. Of course,
I never would’ve thought you’d do something this stupid. The best part is you are nothing more than a drifter. A cowboy without a home. No one will even miss you. You were always dispensable…the fall guy in case shit hit the fan.” A gleeful light lit his gray stare. “I’m going to enjoy getting rid of you…the girl too.”
The sound of his own heartbeat amplified in his ears. He had to protect Addison. “She had nothing to do with your cattle. They’re halfway to the auction house by now. I stole them right from under your nose. Got a pretty penny for them, too,” Sawyer embellished. Playing his best poker face, he prayed Ramsey took the bait and the last lie sold the story.
“Still playing me for the fool? I know the girl is involved somehow. Slim saw you leaving her fields yesterday.”
“He’s right.” Sawyer cast a glance in Slim’s direction. If he weren’t tied up, the shifty cowboy would get what was coming to him, too. He returned his stare to Ramsey. “I did. She’s a looker.” He shrugged. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”
The man shredded him with a suspicious glare. “Do you honestly think I’m stupid? I know you helped her steal my cattle. There’s a muddy field of tracks leading straight to her property line. Saw it with my own two eyes. Your fate’s been sealed…I plan on beating you to death, but what should I do with the girl? A car accident perhaps?”
The story Addison told him about her parents swirled in his head, proving his suspicions right. Now he planned the same for her? “Don’t you dare lay a finger on her,” Sawyer growled, clenching his fists. “I swear if you touch her….”
“Ah, I see now,” Ramsey kicked his foot again. “You did this for love. It appears Miss Reed is in high demand. I believe Slim is sweet on the girl, too. In fact, he can’t wait to get his hands on her.” He nodded his head toward the trio of men by the door. “Ain’t that right, son?”
Sawyer followed his direction, stationing a deadly gaze on Slim.
“Sure is, boss.” The skinny cowboy’s mouth widened, showcasing a toothless grin.
“Then, you should be the one who brings her to me. Take the drifter’s truck. I’m sure she’s expecting his return.”
The ranch hand released a loud whoop, then turned to leave.
“Wait a minute, Slim,” Ramsey raised his voice, stopping the man’s exit. Circling Sawyer’s chair, he continued, “I think we should heed Mr. Dawson’s advice. Don’t manhandle her. At least, not until you bring her here. I’d like for him to see the show.”
Slim licked his lips. The man’s sick response made Sawyer see red. He thrashed in his seat attempting to get free, but the rope held firm.
“You go, too, to keep him in line.” He pointed at one of the other henchmen as he walked toward the door. “And you can return to work for now. He’s not going anywhere.” He thrust his thumb over his shoulder in Sawyer’s direction. “I believe I’ll go get a bite to eat. All of this excitement had made me hungry,” Ramsey excused himself. The other cowboys followed.
Left alone, Sawyer tried to wiggle free of his restraints again. A wasted effort on his part. Suddenly, he remembered the pocket knife he always carried. Twisting in the seat, he managed to slip his fingers into his pocket and free the small knife. He sawed at the cord holding him hostage, until there was a break and the strings started to unravel. After a few moments, he was free.
He stood, stretching his aching limbs. The room spun and he caught his balance on the back of the chair. He focused on the door and slowly the spinning walls of the barn came to a stop.
His mind raced, searching for a plan. He’d sneak out and race to the ranch. Hopefully he’d make in time to get to Addison before Slim did. No. Wouldn’t work. The cowboy would already be there by now, maybe even on his way back.
An image of the man’s evil grin tormented him. If he touched one hair on Addison’s head Sawyer wouldn’t be responsible for his actions. He was going to kill him.
Wouldn’t be the first time.
Memories of his haunted past returned. The world was a better place without Ansel Nichols in it. The man was a mean drunk. He hadn’t been much better sober. He shifted his thoughts. No use thinking about what he couldn’t change. His stepfather was dead.
If he didn’t come up with something quick, Addison would be too. For a fleeting second, he considered positioning himself back into the chair and when the time presented itself he could attack, but the risk of someone noticing the unraveled rope squashed the idea.
He ran to the exit and hid to the side. A shovel hanging on the wall garnered his attention. Perfect. Now, armed with a weapon, and the element of surprise, he had a chance to save Addison…or die trying.
Chapter Eighteen
Focusing on what needed to be done, she hurried to the calving pen and opened the gate, then commanded Scout to herd the cow in. Noting the developed utters, Addison whispered a muffled thanks. At least she wasn’t dealing with a first-calf heifer.
The restless cow circled around and laid down, then stood a moment later. Knowing it wouldn’t be long, Addison left the pen and raced to the stables to retrieve supplies and a set of calving chains in case she’d need them, and then returned to the laboring cow.
Despite the terrible timing, something else was wrong. She tore off her bulky coat and then neared the animal slowly as to not cause undue stress. Not having a headgate nearby she restrained the cow with a halter, tied a piece of twine around its tail and then to her neck. She swiftly cleaned the area and determined the position of the calf.
No wonder she was struggling. The calf was coming out backwards. Without hesitation she set the calving chains in place and grasped the handles, pulling quickly to help the mother out. What seemed like an eternity passed before the baby fully emerged. Exhausted, Addison cleared the fluid from its mouth then tickled the calf’s nose so it would take its first breath.
She stepped back for the mother and calf to bond. As soon as the newborn started to nurse, she gathered her coat and the supplies. She made her way to the barn hoping to find Sawyers’ truck in the driveway. As she turned the corner, she saw the red and white Chevy.
Relieved, joyful tears stung her eyes. Though she questioned why he hadn’t let her know he made it back, she quickly disregarded the passing thought. Didn’t matter as long as he was home safe and sound. She peeked into the barn to see if he was there. Finding the shelter empty, she dropped the supplies and raced to the house.
Thrusting the front door open, she tossed her coat on the couch and glanced around the room as she called out for Sawyer. When she heard nothing, Addison headed to the bedroom in search of him there.
Scout released a low growl, but she ignored the warning, assuming he was letting her know Sawyer was home. As she turned the corner, a pair of strong hands wrapped around her neck. The vice-like grip squeezed tightly, choking off her air supply. She fought to break free, but couldn’t breathe.
Vaguely, she heard Scout barking in the back ground, followed by a sharp yelp, then silence. Disorientated, everything went blank except for the sinking feeling she was falling. Then nothing but black.
* * *
Addison woke abruptly, struggling to breathe. Her head foggy, she opened her eyes to blinding sunshine. As her sight adjusted to the glare she glanced around the tight space. Slowly, she registered being in a moving vehicle.
She peered to her left at the driver and quickly recognized Ramsey’s lead ranch hand, Slim. A scream lodged in her throat, but a dirty cloth stuffed in her mouth muffled the sound. She reached up to pull the gag out and swiftly discovered both wrists were tightly bound.
Leering, the ranch hand placed his grimy palm on her knee. Addison attempted to kick it off, but with her hands tied and the quarters being so cramped, she managed to do nothing more than entertain him.
He rewarded her with a grating chuckle. A rumble of laughter sounded from behind. She glanced over her shoulder and noted the shadow of another man in the back seat.
Slowly, the seriousness of her situation cam
e to life. There could only be one reason Sawyer hadn’t come back. Desperate, frenzied thoughts swirled in her head, but she refused to give in to their strong pull. Sawyer was alive.
He had to be.
Frantic, she tried to free herself from the scratchy twine and the heavily weighted restraint of the man’s hand, all to no avail. Attempting to push the rancid cloth out of her mouth with her tongue resulted in the same outcome.
“Was there something you wanted to say?” Slim taunted, then plucked the material from her mouth.
Though she wanted to scream a thousand profanities at the abductor, she chose her words wisely. “Where the hell is Sawyer?” The sound of her voice, unrecognizable to her own ears, was barely a whisper. Her throat dry and tender.
Another harsh laugh escaped the driver as they pulled into Ramsey’s drive. A large barn loomed ahead. She shifted in her seat and the inside of her elbow grazed the .38 at her hip.
Though covered with her flannel, Ramsey’s lackey hadn’t bothered to search her. A splinter of hope filtered in and warmth radiated throughout her body. These men had no idea she was armed.
The filthy cowboy slammed the truck into park and jumped out. He opened the passenger side door and gripped her elbow. Strong fingers clamped onto her arm painfully as he dragged her to the large building. His cohort trudged closely behind.
As soon as they walked through the entrance, the man released his hold while the less vocal of her abductors closed the door behind them. A sudden burst of air swooshed by her face, followed by a loud thud, and her assailant fell. A scuffle ensued off to the side, and the other cowboy joined Slim on the floor of the barn.
She lowered her gaze to the floor, but it took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dim light inside. Both lay unconscious, possibly dead. Blood, the color of candied apples, gushed from a large laceration by Slim’s temple while the second man lay face down hiding his injuries.