For disclaimers, see part 1.

Hope's Path

Part IV

Chapter 15

"Why don’t we just spend the night at my grandparent’s house and then come back in the morning?" Amanda suggested. "You said that you didn’t want to drive home after dark because of the ice on the roads. This way, we can shop until the stores close." She also wanted a chance to talk to her grandparents before she called her father. Amanda was hoping Anna Leigh and Jacob could help her with what she believed would be a very difficult phone call. I hope that he had nothing to do with Mark posting the bail for Matt Sterling – but it’s too big a coincidence to ignore.

They had gotten up early to go into town to do their Christmas shopping at Lex’s insistence. Amanda had tried to get her to reconsider because of the previous day’s activities, but the rancher refused.

The blonde continued to watch Lex’s face for any sign of pain or fatigue. She does look good, but…"I just don’t want you to wear yourself out for something as minor as a shopping trip."

She’s so darn stubborn, Amanda remembered with a fond smile. The petite blonde sat on the bed and tried to untie a serious knot in the laces of one of her sneakers. "How on earth did I manage to do this?" Amanda continued to work unsuccessfully at the laces. "Crap!"

Lex stepped out of the bathroom wearing only her jeans, a sexy satin bra and a towel around her neck. "Umm…that’s kinda my fault, sweetheart." She walked over to the bed and took the white leather shoe away from her friend.

Amanda watched in amusement as Lex fought with the shoestring. "Your fault? How do you figure that?"

"I couldn’t find mine." The rancher walked over to the dresser and picked up a small pocketknife.

"Oookaaay." Amanda drew out the word in confusion. "Not that I mind, honey…but your feet are a little big for my shoes."

A dirty look answered her. Lex sighed. "I didn’t try to wear them. Dr. A told me that trying to tie shoes with one hand was a good exercise to rebuild the strength and dexterity in my arm and hand." All of her other injuries were almost healed, but Lex was still having trouble with her right arm. Dr. Anderson had assured her that it would heal completely, but the stubborn woman was impatient and ready for it to be back to normal. She opened the knife and started to use it against the knot.

"Hey! Don’t…" Amanda jumped up from the bed. Before she could cross the room, Lex tossed her the shoe. "Oh…thanks." She sat back down on the bed and slipped the sneaker on. "So…do you want me to call Gramma and see if they mind us staying with them tonight?"

"Sure. Maybe we can talk your grandfather into cooking stir fry." Lex wandered into the closet. "Have you seen my blue shirt?" she called from inside.

The question caused Amanda to sigh and get off the bed. "Can you be a little more specific, honey?" She poked her head into the closet. "I swear you have nothing but blue shirts."

The rancher grabbed Amanda and pulled her the rest of the way into the closet. She wrapped her arms around the smaller woman and grinned. "Gotcha!"

"You sure do." Amanda smiled happily.

"Can I keep ya?" Lex leaned down until their breaths mingled. She watched as the green eyes below her closed dreamily.

"Uh-huh." A barely heard whisper was her answer.

"Amanda?" Lex dropped her voice to a sexy murmur.

Amanda swayed slightly in her lover’s arms. "Mmm?" Her eyes were still closed, and her breathing quickened.

"Where’s my blue flannel shirt?" The quiet question sounded almost erotic.

"Oooh, you!" Amanda swatted her on the shoulder. The younger woman leaned her forehead onto Lex’s chest and sighed. "You are such a brat!" She pulled back slightly and looked up into blue eyes that sparkled with mischief. "I think Martha did laundry yesterday, so it’s probably in the utility room."

Lex smiled broadly. "Great! I’ll just go downstairs and…"

"I don’t think that you’re quite dressed to be running all over the house," Amanda observed. "Why don’t you get your boots on and I’ll run and grab your shirt?" She reached up and ran a finger down the strap of Lex’s dark blue satin bra. One of the first things Amanda had done when she moved in was to buy the rancher colorful satin undergarments. "I really like this one on you." She looked up and smiled. "Brings out the color in your eyes."

The eyes she mentioned rolled in wry amusement. "If you say so. It is really comfortable, though." Lex leaned down and placed a quick kiss on Amanda’s lips. "Thanks."

Amanda frowned. "You call that a thank you? I’ve gotten better thanks from…umph!" Her good-natured protest was cut short when Lex kissed her deeply. "Mmm…" She stretched up and wrapped her arms around the dark head as she felt warm hands grasp her hips gently.

The closet door opened widely and a small hand reached in to switch on the light. "I swear I find you two in the craziest places," Martha teased. She enjoyed the deep blushes that both women suddenly wore. I just love getting them like this!

"I was just looking for my blue flannel shirt," Lex stated matter of factly. She slowly pulled away from Amanda and unsuccessfully tried to take the handful of clothes from the housekeeper. "You didn’t have to bring these up, Martha. We’re perfectly capable…"

"I know, honey. But I figured that you’d forgive an old woman her little habits." Martha took the clothes and hung them in their proper places. She kept one out and handed it to the tall woman. "Here…although I think it’s about time to retire this one to the rag box."

Lex pulled the garment to her chest protectively. "No! This is my favorite shirt!" She quickly slipped the shirt off the hanger and put it on. "And you’re not an old woman."

"Do you think that we could finish this conversation in the bedroom?" Amanda asked. "I’m for togetherness as much as the next person, but even I have my limits." She gestured to the doorway.

Martha backed out of the closet and waited until both women joined her. "That was a little silly, wasn’t it?"

"It was different, that’s for sure." Amanda stepped over and began to button Lex’s shirt. The rancher started to argue, but shrugged her shoulders at Martha and allowed Amanda to continue her pampering.

The housekeeper had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing out loud. They are just too cute together.

"We’ve decided to stay in town overnight after we get through shopping," Lex informed the older woman. "Do you want to come with us?" She gave Amanda a grateful smile and crossed the room to retrieve a pair of socks from the dresser.

"No thank you, honey. Charlie is driving out tonight and we’re going to watch movies." Martha watched in amusement as Amanda packed a small bag. "I thought you both had clothes there?"

Amanda nodded. "We do, but I like to pack a few extras just in case of an emergency." She waved in Lex’s direction. "You know how some people always seem to get dirty, no matter where they go."

Martha laughed. "I know that all too well." She waved off a glare from Lex. "Don’t you be looking at me like that, Lexie. It’s true and you know it."

Lex shook her head. "I’m not that bad, Mada." A poke in her arm made her turn her head. "What?"

"Nothing." Amanda smirked. "I’ve got our bag all packed, honey. Are you about ready to go?"

"Now you wait just one dadblasted minute. You’re not going anywhere until you both have had a decent breakfast." Martha had her hands on her hips and a no-nonsense look on her face. "Lexie, you’re going to start taking better care of yourself or I’m gonna to sit on you and force you to relax." She pointed an accusing finger at the dark-haired woman then turned and stomped to the bedroom door. "Well?"

"We’ll be right down, Martha." Amanda answered. She looked over at the rancher, who stared at the housekeeper in confusion.

"Right." Lex nodded. She watched as Martha left the room then turned and faced Amanda. "What did I do?"

Amanda crossed the room to where Lex stood. She wrapped her arms around the tall woman and squeezed. "I don’t think you did anything, love." She looked up and saw a flash of hurt quickly race across Lex’s face. "Honey…she’s just worried about you. The last couple of months have really been hard on her." Amanda rubbed her hands across Lex’s back in a comforting gesture. "C’mon…let’s go eat and then hit the road – I’ve got a lot of shopping to do!"

The rancher sighed. "I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?"

"Probably." Amanda stepped back and gave the tall woman a gentle pat on her uninjured side. "But I promise to make it up to you tonight." She winked and began walking towards the doorway, with Lex quickly on her heels.

"Wait for me!" Lex chased after the blonde wearing a very large and happy smile on her face.

***************

Lex’s large green truck pulled slowly into the driveway and parked beside Jacob’s suburban. She turned to her companion and released a heavy sigh. "Are you sure that we left anything for anyone else to buy at the mall?" She could barely see through the back windows of the vehicle due to all the packages that were piled in the back seat.

"It’s not that bad." Amanda reached over and clasped the older woman’s arm. "But you look completely beat, honey. Why didn’t you tell me that I was wearing you out?"

Lex grinned evilly. "You’ll never hear me complain about that!"

The blonde flushed darkly. "Oh, boy…I can’t believe I walked right into that one!" She lowered her head and tried to ignore her heated face.

"Heh…you’re so cute when you blush." Lex covered Amanda’s hand with her own. "But seriously, love. I’m fine." She looked past Amanda through the window. "Looks like our welcoming committee is here."

Bounding up to the truck were Frank and Jeannie. The auburn-haired woman was draped over her husband piggyback style. Once they got close to the truck, she reached out and rapped on the window. "You two gonna sit in there all evening, or are you coming inside?" Jeannie couldn’t understand why her sister blushed and covered her face with her hands. "What?"

Lex patted her friend's arm and opened the truck door. "C’mon, beautiful. Let’s go see what Jacob’s got cooking." She winked at Amanda and climbed out of the vehicle. The rancher stepped around the truck and opened the passenger door. She paused when her friend stumbled from the vehicle. "Amanda? Are you okay?"

"Great. Just great," Amanda sighed and allowed Lex to help her from the truck. She reached over and tweaked her sister’s nose gently. "What are you two doing chasing around outside like a couple of teenagers?"

Jeannie swatted the offending hand away playfully. "Waiting for you guys, of course." She looked over at Lex, who had pulled a small duffel bag from the back seat of the truck. "How are you feeling, Slim?"

"A little tired." Lex closed the door and put her right arm around Amanda’s shoulders. "Remind me to never offer to take Little Miss Bargain Hunter here to the mall Christmas shopping again, okay?"

Frank looked at the tall woman with a new respect. "Good lord, Lex! No one in their right mind would be that brave!" He quickly spun around and began walking back towards the house.

"Giddy-up!" Jeannie gently kicked her husband’s hips with her heels. "Better watch it, handsome! My sister has that look on her face!"

"Oh, no!" Frank began to gallop comically up the steps. "Anything but the Look!" He raced into the house with a laugh.

Amanda watched her brother-in-law run into the house with Jeannie hanging onto him for dear life. "Those two are crazy!" She snuggled up against Lex as they continued to walk slowly towards the house. "Are you sure you’re okay?" The blonde looked up and saw the dark circles under her lover’s eyes. She’s probably exhausted, but I bet I’ll never hear about it from her. I’m feeling a little run down myself. I hope I’m not coming down with something. No time for that. She inhaled heavily.

"Are you sure you’re okay? Maybe we can sneak a nap before dinner." Lex felt the fatigue pull at her. And I love the idea of snuggling up with her. God, I’ve completely gone off the deep end…world class mushball. She waited for the blonde to step into the house and then closed the door behind them. I hope she’s not catching something – it sounds like she’s having trouble breathing.

"I’m fine, Lex. Too many pine-scented candles in the mall, I think." Amanda stepped into the entry hall of the large house.

The mall was full of people, which was normal for that time of the year. It seemed like every shop had some sort of candles or incense burning. Even Amanda, who normally enjoyed the scents, had waved her hand in front of her nose. "This stuff is overpowering, isn’t it?" she asked her companion.

The blonde stared after her friend. I can’t believe I let her win. She smiled thoughtfully. Yes I can. She’s just so darn cute when she wins.

Ooh, boy. Jailbait. My favorite, Lex winced to herself. "Umm…thanks, but I can’t. My girlfriend is sitting over at the atrium, and she’s the jealous type." Lex winked at the girl. She left the cups on the sideboard momentarily and grabbed a couple of lids and straws. "Thanks again."

She looked around after covering the drinks and noticed the teenage boy had disappeared. Good. Maybe he’ll leave that poor girl alone. The rancher picked up the drinks and made her way back over to Amanda, who was in an animated conversation with an elderly woman.

"Mandy! Lexington! It’s great to see you both again!" Anna Leigh rushed from the den and wrapped her granddaughter in a bone-jarring hug. "I know it was only yesterday, but it seems like forever." She pulled away from Amanda and studied the tall woman standing quietly nearby. "You look horrible, honey." And my granddaughter doesn’t look much better…I think it’s time to get tough with both of them.

Lex allowed the older woman to pull her into a gentler embrace. "I’m all right, Gramma." She didn’t think that she would feel comfortable using the name bestowed upon Anna Leigh by Amanda, but it slipped out quite easily. I must be tired.

Anna Leigh beamed with happiness at the name. "I don’t think so, Lexington. You’re pale and look like you’re about to fall over." She looked over at her granddaughter, who was standing between Jeannie and Frank. "Honey, why don’t you help Lexington upstairs and rest a bit before dinner? It’s still about two hours away." The ringing of the telephone interrupted the young woman’s answer.

"I’ve got it!" Jacob called from the den. A moment later he stepped from the room with a serious look on his face. "Hello, girls." He noticed the look of exhaustion on the tall woman’s face. "I hate to bother you Lex, but Reverend Nelson is on the line. He’s returning the call I left for him the other day."

"Maybe I should just take the call for you, honey." Amanda stepped over and wrapped her arm around the rancher’s waist. "There’s really not much you need from him now anyway, is there?"

"No…but since he’s nice enough to return the call, the least I can do is talk to him." Lex squeezed Amanda gently and led her into the den. "Thank you, Grandpa." She stopped and kissed the older man on the cheek. When Amanda had told her how happy the older couple was that Lex called them by more familiar names, the rancher had vowed to herself to try and continue the practice. They’ve done so much for me; I’ll gladly do it for them if it makes them happy. Besides, I like having them as grandparents.

Jacob grinned. "Anytime, sweetheart. The rest of us will be in the kitchen when you get finished." He walked over to his wife and pulled her close. "Shall we, my love?" They turned to walk into the other room, with a smiling Jeannie and Frank close behind them.

Lex walked over to the desk and picked up the phone as she sat down. "Hello? Reverend Nelson?" She waited for Amanda to sit down in her lap before she continued. "Thank you for returning our call."

The voice on the other end of the phone was that of a much older man, but very strong. "No problem at all, young lady. I don’t know the Caubles that well, since they don’t attend our church, but I’ve made their acquaintance. Jacob has done some very fine work for us in the past." He cleared his throat and continued. "Now what is it I can do for you, my dear?"

"I’m trying to get some information on my grandparents. Mr. and Mrs. Cauble tell me that you performed my parent’s marriage ceremony, and may remember something that might help."

"Of course. Just who were your parents? I’ll see what I can do." Reverend Nelson felt a kernel of pride that they had thought of him to help.

Lex shook her head. "I’m sorry. That was terribly rude of me. My name is Lexington Walters. My parents were Rawson and Victoria Walters, and their ceremony was held about thirty-six years ago."

The older man was struck speechless momentarily. "Walters?" he asked when he got his voice back. "You’re the young woman who runs that ranch, aren’t you?"

"Yes sir, I am." Lex partially shrugged at the questioning glance she received from Amanda.

"What do you want from me? Your kind of people is not natural." The reverend blustered.

The rancher felt a pang of hurt. "What do you mean, my kind?" she asked quietly.

"Godless heathens, the whole lot of you. Flaunting your perversity to all decent folks." He paused for a minute. "Why do you want to know about the Edwards? They were upstanding god-fearing people. I heard that Mrs. Edwards passed on recently, probably from the shame of knowing how truly sick her granddaughter is." He took a breath and spoke in a quiet tone, "Give up your sickening ways and come to the Church. We can help you, young woman."

Amanda saw the hurt on her lover’s face, and gently took the receiver away from Lex. She cleared her throat and pulled in another heavy breath. "Reverend Nelson?" She had heard the question that Lex had asked him, and had a pretty good idea what he had said. "My name is Amanda Cauble. I’m Jacob and Anna Leigh’s granddaughter." She fought back a yawn. Must have been all that walking in the mall…I’m pooped. Lord, I hope it’s not a cold – it’s getting hard to breathe.

He took a deep breath and sighed. "Amanda. It’s good to meet you. Don’t tell me you’re a friend of hers."

"Actually, I’m more than just Lex’s friend, sir. I happen to love her very much." She could hear the reverend take a breath to speak. "Just a minute. You are supposed to preach love and forgiveness. What gives you the right to judge anyone? The last I heard, that wasn’t your job."

"Now you listen to me, young lady…" he blustered in anger.

"No. You listen to me! I’ve had it with people who think they’re better than anyone else, just because they have money, or a nicer house, or they go to a certain church. It’s wrong. You’re wrong. Thank you for your time." Amanda hung up the phone with a sharp exhale. "I hate hypocrites."

Lex smiled tenderly at the young woman sitting in her lap. "You are amazing." The upset that she had felt at the clergyman’s words faded quickly. "I love you so much, Amanda."

The blonde leaned over and kissed Lex on the forehead. "I love you too, honey. Why don’t we sneak upstairs and take a quick nap? All that righteous indignation can wear a girl out."

"Sounds like a really good idea." Lex allowed her friend to climb off her lap and lead her from the den. She watched as Amanda walked up the stairs. Hmm…you know, suddenly I’m not quite as tired as I was a few minutes ago.

"Don’t even think about it." Amanda called over her shoulder. "We’re going to rest." She missed a step and stumbled slightly. "Oops."

The rancher sighed as she helped steady her friend. How does she do that? I can never get away with anything. "Right…rest…gotcha."

***************

Charlie looked up as the prosecutor stepped into his office. "Well? Did you get any more information out of him?" Robert Campbell had spent the entire morning talking to Matt Sterling, trying to pry the name of the man’s employer from him.

"Finally." Robert sat down across from the sheriff and loosened his tie. "I at least have a lead on where he was staying – it seems that he was evicted from his rental house several months ago." He pulled out a notepad and flipped through several pages. "He bragged that his boss was so impressed with him, that he was furnished with a fancy condo where he said, "You can walk to the store and get beer and cigarettes." I’ve got a couple of men checking out the condominiums that have short-term leases available; so, hopefully, we should hear something later today."

"That’s good to hear. I’m not going to rest until we find out who’s behind this whole mess." Charlie closed the file he had been reading and rubbed his eyes. "I’m worried that they’ll try again. Lord knows that Lex has been through enough lately." Not to mention my poor Martha – she tossed and turned all night last night.

Robert shook his clean-shaven head. The handsome African-American was in his late thirties, and looked more like a model than an attorney. "I really don’t think that’s the case, Charlie. I finally got Sterling to admit to the assault on Ms. Walters." The idiot practically bragged about it! "He was rather proud of himself since he was able to trick her into going near the ledge. He then, and I quote, ‘Whacked that dyke bitch good…I thought I killed her.’ Later during the interrogation he told me that his boss had read him the riot act for the attempted murder. Now he’s afraid, because he tried again. But I still can’t get him to give up the person he’s been answering to." He flipped forward a few more pages in his notebook. "He was supposed to just keep an eye on Ms. Walters and her friend – not take any action against them. So I don’t think that there’s any danger of someone else following in his footsteps." Robert looked up at the lawman, who had grown very quiet. "Do we have any more information on the guy who posted his bail? How did we get a positive identification if no one actually knew who he was?"

The sheriff stopped rubbing his eyes and smiled grimly. "That’s the good thing about small towns; a stranger sticks out like a sore thumb. The town gossips had already spread the word that he was here." He blew out a disgusted breath. "Hell, I’d never met Mark Garrett, but after getting the description from Naomi, I knew exactly who had posted Sterling’s bond."

"Still no word on his whereabouts? I think that if we could find him we could get the name of the person behind it all." The prosecutor looked at his watch. "Damn." He looked back up at the sheriff. "I’ve got an appointment to look at a house. Are we pretty much done here?"

"Yeah, I think so. You’ve decided to move to Somerville, then?" Charlie smiled sincerely. At the younger man’s nod, he continued, "It’s a nice little town, most of the time."

The prosecutor returned Charlie’s smile. "I know…and even though most of my work will be in the outlying areas, I really feel more comfortable about relocating my wife and daughter here. The schools are good, and there’s not much crime."

Charlie nodded. "That’s true. Well, most of the time, anyway. This mess with Sterling is about as bad as it gets around here."

"It’s all right, Sheriff," Robert stood up and brushed off his slacks. "I’m going to talk to the judge before I leave today, and make sure that Matt Sterling stays in custody this time. He’s too dangerous to Ms. Walters to be allowed out on bond."

"Thanks, Robert. I’d say something, but since I’m more or less family, my argument wouldn’t hold up." The sheriff stood up and offered his hand over the desk. "I’m sure glad that you’re on this case, young man. Makes me breathe a little easier knowing that you’re here."

The prosecutor shook the older man’s hand. "My pleasure, Charlie. My uncle has told me nothing but good things about you, and about Somerville." His uncle ran a barbershop in the downtown area for over forty years. Harrison Campbell had been trying for quite some time to talk his oldest nephew into settling down away from the big city. When Robert’s daughter got into the wrong crowd at her junior high school, the lawyer had accepted a position as a county prosecutor. He decided to move his family to the quiet and friendly community of Somerville with the hope of straightening her out.

The sheriff laughed. "Just don’t believe everything that Harry tells you…he hears the all good gossip almost before it happens. Sometimes I think he tends to add a little bit extra to the retelling."

"Don’t worry…I’ve always taken whatever he said with a grain of salt. Sometimes I think that the only reason Uncle Harry ever opened a barbershop was so that he could hear all the news before anyone else. He’s always been a nosy old guy." Robert checked his watch again. "I’m going to stop by the judge’s office on my way out. What are your plans for the rest of the day?"

Charlie turned serious. "I’m going to wait around a bit and see if we get any news back from our investigators that are still out in the field. Hopefully we’ll hear something soon about where Sterling was staying." He looked down at his desk for a moment and smiled a little. "Then I’ve got a date to watch movies tonight with my beautiful fiancee’."

"Sounds like a plan, my friend. You’ve got my cellular phone number in case you hear anything, right?" Robert walked to the door and opened it. "Give my best to your lady, and tell her I look forward to meeting her."

"Will do, Robert. I’ll let you know the moment I hear anything. And don’t forget the dinner invitation…Martha’s one of the best cooks around." Charlie waved to the prosecutor as the younger man left his office. He was about to pick up the phone when it rang, startling him. "This is Sheriff Bristol." Since it was Saturday, the main phone was forwarded directly to an answering service. Someone must be calling the private number.

"Charlie! Thank goodness I’ve found you!" Martha sounded upset and out of breath.

He stood up quickly, almost knocking over the chair behind him. "Martha? What’s wrong, sweetheart?"

The housekeeper took a deep breath to settle her nerves. "I hate to bother you, but I can’t seem to get in touch with Lexie. Could you come on out to the ranch right now? We’re having a problem with young Ronnie. He overheard one of the hands talking about what happened here yesterday."

"I’m on my way, honey. Just sit tight." Charlie hung up the phone and grabbed his hat from the coat tree in the corner. He slammed the hat on his head and raced from the office.

Chapter 16

Lex woke up covered in sweat. Damn…feels like I’m lying too close to a fire, or something. She felt the smaller body next to hers shiver. What the…? The rancher pulled back the covers and saw that her companion was huddled up beside her, trembling violently. "Amanda?"

No answer, just another hard shudder.

Worried, Lex tried to roll the younger woman onto her back. "Sweetheart, can you hear me?"

A strangled gasp was Amanda’s only response.

"C’mon, baby…wake up for me," Lex pleaded in a nervous tone. She could feel the heat emanating from the feverish body next to her. "Oh, god…" The dark-haired woman leapt from the bed in a panic. "Okay…I’ll go downstairs and get your Gramma. She’ll know what to do." Lex rushed to the door and then looked down at her nude body. "Shit."

They had taken a short nap before dinner and after the meal had declined Frank and Jeannie’s offer to go out dancing. Lex had still been tired, and Amanda had been unusually quiet throughout the entire meal. The blonde had quickly bidden her sister and Frank goodnight, and then led the rancher upstairs. Within minutes, both women were undressed and in bed asleep.

Lex quickly grabbed some clothes and put them on. She tried one more time to rouse her lover. "Amanda?" She gently shook the trembling woman’s shoulder.

Amanda never awakened, but rolled over into a fetal position and continued to shiver.

Lex grabbed a nightshirt from the nearby dresser and quickly clothed her friend. "Hold on, baby…I’m gonna get you to the hospital." She wrapped Amanda in the quilt from the bed and picked her up. Ignoring the protest from her still-healing back, Lex pulled the shuddering woman close and began to carry her down the flight of stairs.

The rancher paused at the foot of the stairs and shifted her precious cargo. She looked around until she spotted a weak light coming from the den.

"Lex?" Amanda’s eyes opened slightly. She blinked several times and tried to focus. "What’s happening? I’m so cold," she rasped out quietly.

"Shhh…you’re really sick, sweetheart. I’m gonna get you to the doctor." She watched as the glassy green eyes closed involuntarily. "You’re gonna be all right," the rancher mumbled, more to herself than to the woman unconscious in her arms. She kissed the heated forehead and stepped into the den. "Anna Leigh…Jacob." Lex was close to tears, "I need your help."

The older couple was snuggled together on the sofa in front of the flickering fireplace. When the dark-haired woman stood in the doorway, Anna Leigh turned around and gasped aloud. "Lexington? Dear lord…" She jumped to her feet and rushed to the rancher’s aide.

Jacob followed his wife to the standing woman. "What’s the matter, honey?" He saw that Amanda’s face was flushed and her eyes were closed. "Nevermind. I’ll go get the suburban warmed up." He hurried from the room without another word.

"Sweetheart, why don’t you bring Mandy over here to the sofa?" Anna Leigh touched Lex’s arm.

The tall woman stood and looked down worriedly at the frail bundle in her arms. "She’s burning up," she murmured with tears in her eyes. "I don’t know what to do."

"Okay…I’ve brought the truck around to the front of the house," Jacob broke in breathlessly. "Let me help you there, Lex." He reached carefully for his granddaughter.

Lex pulled Amanda closer to her. "No…please." She allowed Anna Leigh to put an arm around her shoulder.

The older woman gave her husband a knowing look. Let’s not argue with her…we need to get Mandy to the hospital. She smiled a little when he seemed to read her mind.

He moved to the other side of Lex and helped her navigate to the front door. "I’ll help her get Mandy into the truck, love." He looked down at the rancher’s bare feet and legs. She had rushed out of the room in her boxer shorts and tee shirt. "Why don’t you run upstairs and grab some of Lex’s clothes?"

"Good idea, darling. I’ll be right there. And I’ll leave a note for Frank and Jeannie so they’ll know where we went." Anna Leigh patted Lex on the shoulder and hurried up the stairs.

***************

Oblivious to the stares she received, Lex paced up and down in the waiting room. "What’s taking them so damn long?" she grumbled, as her bare feet rapped out a steady beat on the tile floor.

"Lexington, please come over here and get your clothes," Anna Leigh requested for the tenth time. "You’re not going to do Mandy any good if you catch pneumonia." She was secretly worried about her granddaughter’s friend. The tall woman seemed completely lost without Amanda nearby to anchor her. Anna Leigh looked up as her husband stepped back into the waiting area.

Jacob quickly covered the distance from the door and sat down next to his wife. They were at Parkdale General Hospital instead of the community hospital, because the facility was newer and much bigger. All of them had agreed that the extra thirty-minute drive would be well worth the time since the staff was larger, and the hospital was more up to date. Now he was regretting the decision. I don’t know any of the people here, and they all seem so…impersonal. "I checked with the nurse at the admitting desk. Still no word on Mandy’s condition, but she did tell me that the doctor was in with her now." He watched as Lex continued to pace and sometimes exchange dirty looks with the other people in the room. Jacob pulled his wife close and studied the rancher. She was still wearing her boxer shorts and tee shirt, and carried around the shoes and socks that Anna Leigh had brought for her. "Still can’t get her to calm down or get dressed?" he asked worriedly.

"I’m afraid not. I can’t get much of a reaction at all from her." Anna Leigh shook her head. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before…" She patted his leg and stood up. "I’ll be right back, love. I’m going to go make a phone call." Anna Leigh left the room before her husband could ask where she was going.

Lex turned away from her vigil and stared at the handsome older man. "What?" She looked towards the closed door. "Has the doctor been in yet?"

"No, sweetheart…not yet." Jacob put an arm around Lex and gently led her to a nearby chair. He grabbed an abandoned blanket from another chair and wrapped it around the dark-haired woman’s shoulders. "You’re like a block of ice, honey. Why don’t you let me get you a cup of coffee?"

"No, thank you." Lex shook her head, but didn’t take her eyes from the door. What the hell is taking so long? She jumped to her feet as the door opened, but sank back down wearily when Frank and Jeannie burst into the room.

The small auburn-haired woman quickly scanned the room. When she spotted Jacob and Lex, she grabbed Frank’s arm and dragged him across the waiting room. "Grandpa…Lex!" Jeannie stepped into her grandfather’s open arms. "What on earth happened?"

Jacob held the young woman close. He glanced down at Lex, who was staring at the door once again. "Your sister developed a rather high fever after you left the house this evening," he murmured quietly so as not to upset the rancher. "Lex brought her downstairs and we rushed her here."

"Damn." Frank sat down next to Lex and put a gentle hand on her leg. That explains why Lex looks as if she jumped right out of bed. "Hey there…can I get you anything?" He watched as the blue eyes slowly tracked to his face, and then blinked.

"Frank? Amanda’s sick." She bit her lip as tears welled up in her eyes. "I couldn’t get her to wake up." Lex took a deep breath to try and calm herself.

Jeannie pulled back from her grandfather’s embrace and looked around the room. "Where’s Gramma? Has she gone to call Mother and Father?"

"I’m not sure, honey. She did say she was going to make a phone call, but I don’t know to who." Jacob looked up as the door opened.

A dark-haired man wearing a white lab coat walked purposely into the room. He glanced down at the clipboard in his hand and looked around the waiting room. "Are there any relatives of a Miss Amanda Cauble here?"

Jacob made his way over to the smaller man. "I’m her grandfather, Doctor…?"

"Barnes." The weary doctor looked up into the older man’s concerned eyes. "Why don’t we go into the consultation room, and I’ll brief you on what I know."

"How’s my granddaughter, Dr. Barnes? Can we go in and see her now?" Jeannie, Frank, and Lex had joined Jacob. "Is she going to be okay?"

The doctor looked at the anxious faces surrounding him. "She’s resting comfortably for now. But I really need to get some information from you first." Dr. Barnes consulted his clipboard again. "Has Miss Cauble complained of difficulty in breathing, or had any problems with coordination?"

All faces turned to Lex. "You’ve been around her more that the rest of us lately. Has Mandy mentioned anything like that to you?" Jeannie asked the tall woman. "She did seem rather quiet at dinner this evening."

"No…she hasn’t said anything to me, although he seemed more tired tonight than usual." Lex shook her head. "What’s wrong with her?"

"As I said before, I really want to talk about her condition privately. Let’s go into the consultation room." The doctor opened the door and began to usher the group out with him.

Jacob stopped suddenly. "Wait…my wife. She’s gone to make a phone call." He didn’t want Anna Leigh to come back and see her family missing.

"I’ll wait for her, and then we’ll both join you," Frank volunteered. He wanted to know what was wrong with Amanda too, but felt that it was more important for the others to find out first.

Dr. Barnes nodded. "Very well." He looked at the three remaining people. "You all are immediate family, correct?" All but the tall woman nodded. "Who are you in relation to the patient?"

"I’m…uh…" Lex looked at Jacob with confusion. What the hell am I? Friend? Family? Significant other? Damn… "She’s my…uh…we’re…"

"Nevermind. You’ll have to stay here, if you’re no relation to Miss Cauble. Only immediate family." He ushered Jacob and Jeannie from the room.

Jacob could be heard arguing with the doctor as they walked down the hallway. "You had no cause to treat her like that! Lex is a part of our family, too." The doctor’s reply couldn’t be heard.

Lex stood there and stared at the closed door. She felt a strong hand clasp her shoulder gently. "C’mon, Lex…we’ll wait for Anna Leigh to get back, and then she’ll find out what’s going on for us."

***************

Charlie pulled his cruiser up to the front entrance of the ranch house. He noticed that two old trucks were also parked nearby. Those are the trucks that the ranch hands use, he observed to himself. I wonder what on earth is going on? Before he could finish walking up the steps, the front door opened and Martha bustled out.

"Thank goodness you’re here!" She rushed to the lawman and enveloped him in a fierce embrace. "Ronnie’s in the den. He’s really shook up, too. Lester and Roy are in there with him now, and I can’t seem to get in touch with Lexie. There’s no answer at the Caubles, and I get the voice mail message when I call her cell phone."

"Calm down, sweetheart. Everything’s going to be okay." Charlie rubbed her back and then pulled away slightly. "What seems to be the problem? You said on the phone that he found out about his brother and became upset. Does he blame Lex for Matt being back in jail?"

Martha allowed her fiancé’ to lead her back into the house. "No…he somehow feels responsible for what his brother has done and is trying to leave the ranch." She stopped when she heard several loud voices coming from the den.

"Now just calm yourself, son," Roy’s deep voice rumbled. "No sense in you getting all upset."

"I don’t deserve to stay here!" The young man tried to race from the room, only to run into Charlie in the hallway. "OOOF!" Ronnie stumbled back and then paled. "Sh…Sheriff Bristol?" He looked at Martha, and then to Charlie. "I guess you’re here to take me back to the detention center, aren’t you?" He raised both hands up in front of his body. "Might as well put the handcuffs on me…I’m no better than my brother."

The lawman shook his head and was about to speak when Martha stepped between them. "Now you wait a cotton-pickin’ minute! Don’t you dare compare yourself to the likes of that man." She reached out and grabbed the teenager and pulled him to her gently. "My Lexie would be the first to tell you that you can’t judge a person by their family." She felt Ronnie’s arms wrap around her body as the young man buried his face in her ample chest and began to cry. "It’s all right now, honey. This is your home now. No one’s going to send you anywhere, I promise."

She’s so good with kids…it’s a shame she never had any of her own. Charlie watched with pride as his wife-to-be comforted the upset boy. Well, I should take that back. Lex is more like her own than anyone could ever be. And she’s done a fine job with her. He motioned for the other two men to join him in the hallway.

Lester smiled at the scene as he passed. "Sorry you had to make the trip out here for nothing, Charlie." He led the other two men down the hall to the kitchen. "Might as well make some fresh coffee, right?"

"Sounds good to me," Charlie acknowledged. "And I was about to drive on out here anyway."

Roy laughed. "That’s right. I hear that congratulations are in order." He slapped the lawman on the back good-naturedly. "You’re not planning on taking Martha away from the ranch, are you?"

Charlie shook his head and sat down at the kitchen table. "Like I ever could." He saw the relief cross the foreman’s face. "Are you kidding me? I’ll have to tie her up and kidnap her just for the honeymoon."

"Don’t we know it? I’ll bet that…" Lester’s remark was cut short by the ringing of the nearby phone. "Let me get that." He limped over to the cabinet and picked up the receiver. "Rocking W ranch, Lester here."

"This is Anna Leigh Cauble. Is Martha available?" The older woman’s voice sounded somewhat upset.

Lester looked at the phone in his hand. "Mrs. Cauble? Is everything okay?" He covered the mouthpiece with his hand and raised his eyes to the other two men. "Go get Martha – it’s Amanda’s grandmother."

"I’ll get her." Roy jumped up and hurried from the room.

The sheriff stood up and accepted the phone from Lester. "Anna Leigh? This is Charlie. Is everything okay?"

Anna Leigh sighed heavily. "Charlie! I’m so glad you’re there. We’re at Parkdale General."

"Hospital? What happened?" Charlie heard footsteps and then felt Martha lean up against him. "Martha’s here, Anna Leigh." Neither noticed as Lester limped quietly from the room to give them privacy.

"Great. Can you bring her up here? We brought Mandy in over an hour ago, and poor Lexington is beside herself with worry." She breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Poor girl…I think she really needs Martha right now.

Martha allowed Charlie to hand her the phone. "Did I hear something about a hospital? What’s going on, Anna Leigh?" She felt her fiancee’ wrap a comforting arm around her.

"Mandy seemed to get a very high fever this evening after they went to bed, and we rushed her to Parkdale General. We’re now waiting on word from the doctor. Could you possibly come up here and help us with Lexington? I’m afraid she’s not taking this whole situation very well."

"Of course! We’ll leave right away." Martha smiled at Charlie’s agreeing nod. "Is there anything we can bring?"

The older woman almost laughed. "Well, you might want to bring Lexington another change of clothes. She’s pacing around here in her pajamas, and I can’t get her to put on the jeans and shirt I brought."

"Don’t tell me she’s wearing a pair of those cartoon shorts and a tee shirt?" Martha closed her eyes in resigned disbelief. I swear that girl is gonna be the death of me yet.

"I’m afraid so. Everyone in the hospital has seen the Grinch in all his glory." Anna Leigh chuckled at the tone in the housekeeper’s voice.

Martha groaned. "Dear lord…not those! Okay, then. We’re on our way, honey." She paused for a moment and turned serious. "My prayers are with you and your family. I know that Amanda is going to be just fine."

Anna Leigh took a deep breath and smiled into the phone. "Thank you, Martha. I’ll see you both in a little while."

The housekeeper hung up the phone and looked up into the worried eyes of her intended. "Poor little Amanda’s sick, and our Lexie needs us."

"Let’s get going, then." Charlie kissed the top of Martha’s head and led her from the kitchen.

***************

Dr. Barnes waited to speak until Jacob and Jeannie were seated in front of his desk. When the older man opened his mouth, the doctor raised a hand to forestall him. "Please, Mr. Cauble. We’ve been over this half a dozen times. Hospital policy states that if a person isn’t related to the patient, we cannot release information to them."

"I can appreciate that, Doctor. But what I don’t appreciate is the manner in which you dismissed Lexington. She’s as much a part of our family as I am." Jacob smiled as Jeannie nodded in agreement.

"That may be true, but policy is policy." Dr. Barnes flipped through the notes on his clipboard. "Let’s just get a few questions out of the way. Then we can worry about my manners, or lack thereof." He had worked two double shifts in a row and was completely exhausted. After the pair across from him nodded, he continued, "Please don’t take any of these questions personally. I’m trying to help Miss Cauble, so I’ll need you to be as truthful as possible."

Jeannie looked questioningly at the physician. "Believe me, we’ll do everything we can to help my sister."

"Thank you." Dr. Barnes consulted the papers in front of him. "Does Miss Cauble use drugs, even in a recreational manner?"

"WHAT?!?" Jacob jumped to his feet. "Are you out of your mind?"

"Grandpa, please." Jeannie grasped his arm gently and pulled him back down to his chair. "No, she never has."

A timid knock at the door caused all three heads to turn in that direction. Anna Leigh poked her head in and smiled slightly. "I’m terribly sorry I’m late…the nurse at the front desk told me where to find you." She noticed the upset look on her husband’s face. "What’s wrong?" The small woman stepped the rest of the way into the room and stood next to Jacob.

Jacob pointed a shaky finger at the shocked doctor. "This man insinuated that Mandy is on drugs." He glared at the seated man.

"Mr. Cauble…I wasn’t insinuating anything. Due to the nature of my patient’s illness, I had to ask that question." He waited until everyone was seated again. "We can rule out drug use, then." Dr. Barnes spoke more to himself as he wrote something on the clipboard. "Did I hear you correctly, that she spends most of her time with that other woman?" He asked the concerned people in front of him.

"That’s right, Doctor. Amanda has been living at Lex’s ranch for over a month now," Jeannie offered helpfully.

As Dr. Barnes continued to write, he mentally braced himself for the next question. "How well do you all know this woman? Does she have a history of drug use?"

Anna Leigh couldn’t help herself…she laughed. "Good lord, no!" She patted her husband’s arm to keep him calm. "I’ve known Lexington for most of her life…she’s the most anti-drug person I have ever met. Why all the questions about drug use?"

"After running several tests, we’ve concluded that Miss Cauble’s illness was brought on by barbital poisoning." Seeing the blank looks on everyone’s faces, he continued, "This is something that cannot be accidental."

Jacob felt his wife’s fingers dig deeply into his arm. "Poisoned?"

"Is she going to be okay?" Jeannie asked shakily.

"We hope so…the next twelve hours are crucial. Once she gets past that, she should be fine."

"How could she have come in contact with this? Are you sure it wasn’t somehow an accident?" Anna Leigh questioned. Why would anyone want to hurt Mandy?

"I’m afraid not. This had to be given either by injection, or oral means. And from the traces we found in her bloodstream, she was given a very large dose…today." The doctor sat his pen down on the desk with a weary sigh.

***************

Frank watched as Lex tossed the blanket from her shoulders and began to pace the waiting room again. She looks like hell…He stood up and tried to keep up with her. "Lex…why don’t you get dressed, and we’ll go get some coffee? I’m getting cold just looking at you." It was true…the waiting room felt like it was about sixty-five degrees, and the sleet slamming against the windows made it feel even cooler.

"Why won’t they tell us what’s wrong with her? They won’t even release the damn room number to me – just that she’s in intensive care." Lex ran a nervous hand through her disheveled hair. She stalked over to the window and peered out at the late night gloom.

"I’m sure it’s just a precaution. She going to be fine – you’ve got to believe that." Frank stood behind the tall woman and put his hands on her shoulders. Neither one of them heard the door open behind them.

"Lexington Marie Walters! You get yourself over here and put some clothes on this instant!" Martha stood inside the doorway holding a small suitcase.

Spinning around, Lex almost knocked Frank down. "Mada?" she murmured and rushed forward as tears began to spill down her cheeks.

Martha crossed the room to meet Lex halfway and gently embraced the upset woman. "It’s going to be all right, baby…I’m here now." She dropped the suitcase behind Lex and held the tall woman tight. She allowed the rancher a few moments to get herself together, then pulled back a little and gave Lex a no-nonsense look. "Now…you’re going to put some clothes on and go wash your face."

"But what if…" Lex argued, until her mouth was covered with a small hand.

"No arguments, Lexie. Charlie and Frank can wait here while we get you all presentable. You don’t want Amanda to see you looking like this, do you?" The housekeeper wiped at Lex’s face with a cotton handkerchief.

Lex smiled slightly. She always seems to have one of those things stashed somewhere. I don’t know where they come from. "No, Mada…you’re right. I’m a mess." She gently took the handkerchief away from the smaller woman and dabbed at her eyes. "C’mon…let’s get this over with before the doctor comes back." She kissed the graying head beneath hers and bent down to get the suitcase.

"I’ll get that for you, sweetheart." Charlie picked up the overnight traveling case.

"Thanks, Uncle Charlie." Lex wrapped her arms around the lanky sheriff and squeezed. "I really appreciate you both coming."

The lawman cleared his throat and returned the hug. "No place else I’d rather be than here with you, honey." He rubbed her back comfortingly then took a step back. "You two go take care of business and I’ll stay here with Frank. We’ll send word if the doctor comes back before you do, okay?"

The dark-haired woman nodded. "Please, do." Lex took the suitcase from Charlie and kissed his cheek. "Thanks again. I don’t know what I’d do without you both." She allowed Martha to lead her from the room.

Charlie watched her leave with a sad look on his face. Wish I could take that hurt look away from her. He looked over at Frank, who also watched the tall woman as she left the room. "Have you heard anything at all?"

"No…not a damn thing." Frank shook his head and then stood up to stretch. "It’s been several hours since we brought Mandy in. The doctor came to get Jacob and Jeannie about twenty minutes ago." He looked at the sheriff with a grim smile. "I thought we were going to have a fight on our hands." He brushed off the front of his jeans and sat back down.

"A fight? Did Lex do or say something?" Charlie dropped down next to the brawny man. "I know she’s not the most patient person in the world, but…"

Frank shook his head. "It wasn’t her…Jacob got upset when the doctor refused to allow Lex in the consultation room with them. He claimed that he could only talk to the immediate family."

The older man sighed. "Damn…I’d forgotten all about that rule. No wonder Lex looked so upset when we came in. I’m just glad that Anna Leigh thought to call us."

"She called you? I was wondering how you two heard about this so quickly." Frank sat back down and stretched his long legs out. "I keep debating with myself on whether or not to call her parents. I honestly don’t know if they would even care."

The door opened and Anna Leigh bustled through it and looked around anxiously. She saw the two men sitting down nearby and rushed over to them. "Charlie! Thank goodness you could make it. Where’s Lexington?"

Charlie and Frank had both jumped to their feet as the small woman came into the room. "Martha took her to get cleaned up and dressed. Is something wrong?" The sheriff felt a knot of apprehension build in his stomach.

"Not with Mandy…although they said that the next twelve hours are crucial. We need to find out exactly where they were today. Mandy has been poisoned." Anna Leigh looked around the room. "While we were in there with the doctor, a nurse came in with the most disturbing news."

After Dr. Barnes dropped the bombshell about Amanda’s poisoning, he sat back to allow the family time to adjust to the news. He was about to go over the young woman’s condition when a knock at the door interrupted him.

"Are you saying that someone else was poisoned too?" Charlie immediately changed from concerned family member to sheriff. I’d better make some phone calls.

Anna Leigh nodded. "That’s what the doctor told us. And now he wants to talk to Lexington to find out where they were today."

The door opened and Lex stepped inside, followed by an upset looking Martha. "Lexie… please calm down. I’m sure that Charlie can get to the bottom of this in no time." Martha looked up and saw Anna Leigh. "Has there been any word?"

"Not yet. But the doctor has gone back in to check on Mandy now." Anna Leigh stepped over to Lex and gently touched her arm. "What’s wrong, Lexington?"

Lex had to stop herself before she shook off the light touch. "It’s bad enough that they won’t tell me what the hell is going on, but now there’s a couple of policemen who want to talk to me about Amanda." She looked over at Charlie with tears of frustration in her eyes. "Can you go with me, Uncle Charlie? I could really use the moral support." As much as she hated asking for help, the lawman’s presence would be a great comfort. She was wearing her usual denim shirt and jeans and a pair of comfortable-looking boots. Martha had also braided her long hair in one long plait, and it dropped casually down her back.

"That’s a good idea, honey. I need to talk to them anyway." The lawman wrapped an arm around Lex’s shoulders. How can anyone so tall look so suddenly frail? Poor Lex looks as if she’s about to collapse. "C’mon, sweetheart. Let’s go see what they want." He nodded at Martha, who returned the look. They’d better be easy on her – I don’t think she can handle much more right now. Although I’d feel better if she had a lawyer with her, not just me.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Martha asked.

The rancher looked at the housekeeper with a sad look. If for some reason they arrest me, I don’t want her to witness that. It would just about kill her. "Umm…would it be okay if just Charlie went with me?"

"That’ll be fine, Lexie. I’ll just wait here with Anna Leigh, okay?" The housekeeper patted Lex on the back as they walked by. "If you need me, just holler." She knew that the young woman was having problems coping, and realized that a roomful of people would be too much for her.

***************

Lex and Charlie stepped into the small room and looked around. It was furnished with a cheap formica-topped desk and several uncomfortable looking chairs. Two men in suits stood up as they entered. The older one was tall with his blond hair in a crew cut. The other was shorter, but stockier built. Both looked uncomfortable in their dark suits. The shorter of the two had loosened his tie and his dark hair was damp with perspiration.

"Thank you for taking the time to talk to us, Ms. Walters. This is not an interrogation. But if you’d feel more comfortable with a lawyer present, we can wait." At the negative shake of her head, he continued. "We know what a trying time this is for you since your…friend…is so ill." The shorter of the two men came forward and offered his hand. "I’m Detective Weingart, and this is Sergeant Byers." He motioned to the taller man who waved the two people inside. "Please, have a seat. We’ll try to make this as quick as possible." The detective looked at Charlie, who was still in his sheriff’s uniform. "I’m sorry…I don’t believe we’ve met." Great…a small time sheriff trying to play cop. That is just what we need underfoot.

Charlie stepped forward and shook the man’s hand. "I’m Sheriff Bristol from Somerville." He gently guided Lex to a nearby chair. "I hope you don’t mind if I sit in." Although I’m not about to leave, I don’t like the way the short guy is looking at Lex. He’s going to be trouble, I’ll bet.

The sergeant reached over and shook Charlie’s hand also. "Not at all. We were just hoping that Ms. Walters could help us figure out how Miss Cauble became poisoned."

The dark-haired woman missed the edge of the chair and fell to the floor. "Poisoned?" she gasped out. She didn’t even realize when Charlie helped her up and into the chair. "Did you say that Amanda has been poisoned? How in the hell did that happen?"

"That’s what we’d like to know. Was she with you at all times today? Did she come in contact with any strangers or suspicious persons?" The crew-cut blond man asked. He consulted an open folder that was lying on the desk.

"We were together all day today. I promised to take Amanda Christmas shopping at the mall, and we spent the entire day there. We never left each other’s side." Lex frowned in deep thought. "Wait. I did leave her at the atrium while I went to get us something to drink, but she really wasn’t out of my sight."

The sergeant wrote furiously in the folder while the detective stepped around the desk and sat on the corner closest to Lex. "You both had something to drink at the mall?" He looked down at the upset woman. "How do you explain that Miss Cauble became ill, while you appear to be in good health?"

Charlie stepped forward and got between the detective and Lex. "I don’t think I like your insinuation, Detective. Just what is it you’re trying to say?"

"We’re not trying to insinuate anything, Sheriff. We’re just trying to find out how Miss Cauble could have been exposed to the poison." Detective Weingart stood firm. He didn’t like the attitude of the old man or this woman. She’s Miss Cauble’s ‘special’ friend… disgusting!

Lex stood up and put a reassuring hand on Charlie’s shoulder. "It’s all right. I want to get to the bottom of this as much as they do." She guided the sheriff into a nearby chair and stood over the still seated detective. "We ate the same foods, drank the same drinks…" She stopped suddenly as a thought came to her. "Damn."

"What is it, Ms. Walters?" Sergeant Byers looked up from taking notes.

"I’m not sure…it may be nothing, but…" Lex’s brows were creased in thought.

Detective Weingart crossed his arms across his chest. "Why don’t you let us be the judges of what’s relevant, and what isn’t. Just spit it out." Smartass dykes…think they’re better than men…

The rancher ignored him and spoke directly to the sergeant. "I bought a couple of drinks from this little stand in the mall. There was this obnoxious teenage boy behind me that was pushing people around and just being a general nuisance. After I turned back around from getting lids for our drinks, he had disappeared."

"And you expect us to believe that a teenage boy is responsible for something as devious and well-planned as this poisoning obviously was? How was he supposed to know which drink belonged to which person?" The detective snorted in disgust. Save me from amateurs.

"I don’t know. But that’s the only…" Lex paused for a moment. "Wait! I forgot! I didn’t drink mine."

Detective Weingart pointed an accusing finger at the rancher. "So you admit that you didn’t have the same drink!" I’ve got you now. Probably had a little lover’s quarrel and wanted to get back at her. I’ll bet Miss Cauble was going to dump her for a man, and she lost it.

"If you’ll just shut your damn mouth for half a second, I’ll finish telling you." Lex glared at the pudgy man. When he leaned back a bit and nodded she continued, "Amanda was talking to a little old lady when I got back to where she was sitting in the atrium. I gave Amanda one drink, and offered mine to the old woman because she looked as if she needed it."

The two policemen looked at each other in silent communication. "That certainly explains a few things." The tall man murmured to his partner.

Charlie stood up again. "Explains what? Are you about through giving Lex the third degree? I don’t appreciate you treating her as if she was some sort of criminal." He finally quieted when Lex put a hand on his arm. "I’m sorry, honey. But I can’t stand here and watch them treat you like this."

Lex smiled gently at the older man. "I really appreciate your concern, Uncle Charlie…but these guys are just doing their job." Although, "chubby" over there is beginning to get on my nerves. I hope they’re not trying to play good-cop, bad-cop. She almost laughed out loud at that thought. Too many reruns of Miami Vice, I’ll bet. She looked back at the officers. "What exactly does this explain?"

Detective Weingart looked over at his sergeant, who shrugged. "We received a report from Somerville Community Hospital some time ago. An elderly woman was admitted earlier this evening with the same symptoms as Miss Cauble."

"Elderly woman? Oh, god…" Lex paled and sat back down in her chair. "How is she?"

"She passed away about three hours ago." Sergeant Byers advised sympathetically. Poor woman…first her friend is poisoned, and then she finds out that her act of kindness killed an innocent bystander.

The dark-haired woman closed her eyes. "She’s dead because of me." Charlie’s comforting hand on her shoulder almost did her in. Lex slumped in her chair. "What about Amanda? Do you know if she…?" I couldn’t survive if I lost Amanda…god.

"Mrs. Carruthers had a history of heart problems. Her family said that she had been complaining of chest pains for the past week or so. We’re fairly certain that the poison just sped up the inevitable." The sergeant explained. She’s got enough to worry about without the guilt of the old woman’s death. Maybe I can make her feel a little better. "Just as an added precaution, we’ve assigned an officer to Miss Cauble’s room. We don’t want whoever slipped the poison to her to finish the job." I don’t think that’s going to happen, but better safe than sorry.

Charlie stood up and squeezed Lex gently on the shoulder again. "I don’t think Amanda was the target, gentlemen. Why don’t we let Lex go back to the waiting room and I’ll be more than happy to brief you on the events before today. It’s a rather long and complicated story."

"I don’t know. I think that I’d like Ms. Walters to come down to the station for further questioning." Detective Weingart stated. "I just want to make sure that we have all the details correct." He practically glared at the seated woman. Teach her to take an attitude with me.

"Then you’re gonna have to arrest me, Detective. I’m not leaving this hospital any other way." Lex stood up and challenged the red-faced policeman with a defiant look in her eyes. "Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go check on my friend." She turned and stomped from the room.

The stocky detective jumped to his feet and started for the door. "She wants to be arrested, I’ll be more than happy to oblige her!"

"Hold it, Barry. Let her go." Sergeant Byers ordered. "I’m sure that Sheriff Bristol can answer any questions we may have." After Charlie nodded, he motioned for the detective to sit back down. "Now…why don’t you start at the beginning, Sheriff"?

***************

"Hello…I would like to check on the condition of a patient that you have there." Mark Garrett was sitting in a hotel room about four blocks away from Parkdale General. He had been parked outside the Caubles’ home earlier to see if his plan had worked, but had been horrified to see Lex carry an unconscious Amanda to the suburban.

"Yes sir. And what is the name of the patient you are inquiring about?" The nurse asked pleasantly.

"Amanda Cauble." Mark crossed his fingers. Please let her be okay…I’ll be in so much trouble, otherwise. Stupid teenage kid. Can’t depend on anyone to do anything.

The nurse paused for a moment. "Umm…let me check. Will you hold for a moment, please?" Loud classical music began to play on the line as she put him on hold.

Mark slammed down the phone quickly. "Dammit!" He jumped up from where he had been sitting on the edge of the bed and began to pace the small room. They must have figured out what happened. That stupid kid was supposed to drug both cups then make sure that Amanda DIDN’T drink hers. He checked his watch and sighed. Midnight in Los Angeles…damn. I really do not want to make this phone call. With slumped shoulders, Mark sat back down on the bed and dialed a number from memory. After several rings it was finally picked up.

"Yes?" A slightly breathless voice answered.

"It’s me." Mark knew that no identification from him was necessary.

"Where in the hell have you been? I’ve been waiting by this phone for hours," the voice berated. "I called your hotel last night, and they said that you had already checked out. What’s going on down there?"

The weary man wiped a hand over his face. "Everything kinda fell apart…I had to go into hiding."

The person on the other end of the phone sighed heavily. "It has to do with that jackass you hired, doesn’t it? I knew that he was too stupid to be trusted."

"Well, that’s part of it." Mark leaned back on the bed and closed his eyes. This is not going to be fun. "He attacked Walters in her barn yesterday morning."

"You’ve got to be kidding me!" Shocked, she continued, "Well…was he able to do any damage? That would at least be some consolation."

Mark sighed. "Not exactly. She pretty much kicked his ass all over the place, even though she was still recuperating from his last mistake." He took a deep breath. "And, to top it all off, the sheriff is actually engaged to her housekeeper – so he had spent the night there at the ranch. Sterling never had a chance. He got hustled off to jail in a hurry."

There was another thoughtful silence on the phone. "This just keeps getting better and better. Thank god the idiot doesn’t know much." A slight pause, "He doesn’t know who I am, does he?"

"No! Of course not! That little voice-altering device not only made your voice indistinguishable, but scared the hell out of him," Mark assured his boss. "But, I have more bad news." He braced himself for the outburst that was sure to come. "I wanted to surprise you by getting Walters out of the picture…but things didn’t go quite as I had planned."

"What did you do?" The voice turned icy. This will teach me to use amateurs instead of professionals when I want something done.

"It really was a great plan. Even if it didn’t succeed, her reputation would be in question." He tried to soften the news.

"What…did…you…do?" Each word was bitten off sharply as the question was drawn out angrily.

"I paid this punk kid fifty dollars cash to dump some drugs in her drink – he was supposed to put it in both cups and then whiz by on his skateboard to knock Amanda’s out of her hand."

"Dear god…you don’t mean that…?" Pain colored the voice. "Is she…?"

Mark sat up again. "She’s alive. But Walters gave her drink to some old lady, and it killed her."

"You stupid fool! You almost killed her!" Shaky fingers rubbed a suddenly pounding forehead. "Where is Amanda right now?"

"She’s at Parkdale General Hospital. The last I heard they had her in intensive care. But I can’t call for any information, because the cops know that she was poisoned." Mark twirled the phone cord around his finger. "What do you want me to do?"

Silence.

"You still there?" He questioned cautiously.

"Yes, I’m here. Shut up for a minute while I think." Incompetent moron. I should have just hired a professional to do away with that pesky woman when I had the chance.

The exhausted man sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for a brilliant solution to his problem. "Do you want me to…"

"No! You’ve done quite enough already. Just sit there quietly while I try to think. Wait… my other line is flashing. Hold on a minute." A quiet click, and then silence on the line.

Mark sat patiently. He kept going through his mind other scenarios. I don’t know what went so wrong. If I weren’t so afraid of going to prison, I’d shoot the bitch at point blank range.

"I’m back." The voice sounded tired and upset. "That was my obligory phone call to notify me of Amanda’s condition. About time they called me, don’t you think?"

"Maybe they were just waiting until they had something to report. How is she?" Mark was more worried about what would happen to him if she died. He really didn’t care too much about her condition.

A slight silence, then a heavy sigh. "She’s still in intensive care…the doctor said it would be awhile before we know for sure if she’ll pull through."

"Is there anything I can do?" He asked with fake concern.

"I believe you’ve done quite enough, Mark. Get yourself on the next flight to Los Angeles, and we’ll find someplace for you to hide until this mess all blows over." Thoughts of a sudden car accident, or maybe just having the man disappear altogether flashed through their mind. I can’t allow him to be out running around – they’d have no trouble getting the little idiot to blab every-thing he knows to save his own skin.

Mark nodded at the phone. "All right. I’ll drive straight to the airport from here. I should be able to get a flight out in the next couple of hours."

"Actually, I think it would be better if you drove to Austin to catch a flight. I know it’s a lot further for you, but the authorities won’t be looking for you there." And it’s a long stretch of deserted highway…anything could happen.

"Good idea. I’ll leave immediately." He was anxious to please his employer after this past week’s mistakes.

"Now remember – keep as low a profile as possible. Fly back coach, and try to make yourself as invisible as you can. I don’t want anyone to remember you. I’ll have you booked on a flight out of the country when you get here. There will be someone to meet you that will have your itinerary."

Mark exhaled a sigh of relief. "Thank you. I know that I let you down, but if you’ll just give me a chance, I’ll make it up to you."

"I know you will." The voice was calm, almost soothing now. "None of this was your fault. Everything is going to work out just fine. Now hurry back…I’ve got an assignment for you in Great Britain that I think you’ll enjoy."

"Thank you. I won’t let you down," the happy man gushed. I KNEW that I was special… this just proves it. A shame my worthless wife didn’t seem to think so… but once I get settled overseas, I’ll try to get custody of the kids.

"Oh…just in case. You don’t have anything with you that could be traced back to me do you? I’m a little concerned that you could be caught by a radar-happy trooper."

Mark thought for a moment. "Nope. Not a damn thing. But you don’t have to worry…you can trust me," he assured his employer.

"I believe you. I guess I’m just a little paranoid." They let out a nervous chuckle. "Hurry back, and we’ll get you settled overseas."

"Great. I’m leaving right now." Mark hung up the phone with a satisfied smile. Guess someone else will have to take care of that Walters woman. Oh, well…He grabbed his suitcase and looked around the room. No more backwaters dives for me. Ritz Carlton, here I come!

Chapter 18

Dr. Barnes stepped into the waiting room where six faces turned to him anxiously. Charlie was the only person missing, as he was still in conference with the two police officers. The doctor walked over to where Jacob sat, flanked by his wife and Jeannie. "Mr. Cauble…I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you, but I wanted to see how your granddaughter responded to the treatment before I spoke to you."

"How is she?" Anna Leigh asked as she spared a glance at Lex and Martha that were over by the windows. The dark-haired woman looked completely lost and alone, and it broke Anna Leigh’s heart.

"She’s stable for now. We have her on a respirator to help her breathe so that her heart and lungs are not overworked." Dr. Barnes looked over at the woman by the window. Sometimes I really hate my job.

Jeannie squeezed Frank’s hand. Her husband sat on the other side of her and pulled her close. "Can we see her?" she asked.

The doctor nodded. "Only for a moment, and not all at once." He turned to face Lex. "And I’m sorry, but only family members are allowed into ICU." Stupid rule – she’s obviously very close to Miss Cauble. Maybe I can do something about that.

The rancher nodded wearily. "I understand. Thank you for all you’ve done, Dr. Barnes." Lex felt Martha put a sympathetic arm around her waist. "If it’s okay, I’ll just hang out here for a while."

"Certainly. Thank you for understanding, Ms. Walters." Dr. Barnes turned away from them and stepped to the door. He spoke loudly to the family. "If you will just follow me…she’s in room two-thirty one of ICU. Right next to our supply office." He winked at Lex and led the rest of the family out of the room.

Martha looked after them in surprise. "I do believe that Dr. Barnes is human after all," she murmured to the tall woman next to her.

"You’ve got that right." Lex smiled down on the older woman. "I’m gonna give the Caubles some time with her first, then I think Amanda is going to have a ‘nurse’ by her side for a while." She kissed the top of Martha’s head. "Why don’t you and Charlie check into a nearby hotel? You look a little worn out." More like a LOT worn out… I keep forgetting she’s not as young as she used to be. These late hours can’t be too good for her, or Charlie.

"Good idea, sweetheart. We’ll book several rooms together so that everyone will have a place to rest up," Martha agreed. "That means you too." She gave the rancher one of her serious looks. "And before you give me any trouble, don’t bother. You’re not too big for me to still take over my knee."

Lex rolled her eyes. "Yes, ma’am. Just call and leave me a message at the nurse’s station so I’ll know where you are." She pulled the short woman into a strong hug. "Thanks for being here, Mada. I couldn’t have made it without you."

The housekeeper returned the hug. "Phooey. That’s what family is for, honey. Now don’t be too late, all right? You need your rest too, if you’re going to do Amanda any good." She pulled away just as the door opened and an exhausted looking Charlie stepped into the waiting area.

"Where’d everybody go?" He asked as he looked around.

"They’ve gone to see Amanda." Martha walked over to him and rubbed his arm. "Lexie is going to wait here for them, and we’re gonna go get a few hotel rooms for us all."

Charlie looked over at Lex, who was leaning against the far wall with her arms crossed over her chest. "Are you sure that you don’t need us to stay with you, honey?"

The young woman shook her head as she pushed away from the wall. Lex stepped over to where the older couple was standing. "I’m sure, Uncle Charlie. I really just need a little time by myself." She pulled the lawman into a strong embrace. "You take care of Martha for me, all right?" she whispered in his ear.

"You know I will, sweetheart." He pulled back and looked into her eyes. "You just call if you need us, and we’ll be back here in a flash."

"I promise." Lex leaned over and kissed them both. "Now go on, before you both collapse on me." She watched with a fond smile as the couple left the room. There go the best parents anyone could ever ask for. I’ve certainly been lucky to have them.

***************

The tall figure stepped quietly into the empty corridor. After looking both directions, it stealthily made its way to the intensive care unit.

The nurse seated behind the counter looked up from her paperwork and smiled. "You’re a little early, aren’t you? Shift change isn’t for another forty-five minutes."

"Umm…yeah. But I couldn’t sleep, so I thought that I’d just take a look around."

The young nurse nodded. "I know the feeling. We’ve got one new patient and her family left a little while ago. It was really close for a while, but it looks like she’s going to pull through just fine." She looked down at a chart. "I expect the doctor will take her off the respirator first thing in the morning."

Lex almost collapsed in relief. "That’s great. I’ll just go in and check on her, if you don’t mind." Her entire body was screaming to race into the room, regulations be-damned.

"Go on. I’ll cover for you." The nurse nodded at the uniformed police officer that was standing by the entry door to the unit. After the tall woman closed the door behind her, the nurse picked up the phone and dialed an extension. "Dr. Barnes? This is Nurse Hamil in ICU. I did what you asked. The dark-haired woman is in there now."

"Thank you, Shelly. Don’t let anyone disturb her, all right? I think that she’s the best medicine for our patient right now." Dr. Barnes smiled and hung up the phone.

Lex peered through the glass wall before reaching the door. Room two-thirty one… but it’s too dark to see anything. She pushed the door open slowly and stepped in, allowing it to close quietly behind her. Blue eyes tracked to the bed on the other side of the room. It was tucked in the corner and was surrounded by several different machines. Oh, god…Amanda…

Amanda’s small body was lying deathly still on the bed with several tubes running between her and the machines. The only sounds in the room were the thump and hiss of the respirator and the quiet beep of the heart monitor. Her upper body was slightly elevated and her hair was in disarray and matted to her head.

"My poor love," Lex murmured quietly as she stood next to the bed. She pulled a nearby chair close and sat down, her eyes never leaving the frail form on the bed. She reached over with a trembling hand and gently grasped the small fingers. "Oh, sweetheart…what I have done to you?" None of this would have happened if you weren’t with me. How will I ever be able to look into those beautiful green eyes again? WILL I ever be able to look into them? Her other hand began to lightly brush the blonde hair from Amanda’s face. "I love you so much…please don’t leave me." She let her hand fall to the unconscious woman’s shoulder and clasp it gently. Her dark head fell to the bed and she cried herself to sleep, never releasing the hold she had on her lover.

A soft pat on her shoulder caused Lex to bolt upright. "What?" She looked around in fear, only to be faced with the knowing smile of Dr. Barnes.

"I’m sorry, Ms. Walters, but we’re going to have to ask you to leave." He saw the panicked look on her face. "We need to move Miss Cauble out of ICU and into a private room. Although I do admit that you look right at home in those scrubs." He smiled at the way the rancher was dressed. The dark green garments flattered the dark-haired woman and fit her form as if they were made for her. She could easily pass as a nurse or doctor, the way they fit.

"What time is it?" Lex asked, as she looked around, disoriented. How could I fall asleep when I was supposed to be watching her?

The doctor checked his watch. "About ten minutes after seven. It seems that Miss Cauble responded well to the medication during the night." Not to mention the specialized care she received from her friend. I’m glad Ms. Walters could take a hint.

Lex glanced over at the still form on the bed. "Is she going to be all right?" She couldn’t see any visible change in her friend since she sat down next to her last night. She still looks the same to me.

"Barring any complications, yes. She should even regain consciousness before too long." Dr. Barnes patted the tall woman on the shoulder gently. "Why don’t you go get changed? We’ll have her placed in a private room within another hour or so. Nurse Hamil is pulling a double shift, so she’ll be glad to let you know which room we put her in."

"Thank you, Dr. Barnes…for everything." Lex shook his hand and stepped back. She started for the door and then turned back to look at the young woman lying on the bed. "I’ll be back in a few minutes, love," she murmured softly, tears filling her eyes as she left the room.

***************

Jeannie walked into the hotel coffee shop where Charlie and Martha were having breakfast. The sheriff had a serious look on his face and the housekeeper was looking down at a half-eaten plate of food. The young woman stepped up to the table and smiled. "Good morning. I hope you two slept a little better than we did last night."

Martha looked up and brightened. "Good morning, honey. Why don’t you sit down with us?"

"Thanks. Everyone else should be downstairs soon, and then we can all go see Amanda. I called the hospital earlier, and she’s been moved to a private room." Jeannie sat down and looked up with appreciation as a waitress came over and poured her a cup of coffee. "Thanks."

"I’m sorry to hear you didn’t sleep well…were you worried about your sister?" Martha asked sympathetically. She was worried about Lex. The rancher never came to the hotel during the night, and never called. I hope she’s okay. It’s not like my Lexie to stay gone so long without at least calling.

The younger woman shook her head. "Not exactly. Well, I mean…I was worried about Amanda, but the most upsetting thing was having to call my parents and let them know what had happened. They didn’t take it very well, I’m afraid."

Charlie looked at Jeannie. "You talked to your folks last night?"

"Yes," Jeannie nodded with a grim smile. "Dad complained that I took too long to call, and Mother complained because I called so late in the evening and woke her up." She rolled her eyes.

"Are they on their way here to see Amanda?" the sheriff asked. After the information that he had received this morning, Charlie really wanted a chance to talk to Michael Cauble. Especially after all the things that Amanda had told me about him and Lex. He only listened with half an ear to the conversation around him, thinking back to the earlier phone call.

When the phone rang at six am, Charlie had thought the worst. He quickly reached over to grab the phone before it could wake Martha. "Hello?"

Charlie looked over at Martha and smiled. My family…I think I like the sound of that. "Thank you, my friend. We’re going to go find Lex this morning and try to get her to take a nap. I’m sure she spent the entire night up worrying. Let me know if you get anymore information."

The sheriff looked back up at Amanda’s sister. The young woman looked as if she had a bad taste in her mouth.

Jeannie shook her head. "I asked them if they’d be flying in to see Mandy. Father completely refused because he didn’t want to run into Lex. Mother said that as long as my sister was involved with ‘that woman,’ she wouldn’t feel comfortable here either." She looked over at Martha sadly. "I’m sorry, Martha. I hope you realize that not everyone in my family feels the same as my parents do."

Martha patted the younger woman’s arm sympathetically. "You have nothing to apologize for, honey. I’m just sorry to hear that your parents gave you such a hard time." She shook her head. "I can’t believe that they’d leave their own daughter in the hospital hundred of miles away without trying to see her. Maybe they’ll feel differently about it this morning."

"I doubt it. They were pretty upset when Mandy chose Lex over them," Jeannie explained.

"Just how upset were they?" Charlie asked. "Were they angry at Amanda, or at the situation?"

The young woman looked at the sheriff with a confused frown. "Well, they haven’t disowned her or anything, so I suppose it’s more the situation than anything else. Why?"

The sheriff smiled. "Just thinking out loud, that’s all." He looked over Jeannie’s shoulder to the door of the restaurant. "Looks like everyone’s up, now." Charlie waved at the three people standing inside the doorway.

Jacob returned the wave and escorted his wife and Frank to the table. "Good morning, everyone." He held the chair for Anna Leigh and then sat down next to her.

"Good morning to you, too." Martha smiled warmly at the newcomers. "Would you like some breakfast? Charlie and I were just about to go over and check on Lexie. She never came to her room last night."

"You mean to tell me that Lex spent all night in that damn waiting room?" Frank asked incredulously. He sat down next to Jeannie and put an arm around her shoulders.

The housekeeper chuckled. "No, not in the waiting room…she sneaked into Amanda’s room and stayed with her all night, I’ll bet."

Anna Leigh laughed in delight. "That explains why Dr. Barnes told us exactly where Mandy’s room was. I was wondering why he told us about a supply room."

"Me too," Jacob agreed. "I’m really glad that Lex was there with Mandy during the night. That’s probably why she improved so quickly."

Everyone at the table nodded in agreement. Charlie stood up and helped Martha to her feet. "I’m sorry to leave such fine company, but I really want to go check on Lex. I’m afraid she’s asleep in a corner somewhere."

Martha laughed. "Knowing our Lexie, she’s probably curled up somewhere near Amanda."

***************

She stared into the mirror and grimaced. I look like hell…no wonder Dr. Barnes chased me out of Amanda’s room. Lex bent down and splashed more cold water on her face. "Martha is gonna kick my butt for sure," she mumbled as she looked into the mirror again. At least my hair still looks halfway decent. I’ve got to remember to thank her for braiding it. She rubbed her eyes then looked down at her watch, which had been a birthday gift from her lover.

Lex had been awakened by light kisses across her face. When she opened her eyes, she saw Amanda’s beautiful face smiling down on her. "‘Morning," Lex mumbled with a smile.

Amanda nodded. "She sure did. But don’t be angry with her, okay? It just came up in a conversation recently." Yeah…a conversation that started, ‘Hey, Martha…when’s Lex’s birthday? I know it’s sometime in November, but I don’t know the exact day.’ She smiled inwardly. "You should have been in the military, honey…having your birthday land on Veteran’s Day and everything."

"C’mon, honey…just open it," Amanda urged impatiently. She watched as her friend enjoyed the wrapped package like a small child on Christmas morning. It’s probably the first gift that anyone besides Martha has given her in a long time.

"It’s incredible." Lex started to put it on then noticed the back of the watch. Engraved? She turned the watch slightly until the morning light from the windows reflected off its back. I will always protect and cherish your heart – Love, Your Amanda. Lex glanced up with tears in her eyes. "That’s beautiful…" She slipped the watch onto her left wrist and secured the clasp. "Perfect fit." Lex sat the empty box down and framed the younger woman’s face with her hands. "Thank you, sweetheart. I will cherish it as I do you…forever."

Lex sighed and pulled her sleeve back down. That had to be just about the best birthday that I’ve ever had. She took another quick look in the mirror then turned and left the ladies room.

"Ms. Walters!" Nurse Hamil waved to her from down the hall. She waited patiently until Lex walked up to the nurse’s station. "Good morning."

"Good morning, ma’am." Lex smiled at the older woman. "You’ve certainly put in a full day, haven’t you?" She thought about the deception that she had played on the nurse last night. "I’m sorry about what I did last night. I really hope that I didn’t get you into any trouble."

The nurse waved the apology off. "Don’t worry about it, honey. Dr. Barnes had warned me that you would be showing up and told me to make sure you got in okay." She laughed at the surprised look on the tall woman’s face. "It’s okay. You weren’t wearing any identification, so, normally, I wouldn’t have let you in."

"I kinda wondered why it was so easy to get through," Lex grinned. "Well, anyway…I really appreciate everything that you’ve done for Amanda. She’s very important to me." That’s an understatement…she’s the most important thing in my life. She IS my life.

"That’s what we’re here for, dear. Would you like to see her now?" The nurse patted Lex on the arm. "C’mon…she should be awake any time now." She grasped the rancher’s forearm and led her to a nearby room.

Lex paused at the door, suddenly unsure. She was afraid of what she might find on the other side of the door. "It’s okay for me to go in?"

The smiling nurse nodded. "Of course, honey. The doctor left a few minutes ago, and her family hasn’t made it in yet." She leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially, "It’s about an hour before visitors are allowed, but I won’t tell if you won’t."

"Okay…thank you." Lex smiled at the smaller woman. "If anyone calls for me, will you…?"

"Sure. Now go on. She’s probably awake already, and wondering where you are." Nurse Hamil gently pushed the tall woman through the door.

After last nights shock, Lex was relieved to see that all of the machines were gone from Amanda’s bedside. The only thing left was the intravenous drip that stood discreetly by the headboard. She stepped quietly over to the bed and looked down at her resting friend. "Hi, beautiful," Lex whispered. She reached down and brushed Amanda’s bangs away from her eyes. "You sure gave us a scare, you know." The rancher looked around for a chair. Not seeing one she decided to just stand by the bed. Her back was still aching from carrying the smaller woman down the stairs last night but she was not about to leave Amanda’s side. While one hand continued to comb through the blonde hair, her other grasped the small hand unencumbered by tubes. "I would give anything to see those beautiful green eyes again."

Almost as if she heard Lex, Amanda’s eyelids fluttered open. She blinked several times and finally was able to focus on the tall woman’s face. Her mouth opened, but only a strangled gasp came out. She reached for her throat in a panic.

"Sshhh…it’s okay, baby." Lex released her hold on Amanda’s hand and poured her a glass of water from a nearby pitcher. "Here…take a sip or two. They had you hooked up to a respirator during the night. That’s why your throat is so sore." She helped the younger woman take a few small sips of water. "How’s that?"

"Better," Amanda whispered with a grimace. "Still hurts, though." She looked up at her lover. "What happened? The last thing I can remember is going to bed after dinner."

Lex thought back to the frightening moment when she woke up with the feverish woman by her side. God…I don’t think I can go through that again. Her eyes teared up and she found it hard to breathe. "Well…I woke up and you had a really high fever." Lex didn’t realize that she’d sat down on the edge of the bed until she felt small fingers tangle with hers.

"Lex?" Amanda’s voice was still raspy, but she was very concerned for her friend. The rancher’s eyes had filled with tears and they didn’t seem to be focused on anything.

"I couldn’t get you to wake up…you got so sick, so fast…" Lex continued quietly. "We got you here, and they put you in Intensive Care." She choked back a sob. "Then they wouldn’t tell me anything…I’m not family, they said."

"Honey…" Amanda could see that Lex was on the verge of a breakdown. "It’s okay." She coughed slightly, then allowed her lover to help her with the cup of water again. "Thanks."

The rancher had put the cup away automatically and then began to run her fingers through Amanda’s hair as if to reassure her self that the younger woman was okay. Her other hand continued to hold Amanda’s tightly. "The police even questioned me. They said that you had been poisoned, and thought that I might have had something to do with it." Lex ignored the tears now trailing freely down her cheeks. "I did, you know."

Amanda shook her head. "No, you didn’t. Don’t say that." She could feel Lex’s anguish and it tore at her heart.

"It’s true…a kid slipped it into our drinks at the mall. He was probably trying to get to me." Lex sniffled and blinked to try and clear her vision. "It’s all my fault…I killed her."

"Who, love?" The conversation was tiring Amanda quickly, but she fought the sleep that pulled at her. She needs me…I don’t think I’ve ever seen Lex so…lost.

Lex looked down at their linked hands. "That old woman at the mall…I gave her my drink, and now she’s dead." Her breathing quickened as she fought her emotions. "And I almost killed you."

Amanda pulled Lex forward until the older woman was cradled against her chest. "Shhh…. You did no such thing. Whoever put that stuff in our drinks did that, not you." She felt Lex tremble and then begin to sob. "It’s okay, honey…everything is going to be okay." She looked up over the rancher when she heard the door open. Amanda raised one hand from Lex’s back and waved at her grandmother, who nodded and stepped back through the door closing it quietly behind her.

"I almost lost you…" Lex murmured. She had both arms wrapped tightly around Amanda as she continued to cry. "Oh, god…"

"Shhh…" Amanda continued to rub her lover’s back comfortingly. "I’m fine, really. It’s all going to be okay, Lex…" She looked at the tubes that ran down to her left hand. Guess it was pretty close. Poor Lex. But why would someone try to poison…? Oh, no! That means that someone else besides Ronnie’s brother is after Lex!

***************

Anna Leigh looked at the people gathered in the hallway with her. "Why don’t we all go get a cup of coffee in the cafeteria? Lexington is with Mandy right now." She saw knowing smiles all around. "From what I could see, they both looked just fine."

"That’s great news!" Charlie exclaimed. "I’ll even buy the coffee." He took Martha’s hand in his and began to lead her down the hallway.

Jacob looked at his wife, then at Jeannie and Frank. "We should give them a few minutes alone anyway, don’t you think?" He reached for Anna Leigh’s hand and began to follow the sheriff.

Charlie had only taken a few steps when his pager went off. He looked down at the display and turned grim. "Let me just make a quick phone call, and I’ll meet you all there." He leaned over and kissed the top of Martha’s head. "I won’t be but a minute, sweetheart."

"C’mon, Martha…you can tell us some embarrassing stories about Lex while we wait." Jeannie took the older woman by the arm and began to lead her down the corridor.

The sheriff watched his friends leave as he made his way to the row of payphones nearby. He smiled as he picked up a receiver and dropped his coins into the phone. After he dialed, he waited impatiently while the phone on the other end of the line rang.

"Campbell here."

"Hello, Robert…I just received your page." Charlie pulled out his notepad.

The young man on the other end of the phone sighed in relief. "That was fast. Thanks for calling back so soon."

The sheriff clicked his pen and opened to a clean sheet of paper. "No problem. What’s up?"

"I’m afraid you’re not going to like it." Robert could be heard shuffling papers in the background. "We traced those phone calls that were made to Sterling."

"Great! Where did they come from?"

"We traced one number back to a local hotel where a man fitting the description of Mark Garrett had rented a room for the past two weeks. He paid cash, so we really have no solid proof that it was him." The prosecutor sighed heavily. "But it at least gives us a connection."

Charlie wrote for a moment, then stopped. "A connection? What sort of connection? We already knew that Garrett posted bond for Matt Sterling."

Robert paused for a moment. "We have a connection between Sterling and the person whom I believe is behind this whole mess. Seems his boss was calling from an office in his home."

"Really? Then we have a positive ID on the employer?" The sheriff continued to write furiously. "Do we have a name?"

The prosecutor paused a beat before answering. "The phone number was traced to a private office in the home of Michael Sean Cauble."

Chapter 19

The receiver dropped from Charlie’s fingers. He watched it swing back and forth for a moment before he put the phone back to his ear. "Is that a positive identification? Are we sure that the phone number is registered to Michael Cauble?"

"I’m afraid so. I personally ran the check three different times." Robert assured him. "I’d really like to talk to this man…do you think that he’ll be coming here to see his daughter?"

"I’m not sure. His oldest daughter called last night to notify him and his wife of Amanda’s condition. Neither one of them seemed too concerned." Charlie put his notepad back in his pocket. He looked up as the door to Amanda’s room opened and a very haggard Lex stepped out. "I’ve got to go, Robert. Page me if you get any more information, okay?"

The prosecutor released a relieved breath. "You got it. I’ll talk to you later. Give my best to your family, Charlie."

Charlie hung up the phone and walked quickly over to where Lex was standing. "Lex? Are you okay, sweetheart?" He stepped up next to her as the tall woman turned and fell into his arms. "What’s wrong?"

"Uncle Charlie…" Lex buried her face in the older man’s shirt and breathed in the familiar scent of his cologne. She cried in relief for a few moments, then pulled back. "Sorry about that."

"What’s the matter, honey? Is Amanda okay?" He pulled a handkerchief from his back pocket and used it to clean away the tears from her face.

Lex looked up at the sheriff with a relieved smile. "She’s fine…I’m a basket case, but she’s okay." She looked around the hallway and then back to him. "Where’s everyone else?"

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and began to lead her away from the room. "They went to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee." He glanced down at the young woman. "You look like you could use a cup yourself, sweetheart."

"Yeah…I think I could. You buying?" She smiled up at the man who had always been there for her.

"Yup." Charlie continued to lead her down the hall. "C’mon…they probably make it nice and thick, just the way you like it."

Lex laughed. "Great…think they’ll just give it to me intravenously? I’m so damn tired that I don’t think I could lift the cup." She gratefully accepted the sheriff’s arm around her waist as they headed toward the cafeteria.

***************

"You’ve got to be kidding me!" Martha almost spewed coffee through her nose. "She didn’t actually do that, did she?"

Anna Leigh nodded. "Took off all her clothes and raced through the front yard, right during shift change at the plant." She laughed with the others at the table. "I swear, the woman you know is not the same child I knew growing up. She was such a little exhibitionist as a toddler."

Martha shook her head. "It’s hard to believe…Amanda gets embarrassed just talking about anything related to that sort of thing." She met the older woman’s glance. "It embarrasses her to let me wash her underwear."

"That sounds just like my sister." Jeannie shared. "She turned into such a prude when she grew up. I was afraid she was going to die a virgin." She felt an elbow in her side. "What?" The auburn-haired woman glared at her husband. "Well? It’s true."

Frank covered his face with one hand. "I can’t believe you talk like this around your grandmother," he murmured.

Jeannie leaned over and whispered loudly in his ear, "She knows about sex…how do you think my dad got here?"

"Geez…" The big man blushed.

Lex sat down next to the red-faced man and leaned into him. "What’s the matter, Frank? You look a little flustered." She nodded and smiled gratefully to Charlie when he sat a cup of coffee down in front of her. "Thanks, Uncle Charlie."

"No problem, kiddo." The sheriff took his place next to his fiancee’. "Hello there, beautiful. What are you folks jabbering about?"

"How’s Mandy doing, Lexington?" Anna Leigh asked the exhausted woman. She looks completely worn out…poor thing.

The rancher looked up from her cup of coffee. "She’s sleeping right now. But she was feeling pretty good, other than having a sore throat from the respirator." Lex bit her lip to keep from crying. She just looks so tiny and frail in that bed, all alone. I should have never promised her that I would go lie down for a while. I hate leaving her by herself. Damn!

Jacob reached across the table and took Lex’s hand in his. "I’m glad you were there for her, Lex. But you look like you’re about to fall over." He saw out of the corner of his eye as Jeannie quietly left the table. "Why don’t you go back to the hotel and get a little rest?"

"I promised Amanda that I would take a nap, but I didn’t actually tell her I would leave the hospital." Lex quickly drained her coffee cup. "I think I’ll go find a quiet corner in the waiting room." She stood up slowly.

Martha stood up also. "I think that we can do better than that, Lexie." She smiled as Jeannie walked back into the room and gave her a thumbs up. The housekeeper was about to lead her charge from the room when a young nurse stopped them.

"Excuse me…are you Ms. Walters?" She had been given a detailed description of the woman, but the lady that stood before her was more beautiful than the man on the phone had described.

"What’s wrong?" Martha asked. She had one arm wrapped protectively around the rancher and wasn’t about to let go.

Lex smiled slightly at the nurse. "I’m Lexington Walters. Is something wrong with my… friend?" She stammered a bit on the last word, unsure of how their relationship could best be described.

"Oh, no…nothing like that. There’s a phone call for you at the nurses’ station. It’s a Mr. Dempsey…he says that it’s quite urgent."

The housekeeper scoffed. "That old geezer thinks that everything is urgent." She remembered when he would call the ranch all upset at the slightest rise or fall in the market. Joshua Dempsey had been Victoria’s investment broker. When she passed away and left a large sum of her funds to Lex, he had stayed on to make certain that unscrupulous men like her older brother wouldn’t take the young woman for all she had.

"How did he know where to find me?" Lex looked at Martha, who shrugged innocently.

"I wouldn’t know. I called Roy before we left so that he could keep an eye on the house for us. But he’s the only one I told. I think that old man is psychic, or something." She shook her head.

The rancher sighed. "Might as well go talk to him before he has a stroke." She smiled at the nurse. "Thanks for coming to get me."

"No problem." The young woman returned the smile before leaving the room.

Martha squeezed Lex gently. "Do you want me to talk to him and just take a message? You look like you’re about to collapse, honey."

"No…I’ll talk to him. I was supposed to call him earlier this week anyway." Lex turned slightly and looked down at the older woman. "When I finish with him, I’m gonna go hide somewhere and take a quick nap." She pulled Martha into a strong hug. "I’ll see you later, okay Mada?"

"Sure, honey. But when you get through with Mr. Dempsey, stop by Amanda’s room first. We’ve got a little surprise for you."

Lex looked down with a smirk. "You have something up your sleeve? Should I be nervous?"

"Nope…now go talk to that old man before he calls out a search party." The housekeeper patted Lex gently on the side.

"Yes, ma’am!" Lex saluted Martha and left the room smiling. She hurried to the nurses’ station. "I’m Lexington Walters. Did you have a call for me?"

The young nurse who had given her the message came up behind Lex and patted her on the back. "Here…let me get that for you." She walked around the desk and picked up the phone. "Here you go." She handed the receiver to Lex and stepped back. "Just holler when you’re done, hon."

The tall woman nodded and smiled. "Thanks." She ran a hand over her face and spoke into the phone. "This is Lexington."

"Young lady, you’re harder to find than a five-dollar call girl on a Saturday night!" The old man the other end of the line teased. "I know you’re busy, but I have to notify you of a problem with one of the companies that you have major stock in."

"I’m sorry, Joshua. I should have called you sooner. What’s going on?" Lex smiled gratefully at the young nurse when she was handed a pen and paper.

The old man took a breath and then coughed. He’d smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for over fifty years, and refused to give them up. "Well, it’s actually an investment that your dear mother had made, rest her soul. But the company’s stock is beginning to drop drastically, and I’m afraid that if you don’t get out now, it could seriously hurt you."

Lex nodded. She had always trusted the old man’s business savvy – he’d never been wrong before. "Okay…what’s the name of this business?" She listened for a moment and then began to write. "Cawkeen Enterprises? Did I hear that right?"

"That’s right. I don’t have too many particulars about it, but something happened to it recently and it’s dropping fast." Joshua could be heard shuffling papers in the background. "If you sell now, you’ll still be making a profit."

"Never heard of it." Lex thought for a moment. Oh, well… "Go ahead and sell it all, Joshua. I trust your judgement." She scribbled down the name and put the bit of paper in her shirt pocket. "Thanks for calling."

Dempsey chuckled. "No problem, Lexington. I’ll call you back next week to go over some new investment ideas." He hung up the phone still smiling. That girl has as good a business sense as her mother…and grandfather.

She hung up the phone and smiled at the two nurses. "Thanks again for the use of your phone." Lex turned around and began to walk down the hallway towards Amanda’s room. She saw Charlie and Martha standing outside the door talking with Frank and Jeannie. "Hi folks…did I miss anything interesting?"

"Hey, Slim! My sister was asking for you." Jeannie walked up to the tall woman and enveloped her in a hug. "I think she wants you to break her out of here," she whispered into Lex’s ear. "I heard her arguing with Gramma – she’s feeling a lot better, but the doctor refuses to release her."

"Damn…" Lex pulled out of the embrace slowly. "I’ll see what I can do." She reached for the door and then stopped. "Maybe I should give your grandparents more time with her."

Jeannie laughed. "Maybe you should go in and save my grandparents." She winked at the others. "We could hear Mandy from here…I guess her throat no longer bothers her."

Lex looked at the smiling faces around her. "Okay…wish me luck." She squared her shoulders and pushed the door open.

***************

He tossed the suitcase onto the bed and flipped it open. Of all the days to give the servants the day off, he thought angrily. I hate having to pack my own bag…I always forget something. The phone next to the bed rang several times before he sighed heavily and picked up the receiver. "Michael Cauble here."

"Mr. Cauble! Thank goodness I found you!" The excited voice on the other end of the phone practically yelled. "I thought you were out of town?"

"I was. Something unexpected came up. What’s the problem?" Michael continued to pack the bag. I really don’t have time for his hysterics. Damn fool.

The man paused for a moment. "Umm…you remember how your stock began to fall this past week?"

Michael stopped what he was doing. "Yes? You told me it would pick back up and not to worry about it." A small knot of apprehension began to form in his stomach. "Why?"

"Well…umm…" the voice trembled slightly.

"Dammit, Craig! What the hell is going on?" Michael finished tossing clothes into the suitcase and zipped it shut.

Craig coughed to clear his throat and to stall for time. "It seems like one of your major stockholders couldn’t be so patient."

"What do you mean?"

"They sold their stock…and a couple of others must have gotten scared because they did the same," the frightened man almost whispered.

The executive dropped soundlessly onto the bed. "How bad is it?" he murmured.

His employee swallowed loudly. "Umm…well…" Craig stammered. "They’ll probably freeze all your assets to pay off the stockholders. I’m afraid you’ve lost it all, Mr. Cauble."

"Everything?" Michael felt lightheaded. "Even the Swiss accounts?"

"Uh…those were closed out a month ago, sir. I thought you had done it."

Michael closed his eyes. Elizabeth…that bitch said that she’d take me for everything I had. "Do you have any idea what caused the stocks to fall so rapidly?"

Craig breathed a sigh of relief. At least he’s not mad at the messenger…thank god. "There had been a rumor that you were going to sell the company to an overseas buyer that had a bad reputation on the market. Everyone believed it, sir."

"All right. Thanks, Craig." The beaten man leaned forward and cradled his head in his free hand. "I’ve got to go to Texas for a while…my daughter has taken ill. You can reach me at my parent’s house." I hope…maybe I can mend a few bridges while I’m there. Dad was right. A corporate merger does not a good marriage make. He hung up the phone and stared unseeingly out of the bedroom window.

A sound at the doorway causes him to turn around. "Michael. I thought that I had heard the phone. Who was it?" Elizabeth Cauble stood with her arms crossed over her chest.

He stood up and took several steps towards her. "You did it. I’m ruined." Michael walked over and picked the suitcase up from the bed.

"Where do you think you’re going?" She held out an arm to stop him from passing her. "And what on earth are you talking about? What do you mean, you’re ruined?"

"Several stockholders pulled out. I’m broke." He laughed humorlessly. "Don’t look so innocent. I knew you were up to something while I was out of town. I just never figured you to be this vindictive."

Elizabeth glared at her husband. "You’ve always been weak, Michael. I’ve tried to give you a backbone, but you’re just like your father."

Michael shook his head sadly. "No…I’ll never be the man my father is." He sat the suitcase down and pulled out his keyring and removed several keys from it. "You can have this damn mausoleum, Elizabeth. For years I’ve listened to you, and became just as cold and calculating as you are." He handed her the keys and wiped his face with his sleeve. "I almost lost my daughter yesterday. I may have already lost her heart." Michael picked up the suitcase and started for the door.

"Don’t you dare walk out on me! Not after all I’ve done for you!" Elizabeth yelled.

He stopped and turned back around. "Done for me? What in the hell have you done for me?" Michael dropped the suitcase at the door and shook her head. "You’ve never done an unselfish thing in your life."

The enraged woman crossed the room and slapped him. "You ungrateful bastard! How dare you speak to me that way." Then Michael watched, spellbound, as Elizabeth’s countenance changed from angry and imperious to soft and condescending. She took his hand and led him to the bed and sat him down. "I didn’t ruin you…she did."

"Who?" Michael rubbed his cheek where his wife had slapped him. What the hell is she talking about?

"I tried to stop her, you know." She looked down at their linked hands. "But she has more lives than a cat."

Her husband jerked his hand out of hers. "What are you talking about?" Understanding dawned on his face. "You’re talking about that Walters woman, aren’t you?" Michael scooted away from the woman he thought he knew.

"Nothing can be proven, you know." Elizabeth smiled coldly and patted his leg. "And don’t act so offended. You don’t like her any more than I do…you’re just too spineless to do anything."

"Just because I don’t like someone, doesn’t mean I want any harm to come to them." Michael slapped her hand away. "What’s the matter with you? Have you completely lost your mind?"

Elizabeth tilted her head back and laughed. "You fool! That woman is the one that ruined you. SHE was the major stockholder that sold you out." She shook her head. "She’s probably sitting in a bar drinking beer with her redneck friends and laughing her head off."

"Do you actually believe that?" Michael asked. "As much as I dislike the woman, I can’t believe that Amanda would have anything to do with someone like that."

"Oh grow up, Michael! Our daughter – both of them, actually…have been too influenced by those simpering fools that you call parents. It’s a shame mine were killed in that car wreck all those years ago – they would have been excellent role models." She stood up and began to pace. "I’ve done everything possible to secure our future…and that country bumpkin ruined it!"

Michael stood up and caught her arm as she walked by. "Stop it, Elizabeth! You’re acting crazy!" Her behavior was beginning to scare him. He stopped and thought back to what she had said. "Secure our future? Just exactly what have you done?"

"Since you wouldn’t do anything more than to hire that worthless private investigator to dig up old history, someone had to take charge." She turned and gave him a disgusted look. "I sent someone to Texas to keep an eye on her."

"You did what? Don’t tell me you had anything to do with her almost getting killed." He stepped away from her.

"Not exactly. But the moron that Mark hired…" Elizabeth was cut off by her now furious husband.

He stepped forward and grabbed her arm roughly. "I KNEW IT! You slut! Garrett is your little plaything, isn’t he?"

"Let go of me!" She shook off his hand. "At least he was man enough to take care of what I needed!"

"My god…what haven’t you done?" Michael stepped away from her. "Are you going to marry him after our divorce is final?"

She laughed mirthlessly. "Oh please…he was a good distraction, but hardly worthy of any long-term investment on my part." She walked over to the dressing area and picked up a brush. "I sent him overseas…" Elizabeth looked at her husband’s pale face in the mirror as she brushed her hair. "And as for a divorce…I’m not sure." She reached for her lipstick and applied it to her lips. "There’s such a stigma attached to being a divorced woman…I don’t know if I want that applied to me."

Michael walked over and stood behind her. "I can’t stay married to someone who paid to have another person killed. How can you be so cold and calculating?"

"Don’t be such a baby, Michael. I paid someone to keep an eye on her…HE hired some inbred moron who had a grudge against her. It was his idea to push her off a cliff." Elizabeth sighed. "What’s the big deal? She lived…not that I was happy about that fact," she mumbled almost under her breath. She met Michael’s eyes in the mirror. "Since when have you gotten so attached to her? Why the sudden change in you, Michael?"

"Do you realize that I yelled at Jeannie last night for waiting so long to call about Amanda?" He dropped his gaze. "I didn’t even ask how she was." He looked back up at his wife with tears of anguish in his eyes. "My daughter was lying unconscious in a hospital halfway across the country, and I was more concerned with appearances. Dear god…I’ve turned into YOUR father!" He turned away and began walking towards the door again.

Elizabeth turned and glared at him. "Just where do you think you are going?"

He bent down and picked up the suitcase again. "I’m going home, Elizabeth… and I’m going to beg my children for forgiveness and pray that it’s not too late." He walked out the door without another word.

"We’ll just see how welcome you’ll be when your children find out that YOU were behind this whole mess…" she murmured with a smile. "At least all the evidence will point to you."

Concluded in part 5