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Chapter Thirteen 3 страница






Penny jumped and swatted at her sister. “Ally, please? You're not swinging so high anyway.”

“Stop it.” Ally kicked and slid from the swing, hitting the ground flat on her back. She became completely still and her eyes were closed.

Lorrie waited until her swing came to a low point and nimbly jumped. She dropped to her knees beside her best friend. “Al? ” She fearfully shook Ally's shoulder. “Hey, are you okay? ”

“She's dead, ” Penny wailed.

“Hush.” Lorrie carefully shook Ally again. “Come on, Al. You're scaring the little kids.”

Ally's eyes and mouth opened, but she didn't make a sound. Her face took on a fearful grimace and her eyes grew wide.

“Hey.” Lorrie lifted Ally into a sitting position and patted her back, causing the other girl to inhale deeply. She held her as Ally coughed and cried. “You're all right. Just got the breath knocked out of you. The same thing happened to me when I fell off Mine last year.”

Melanie still had tears in her eyes. “I'm gonna go get Mommy.”

“No! ” Lorrie was afraid they'd get into trouble, and she'd been in enough lately to last her a lifetime. “Everything's fine. Right, Al? ”

“Y…yeah, ” Ally huffed. She coughed a few more times and rubbed the tears from her face. “Ow.”

Lorrie helped Ally to her feet and brushed off her clothes. “Maybe we should go inside and find something else to do.”

“Like what? ” Penny got on the other side of Ally and grasped her hand. Her spare hand ended up near her mouth and she began to nervously suck on her knuckles. “That was scary, Ally.”

“Yeah, it was, ” Lorrie admitted. She tapped her leg and Freckles immediately jumped up on her. “You almost was a real angel, instead of just one for Halloween.”

Hearing about Halloween perked up the younger girls. Penny especially got excited. “I'm a princess.”

Ally rolled her eyes. “We know, Pen. And I'm an angel, Lorrie's a zombie, and Mel's gonna be Snow White.”

“Really? ” Penny released her sister's hand and skipped over to Melanie. “I love Snow White. Is your dress yellow and blue? ”

“Uh-huh. Come on, I'll show you.” Melanie started running for the house, the rest of the girls hurrying to catch up.

#

Four excitable children and one dog raced into the kitchen, startling Amanda and causing her to drop the spoon she was using to stir the pot of stew.

Melanie was the first to speak. “Mommy, can we try on our costumes? Ally hasn't seen me as Snow White.”

Penny tugged on Amanda's blouse. “Hey, wanna know something? I'm going to be a princess.”

“That's right, ” Amanda agreed. She turned to look at the four children. “Lorrie, Ally, will you two help your sisters if they need it? ”

Lorrie's smile grew. “Yes, ma'am.” She tugged on her little sister's arm. “Come on, Mel. Let's go get dressed up.” She led the little group from the room, breaking into a run as they hit the stairs. “Last one up's a rotten egg! ” Freckles bounced along beside her, adding a bark every few steps.

“Wait for me, ” Penny cried, her smaller legs having trouble navigating. She was quite a bit smaller than Melanie.

Melanie waited for her friend, taking the younger girl's hand. “We can get dressed in my room.” She led the way, moving slower in deference to Penny.

The two older girls had gone to the end of the hall to Lorrie's room and closed the door. She had shared a room with her sister until Melanie turned five. Lorrie had requested her own space and was given the guest room which she was allowed to decorate as she desired.

Melanie's room was across the hall from her parent's, and she redecorated as well. The dominant color in her room was pink. Her white, full-sized canopy bed was draped in the bright color, and her bedspread was white with pink polka dots. She had posters of her favorite cartoon characters, mostly princesses from fairy tales. Where her sister's room had books to read and sports paraphernalia, Melanie had shelves of coloring books and art supplies. In one corner stood a sturdy easel that was covered with a large pad of paper. Her completed “artwork” covered an entire wall.

She went to her closet to get her costume, while Penny took her own out of the small suitcase on the bed. They chatted and giggled while changing, leaving their clothes scattered on the floor.

A knock on the door caused both girls to become silent. Melanie had finished dressing and was spinning in a circle. “Come in, ” she sang.

Lorrie and Ally joined the younger girls. Both were wearing their costumes. Ally was in her angel outfit, minus the wings and halo. Lorrie was dressed in torn, black clothing. Her zombie mask was still in her room. Freckles circled around Melanie, barking. “Mel, quit doing that.”

“Hey, wanna know something? ” Penny asked Lorrie. She held out the edge of her dress, which was a smaller version of a shimmering yellow ball gown. “I'm a princess.”

“I know, Penny.” Lorrie had heard the same thing all afternoon.

Allison stared at Melanie, who had finally stopped spinning around the room. “Something doesn't look right with Mel, Lorrie.”

“What? ” Lorrie looked at her little sister. She was wearing the same costume as she had last weekend. The dress had a blue top with red sleeves and cape, and a yellow skirt. “She looks okay to me.”

“Snow White had dark hair, ” Allison explained. “Mel's hair is too light.”

Lorrie turned her head to one side as she studied the younger girl. She glanced at the poster over Melanie's bed. “You're right. We need to find something to make her hair look more like Snow White's.”

“My mommy uses a creamy stuff for color, ” Penny offered. “She's always keeping boxes in her bathroom.”

“I don't think my moms use stuff like that.” Lorrie scrunched her face in thought. “Wait. I got an idea.” She left the room, coming back a minute later with Lex's boot shine kit.

#

Amanda was setting the table for dinner when the sound of little feet pounding into the room caused her to look up. “Hi, Penny.”

“Hey, wanna know something? Melly's looking just like Snow White, ” the little girl proclaimed.

“Yes, I know, sweetie.” Amanda was about to go back to what she was doing when she noticed a dark smudge on Penny's dress. “Penny? What is that on your dress? ”

The girl held the dress out. “I dunno.” She danced in place. “Maybe it's from Melly's hair.”

“What? ” Amanda stopped what she was doing. “Penny, what happened to Melanie's hair? ”

“I dunno.”

Amanda sighed heavily. “Where are the other girls? ”

“Upstairs in Melly's room.” Penny took Amanda by the hand. “Come on, I'll show you.”

Curious, Amanda allowed herself to be escorted upstairs. The door to Melanie's room was open and she could hear the children's voices coming from the attached bathroom.

“Hold still, ” Lorrie commanded.

Allison's voice piped up, “Careful. You're getting it in her ear.”

Amanda stood in the doorway to the bathroom and was shocked speechless at the chaotic scene.

Melanie was seated on the closed toilet lid, a formerly-white towel around her shoulders and black streaks in her blonde hair. Lorrie and Allison were on either side of her, both with black shoeshine sponges in their hands. Freckles danced between the girls, hoping for attention.

“What the hell is going on here? ” Amanda asked, her voice bouncing off the walls.

Both Lorrie and Allison looked up with the same “oh shit” expression on their faces. Allison was the first one to speak. “We're making Mel more like Snow White.” Her brilliant idea was quickly losing its luster, especially with the very angry adult standing so close by. “Um, my mommy colors her hair, so we thought it would be okay.”

Amanda closed her eyes and counted silently to ten. When she opened her eyes, she tried to keep her voice calm. “Allison, I want you and Penny to go downstairs to wash up, then sit in the den.” After the two left, Amanda knelt beside Melanie. “Sweetie, keep the towel around your shoulders and go to the kitchen. We'll try to wash this stuff off in the sink.” She stood and put her hands on her hips. “Lorrie, put your momma's shine kit back where you got it, then go to your room. I'll deal with you when I'm through with your sister.”

“Yes, ma'am.” Lorrie bowed her head and crept out of the bathroom, Freckles following close behind.

#

Lex checked the clock on the dash of the truck and grinned. Traffic had been light coming home, and as she pulled along side the house it wasn't even five o'clock. She couldn't wait to see the look on her wife's face. After parking next to the picket fence, she whistled a tune as she grabbed her unused overnight bag from the back seat. She jogged up the steps and opened the back door. Hearing noise coming from the kitchen, Lex crossed the threshold with a huge smile on her face. “I'm home! ”

Amanda looked up from what she was doing. She had Melanie stretched out along the kitchen counter, her head over the sink. “Good. That means you can go upstairs and talk to your daughter.”

“What happened? ” Lex crossed the room and stood next to Amanda. She looked down at Melanie. “What's that in her hair? ”

“Boot polish, ” Amanda muttered. She poured more shampoo and started to scrub again.

The phone in the kitchen rang, halting Lex from asking any more questions. She picked up the handset. “Hello? ”

“Hey, boss. Could you come up to the corral by the bunkhouse? ” Roy, the ranch foreman asked. “Chet found an injured horse. I think you need to see it.”

Never so relieved to be dragged from the house, Lex was more than happy to comply. “Sure, Roy. I'll be right there.” She hung up the phone and turned to her wife. “I'm sorry, sweetheart. Something's come up at the bunkhouse. It's going to be dark soon, so I shouldn't be long. I'll talk to Lorrie as soon as I get back, okay? ” Lex kissed Amanda's cheek and left the house before the look she was getting from her wife could incinerate her.

#

Lex parked her truck next to the bunkhouse corral and climbed out. She saw Roy and Chet looking over a gray gelding, and walked over to join them. “Hey, fellas. What's up? ”

Roy pointed to the horse's hindquarter. “Nothing good, that's for sure. See for yourself.” He watched at Lex carefully examined the animal. Several deep gashes were bleeding sluggishly, and the horse kept stomping and dancing anytime someone came near.

“Damn.” Lex turned to her foreman. “Did you call the vet? ”

“Yeah. Dr. Hernandez should be here soon.” He moved closer to Lex and lowered his voice. “Are you thinking what I'm thinking? ”

Lex nodded. “Big cat of some kind. Probably hanging around one of the new wells.” She turned to Chet. “Where did you find him? ”

“That's the weird thing, Lex. This horse wasn't off in the brush somewhere. He was with the work horses down by the creek.”

It wasn't what Lex wanted to hear. Having a predator so close to the homes made her nervous. “I want everyone keeping a gun close by until we catch this cat. Roy, talk to the vet about setting up traps. Maybe we can work with the wildlife service and relocate this thing. It's probably come down from the hills looking for a fresh water supply.”

Roy scratched his chin. “Sounds about right. This damned drought has thrown everything out of whack.”

All three turned when the door of the bunkhouse opened. A slender, middle-aged woman stepped out and brushed off her apron. She came over to the corral, but kept outside of it. “There you are. I came to tell you that dinner's ready, ” she told the men. “Hello, Lex.”

Lex ducked her head in greeting. “Hi, Helen. I see you're still putting up with Roy and the boys.”

Helen laughed. “Someone has to. Are you staying for dinner? ” She brushed one hand along her pinned up hair. “I've got it warming in the oven. It's fried chicken.”

“No, I'm afraid I can't. I just came up to check out this horse.” Lex joined Helen at the fence. “Besides, Amanda's got me on a diet. You're too good of a cook, and I'd end up weighing three hundred pounds if I stayed up here.”

Roy ducked through the corral fence and put an arm around his wife. “Why do you think I walk back and forth to the main house? ” He kissed her blonde hair. “Speaking of walking, I'd like you to stay close to home unless you're in a vehicle.”

“Why? ”

Lex crossed her arms and wished she'd have thought to wear her coat. “We've got a big cat somewhere nearby, Helen. Please be careful going back and forth to the bunkhouse. And take one of the trucks if you decide to come up to the main house. It's not safe for anyone to be out on foot right now.”

#

Lorrie sat on her bed, sniffling to keep the tears at bay. Freckles jumped up beside her and started to lick her face. “Thanks, Freckles. At least you love me.” She hugged the dog to her chest and closed her eyes. Lately she felt as if she could do nothing right. “It's not my fault, ” she muttered to the dog. “And I bet I get into more trouble when Momma gets home, ” she cried into the soft fur.

The sound of the back door slamming caused her to look up. When it slammed again, she shook her head. “Mommy doesn't want to even see me. All I do is cause trouble.”

Freckles licked Lorrie's face again in an attempt to sooth her best friend.

“They'd be happier if I wasn't here, Freckles.” Lorrie slipped off the bed and went to her closet. She took out a backpack and tossed it on the bed. “Maybe if I went and stayed with Gramma and Grandpa, Jerry's mom would leave Mommy and Momma alone.” She gathered a couple of books, a pair of socks, and her favorite pajamas and stuffed them in the pack.

After changing into her jeans and denim shirt, Lorrie put on her jacket. She took the emergency ladder out of her closet and opened her window. Having been coached by Lex on its use, Lorrie had no trouble attaching the ladder to the sill. Freckles danced around her, wanting to play. “You be good, Freckles.” She kissed the dog on the head then put her backpack over her shoulders. With a last wistful glance at her room, Lorrie climbed out the window and down the ladder.

Freckles barked at the open window. She stood on her hind legs and propped her front legs on the sill, trying to figure out a way to get down to Lorrie. Unable to bring Lorrie back, she ran to the closed bedroom door and barked. Not getting any attention, she started to scratch at the wood, continuing to bark.

#

Lex looked on proudly as Dr. Hernandez and his assistant took care of the injured horse.

The vet stood by as his colleague carefully stitched the wound. Ronnie Bristol had recently returned from veterinary school. As he had interned with Dr. Hernandez, he had been thrilled by the prospect of joining the vet's already established practice.

Roy stood beside Lex. His wife had gone into the house, gently threatening him if he didn't follow soon. “He's turned into a fine young man, ” he remarked. “Hard to believe he's old enough to be doing that.”

“I know what you mean. I still think of him as that kid who followed me all over the ranch. Being adopted by Martha and Charlie was the best thing in the world for him.” The cell phone on Lex's belt vibrated, causing her to jump. “Damn.” She glanced at the display before opening the phone. “Hi, sweetheart.”

“Lex, it's about Lorrie.” Amanda sounded frantic.

“Tell her I'll be there soon. We're just finishing up here, and—”

Amanda cuts her off. “Dammit, Lex. Lorrie is missing.”

“What do you mean? I thought you told me she was in her room.”

“She was. But I heard Freckles going nuts, and I went upstairs to see what was going on. Lorrie used the emergency ladder and took off.”

“Damn it! ” Forgetting all about the injured horse, Lex jogged to her truck. “ Roy, give me a call when the vet's done. Lorrie's left the house by herself, ” she yelled over one shoulder. She jumped into the truck and took off, still talking to Amanda on the phone. “I'm on my way. It's not quite dark yet, so I should be able to find her pretty quickly.”

It took Lex less than three minutes to get to the house. The truck skidded to a stop next to the picket fence and Lex was out before the engine completely died. She leaped over the three foot fence and ran into the house.

Amanda met her in the hall. “I looked around outside, but couldn't tell which way she went.” Her voice cracked as Lex put her arms around her. “It's my fault.”

“No, sweetheart. She's ten. It's just something that kids do.” Lex kissed Amanda on the forehead. “I'm going to run to the barn and saddle up. It'll be easier to find her if I'm on horseback. Call Roy and tell him I'll head toward the main road.”

Amanda helped Lex with her duster. “You'll find her soon, right? ”

“Yeah.” Lex's hands shook as she tried to fasten the duster closed. “Amanda, Roy called me earlier because a big cat attacked one of the horses.”

“But we've never had any problems with them before, have we? ”

“I think the drought has caused it to come down from the hills. Whatever you do, keep the kids inside. The horse was in the western fields when it was attacked.” Lex crammed her black Stetson on her head. She was about to leave when she remembered something. “Take the girls upstairs for a minute, will you? I want to get a gun out of the office.”

Amanda's eyes widened. Lex was not fond of guns, and only brought them out when absolutely necessary. She took Lex by the hand and led her down the hall. “No, I think they need to know how serious this is.”

Three quiet little girls sat on the sofa, staring at the television. Melanie was the first to see Lex and jumped to her feet. “Momma! ” She intercepted Lex before she could get to the office. “Lorrie's runned away.”

“I know, sweetheart. But I'm going to go out and find her, okay? ” Lex pulled her youngest into her arms and held her close. “You be good for your mommy while I'm gone.”

“'kay.” Melanie kissed Lex on the cheek and giggled as she was spun down to the floor. Freckles danced along beside her, wanting in on the fun. They both went back to the sofa as the draw of the animated program was too strong for the little girl.

Lex opened the office closet door. She took the key that hung above the door and unlocked the gun safe inside. After she checked to make certain the gun was loaded, she felt hands on her belt.

“Thought you'd want a radio, too, ” Amanda explained, attaching the handheld to Lex's belt.

“Thanks.”

Amanda nodded. “I wish I were going with you.” Over the years, Amanda had become an accomplished rider in her own right. “Please find her, Lex. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to her.”

“I will.” Lex kissed her wife one last time before leaving the house.

After saddling Thunder, Lex stopped by the house again. She took a length of rope from her saddle and met Amanda at the front door. She had called ahead to have Freckles on a leash. “Thanks. I think Freckles can find Lorrie just about anywhere.”

Amanda tied the rope to the end of the dog's leash. “I hope so. It's starting to get dark.”

#

The sun was setting, and dark shadows had already covered most of the road. The wind, once cool, was now getting colder and stronger. Unaware of the drama back at the house, Lorrie kicked at the rocks along the road. She was already tired, and hadn't even made it to the old bridge. “Wish I would have brought Freckles with me, ” she muttered. “I'm bored.”

Her great adventure had quickly dulled, and she also wished she would have thought to bring along her horse. “Mine would like this. But I'm still grounded from riding, ” she sniffled. “Stupid Jerry.”

The shadows unnerved Lorrie. Tired of walking, she spied an opening in the brush. “Maybe if I go through here I can get to Gramma's faster.” She left the road, pulling her jacket up closer to her body as the chill settled in.

Small trees and heavy scrub made the tiny trail hard to navigate. Within minutes, Lorrie stopped and looked around. Nothing looked familiar. With the sun barely above the horizon she couldn't see but a few feet in front of her. Tears welled up in her eyes when she realized she was lost.

#

Freckles danced along the gravel road, enjoying the new adventure. Lex watched as the dog flitted from one side of the road to the other. “I sure hope you know where you're going, you crazy dog.” She had tied the rope to her saddle horn and held up a battery-powered lantern to light the way.

Suddenly Freckles left the road and tried to go into the brush.

Lex stopped Thunder and sighed. “Damn. I was afraid of that.” She raised the lantern and looked into the wooded area. “Thunder, I don't think you'll be able to get through there.”

It only took Lex a few minutes to gather what she needed from the horse. She strapped the rifle across her back and tied the reins to the saddle. “Might as well head back to the barn. No sense in you hanging around here.” She swatted his rear and watched as the horse trotted up the road. Lex took out her phone and called Amanda. “Hey.”

“Did you find her? ”

“Not yet. Freckles thinks she's left the road ‘bout two hundred yards before the bridge. I've sent Thunder back to the house so if you could watch out for him, I'd appreciate it.”

“All right.” Amanda lowered her voice. “Any sign of anything else? ”

Lex ducked to avoid a tree branch as she followed the dog into the brush. “Not that I can tell. Has Roy and the guys gotten there yet? ”

“They're at the barn. Helen's here and is going to watch the kids, while I ride out with the guys. Ronnie's coming, too.”

Knowing better than to tell her wife no, Lex kept silent. She was having trouble holding onto Freckles and the lantern with the same hand, so she pulled the dog close. “Amanda? I've got to hang up now. The damned dog is going nuts.”

“Maybe Lorrie's close by. Call me as soon as you find her.”

“I will.” Lex put the phone back on her belt and squatted next to Freckles. “Since we're both on foot, I'm going to let you loose. Go find your little buddy.” Lex unhooked the leash and watched as Freckles took off down a small trail. “Sure, don't make it easy on me.” She pulled her hat down tighter and struggled to follow.

#

The sun had finally set and the moonlight wasn't enough to break through the dense brush. The young girl kept wading deeper into the trees, hopelessly lost.

Lorrie stumbled across a fallen branch and fell to her knees. She was cold, hungry and scared. Tired of walking, she huddled against a tree, wrapping her arms around her legs. She laid her head on her knees and started to cry. “I want to go home.”

Wind blew through the trees, bringing a distinct chill. The dried branches rubbed together, making a frightful sound.

A twig breaking to her right caused Lorrie to raise her head and look around. “Momma? ”

Through the darkness, the rustling sound came closer. Unable to see, Lorrie cried out as an animal broke through the dense brush.

“Momma! ”

#

Lex grumbled as another tree branch scratched at her face. She was practically running to keep up with Freckles and more than once wished she had kept the dog on its leash. “Damn it, dog. Would you slow down? ”

Freckles came back to Lex and barked, loving the game. She bowed to Lex and wagged her stubby tail. Her sharp bark pierced the evening and she took off again.

“You crazy little beast, ” Lex growled, doing her best to follow along. She stumbled over a dead tree. Hearing a different noise, Lex stilled, listening. “Lorrie? ” she yelled, hurrying to her feet.

Twigs poked at her legs as Lex ran through the brush. Breathing heavily, she heard the sound again. “Lorrie! ” She broke through to a small clearing and heard her child scream.

“Momma! ” Lorrie saw the apparition come at her and squealed as an animal charged. “Help, Momma! ”

Lex landed on her knees and spun the rifle around, but kept it pointed at the sky. She used one hand to wave the lantern toward the scream. She saw a white blur leap toward Lorrie. “Freckles, down! ”

Lorrie's screams turned to giggles as her best friend licked her face clean. She hugged the dog close. “I'm so glad to see you, Freckles.”

Lex's relief made her weak. She made sure the safety was on the rifle and propped it against the nearest tree before getting to her feet and crossing the clearing. She pulled Lorrie into her arms. “Lil' bit, don't you ever do this again.”

“I'm sorry, Momma.” Lorrie snuggled close. “But Mommy was mad, and I got into trouble at school, and then we messed up Mel's hair, and—”

“Sssh.” Without releasing her hold, Lex took the phone from her belt and hit the speed dial by memory.

“Lex? ” Amanda answered after half a ring.

“Yeah. I found her. She's fine.”

A sob tore from Amanda's throat. “Oh, thank god.” She muffled her phone and said something to the people she was with and then came back to the phone. “Where are you? ”

Lex looked around the clearing. “Honestly? I have no idea. We left the road not far from the bridge and headed west. I think I can walk us back toward the road, but I'm not positive.”

“We'll bring your horse back that way, ” Amanda promised.

“Great. I'll keep the lantern aimed toward the road, so maybe y'all can see us before we get out of the damned trees.”

Amanda's laugh came out as strangled. “I love you so much. Please be careful.”

“Always. I love you too, sweetheart.” Lex closed the phone and returned it to her belt. She slowly got to her feet, Lorrie still in her arms. “Come on, kiddo. Let's go home.”

Suddenly Freckles turned and growled low in her throat. Her hackles rose and she stood in front of Lex and Lorrie, staring into the darkness.

“Freckles, stay.” Lex heard another growl, then a high-pitched scream.

The scrub parted and a small animal stepped into the clearing, its yellow eyes glowing in the light of the lantern. Not much bigger than Freckles, the bobcat's reddish brown fur blended in well with the dead leaves around it.

Lex placed Lorrie behind her. She looked across the clearing, where her gun still leaned against the tree. “Damn.” She bent and grabbed the growling dog's collar. “Freckles, hush.”

The cat's ears went back and it took another step forward. It focused on Freckles, apparently not noticing the humans with her.

“Lorrie, stay behind me.” Lex started to edge slowly around the clearing in an attempt to reach the gun.

Growling, the animal turned its head and watched Lex closely. It took a step back as she came nearer.

Lex took that as a good sign. When Freckles struggled in her grasp, she lifted the dog and tucked it under her arm. She remembered something she had once read, and hoped it was true. The almanac article stated that bobcats were rarely harmful to humans, and could usually be run off with loud noises. “Hey! Get out of here, ” she yelled at the cat.

It snarled and crouched lower.

“Hyah, go on, you mangy beast! ” Lex continued to yell nonsense at the bobcat while she moved closer to her gun.

The large, noisy creature coming toward the cat was more than it bargained for. The bobcat growled once more and took off deeper into the bush.

Lex took the extra steps and picked up the rifle. She hitched the strap over her shoulder and put her shaky hand on Lorrie's shoulder. “Ready to go home, kiddo? ”

“Momma, what was that? It looked liked Terry's cat, but bigger.” Lorrie tucked her hand into Lex's.

“That was a bobcat, Lorrie. They're wild animals and can be extremely dangerous. You did real good, sweetheart.”

Lorrie snuggled close to Lex. “I was kind of scared. But you made the cat run away.”

“Yep. And until we can trap the cat and send it away, I want you and your sister to stay very close to the house, unless an adult is with you. All right? ”

“Okay.”

Lex took the leash from her duster pocket and clipped it to Freckles collar. “Good girl.” She ruffled the dog's fur before setting her down.

#

Amanda led the way, while Roy led Lex's horse. She stopped and turned in her saddle to face him. “For the last time, I don't care.”

“But Amanda, there's no sense in you being out here. Lorrie's safe with Lex, and—”

“And what? ” Amanda turned her horse. “I'm not going home until my entire family is with me. You're more than welcome to go home, Roy.”

The foreman pushed his hat back and scratched his forehead. “You know better than that. I just thought—”

“I know, and I appreciate it.” Amanda smiled at Roy. “Thanks for caring.”

He ducked his head, embarrassed. “Um, do you want to split up so we can cover more of the road? ” A bright light came out of the heavy underbrush to his right.

“Tired of waiting already? ” Lex asked, her voice weary.

Amanda dropped from her horse and jogged over to Lex. She knelt in front of the ragged group and pulled Lorrie into her arms. “Don't you ever run away again, Lorraine Marie Walters. I was scared to death.” She looked up into the shadowed face of her wife. “Are you okay? ”

“Yeah. Been a long day, though.” Lex came close to dropping Freckles leash when Amanda stood and embraced her. “It's all right, baby.” She kissed Amanda lightly on the lips. “Let's go home.” She let Amanda take the lantern from her.






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