Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV
program
Hearts Pursuing, Part III… by Frauee
Isabel slept well. It comforted her to have Heath near. Heath however, did not
sleep. He was worried. His body felt the tension from the tips of his toes to
the top of his head. This would not end well.
It was hard to tell morning had arrived, as the rain continued. Heath debated
going on despite the weather, but one look at Isabel’s sleeping form ended his
internal discussion. She woke in that moment and rolled over and smiled at him.
There would be no sunrise this morning, but she leaned in and kissed him. They
felt their passions rising and the kiss deepened. Heath’s hand reached out and
moved along her arm and rested on her neck where he pulled her even closer. He
moved his kisses down her neck and she arched into him. Their passions were
interrupted by a small, slight cough, followed by a giggle. They ceased and
turned to see Rachel grinning at them, and Ruth behind her. They both blushed.
“Breakfast is ready in 10 minutes.”
After breakfast they changed into their now dry clothes and Heath went out to
check the horses. He returned with Isabel’s saddlebags and she immediately went
to work on the ledger she had brought along. Heath went back out to the barn to
help the men. Leaving the book on the table, Isabel helped Ruth make lunch
later that morning. As the men came in for lunch, they reported the rain was
stopping. Heath stated that he felt they could leave soon. Ruth insisted they
stay for lunch and instructed Rachel to clear the table.
Solomon sat in his chair, as Rachel approached the book. She opened the front
cover and the writing inside attracted Solomon’s attention. Too late, Isabel
saw what had caught his eye and froze. She moved to the book and attempted to
remove it, but he captured her hand and looked at her in confusion. Heath saw him
grab her arm and moved to protect her. Solomon released her hand, kept the book
and reread the words, then spoke.
“Can ye explain what I have read?”
“It’s just my ledger. I have horses.” She hoped he would not push the issue and
they could simply depart. Heath stood by dumbfounded at the discussion. Then
Solomon turned to him.
“Ye are Nick Barkley?”
Heath responded automatically. “No, that’s my brother.”
“Why does this book belong to Nick Barkley and Isabel Winthrop?”
Isabel and Heath both wished in that moment, that they were liars. They were
both too inexperienced in deception to move quickly enough and silence fell
through the room.
Solomon turned back to Isabel. “Are ye Isabel Winthrop or Barkley?”
Her response was quiet. “
Ruth gasped. “Ye slept in the bed with him and he took liberties with ye.”
Solomon, despite his calm demeanor, shouted. “What?”
“Husband, they lay together last night in our own loft.”
“Be ye wed or not?” They shook their heads no. Solomon raged and turned to the
door. Heath moved instantly to Isabel’s side, prepared to protect her. When
Solomon turned back he was pointing a shotgun at the pair.
“Ye will move from her now! Ye have lied and broken God’s will and ye must be
punished.”
It was Isabel that pushed Heath away. It had been her choice to mislead the
family and she would not see him hurt for it. She hoped to attract his wrath.
Solomon motioned Heath to the door and he did so. The two men disappeared out
the door and Isabel turned to try and explain. Ruth ushered Rachel from the
room and turned her back on her. Seeing no options, she sat in the rocker and
waited.
Heath was directed to the barn. Inside, Solomon tied his hands to a post and
his feet together. He then gathered the other men.
“This heathen has tainted our holy ground and defiled the woman he came with.
They be not united in the holy sacrament. Furthermore,
Ruth did witness him taking liberties outside of vows.”
The men gasped. One by one they walked past Heath and spit on him with disgust.
He was terrified, not for himself, but by the lack of knowledge about Isabel.
Was she suffering a similar fate? The men left him alone and bound to the post.
The 5 men entered the home of the Smith’s and Isabel jumped to her feet.
“Where is Heath? What have you done with him? We’ll leave. We are sorry. We
didn’t mean to deceive you. Please. This is my fault. I lied. I didn’t know
what you would do if you knew the truth.” Tears formed in her eyes as she
studied their set faces.
Solomon spoke. “Ye are the deceived. A woman is week and easily turned. She
cannot be blamed. It is not for men to judge. He shall meet his maker and beg
for mercy at the Almighty’s feet. Then ye shall be released.” She screamed.
Heath could tell that the sky had cleared and the afternoon was passing. He
didn’t feel the stiffness in his body. His only worry was for Isabel. He had
heard a scream that he knew she had made.
Inside, Isabel pleaded with the men for mercy. They refused to hear her words.
As the sun began to set, Solomon took her arm and led her outside. He pulled
her toward the barn. Her fear increased with each step. Was Heath all right?
They swung open the barn doors and she saw Heath’s eyes squint from the light.
She breathed a sigh of relief at the turn of events. She had feared these men
intended to bring Heath to his maker. One of the men saddled their horses and
Ruth had brought her few things out and was placing them in her saddlebags. She
would have been more relaxed if they had moved toward Heath, but they left him.
They had both tried to speak, but were silenced with a glance. Neither wanted to risk losing the apparent good will.
Isabel’s nightmare intensified suddenly as she watched a different man behind
Heath. Heath could not see what he was doing, but she did and her heart froze.
He was throwing a rope over one of the highest beams in the barn. Once he had
succeeded, he began tying a slipknot. Isabel screamed again, “NO!”
She began to plead desperately. “No please, don’t do this. We have done nothing
wrong. We love each other and will marry. Please.”
Heath had no idea why Isabel had gone from calm to sheer panic until he felt
the noose slip around his neck and tighten. Next he was released from the post,
his wrists retied and two men grabbed him under either shoulder and lifted him.
He felt the rope tightening around his throat and they lifted him onto a box.
The rope was tight enough that if he struggled, as was his instinct, he would
hasten his death. He looked around and made eye contact with Isabel. She was
struggling with one of the other men. He could see her trying to reach her boot
without success. He found himself wondering if she was a good enough shot to
hit the rope.
“No!” She pleaded. She dropped to her knees and crawled to Solomon Smith and
begged for his life.
“Ye have been deceived, but we shall set ye free with
his death.” Three of the men surrounded Heath and began to read from their
bibles. None of their words made sense. They seemed to be reading different
verses and it muddled his mind.
She had no idea where it came from, but she yelled it out. “I need him. I love
him. He has not deceived me.” It did no good. So she added. “I carry his child.
I NEED HIM!”
Action in the barn halted and the silence was deafening.
As Heath recovered from his initial shock, he began to mumble. “no, no, no!”
Solomon turned to the sobbing woman. “Ye carry his seed in thy womb?”
“Yes! We were going to marry. We don’t want our child born in sin.” She prayed
her words, although lies would get through to the crowd. There was silence
again, save Isabel’s heavy breaths and Heath’s murmured cries of no.
When forever had ended, Solomon held his gun up and ordered Heath cut down. His
hands remained bound, but they cut his leg bindings. Two men grabbed him again
and pushed him in front of Solomon. The man holding Isabel moved her next to
Heath. Solomon opened the bible in front of him and began reciting marriage
scripture. As he got to the vows, he turned to Isabel.
“Do ye take this man as thy husband?”
She looked at Heath, who would not meet her gaze. It worried her, but she
couldn’t be concerned about that right now. She needed to save his life.
“I do.”
Solomon then turned to Heath. “Do ye take this woman as thy wife?”
Isabel could have died at Heath’s next word.
“NO”
She was stunned. “Heath! Please. I’m sorry.”
He turned to her. “Not like this, Bella. Not like this.”
Solomon roared. “So ye deny her?”
Heath roared back. “I love her. I will marry her, but not with a gun to my
back.”
It was Isabel’s turn to mumble disbelief. She was stunned. She couldn’t
understand why he was acting this way. All he had to do was say yes. Something
he had always indicated he wanted.
“Ye both speak the devil’s tongue.” He turned the gun on Isabel. She gasped.
“Someone must either pay for thy sin, or ye shall marry. If thou would rather
die then wed, so be it. But I think perhaps, we should send the girl to God’s
judgment as well, for surely she is possessed and the child she carries is
surely tainted.”
Heath hadn’t expected that. He would never see Isabel’s life risked. He had
hoped that his words would sink in. It was obvious they had not. With great
anguish, he replied. “I do.”
They were pronounced man and wife. Heath’s hands were freed and for a second,
he debated an attack. The fury lay just beneath the surface and he longed to
return the pain they had endured. One glance at Isabel’s stricken face and he
withdrew the idea. They were escorted to their horses. They both quickly
mounted. As they turned and rode out, they heard shouts of “go with God.” They
rode hard in silence and tried to put as much distance as possible between them
and the community.
“You said no?”
19
They rode
hard into the night. They would stop only to water the horses and neither
spoke. The stormy days had given way to a bright moonlit night. Despite the
bright moon, Heath knew it was getting riskier to keep riding. Neither of them
had the right ability to focus. He reined in and Isabel followed. He dismounted
and began to pull his saddle off Charger’s back. He felt badly for the
punishment he had inflicted on his horse and rubbed him down thoroughly. He
noted that Isabel was following suit.
When he finished Charger, he searched for dry enough wood for a fire, finding
little, he returned to camp. Isabel was finishing with the mare. He pulled out
his bedroll and moved to retrieve Isabel’s. She slapped him away and roughly
grabbed her own. This was an anger born of hurt. He was certain she felt as
confused and angry as he did, but for different reasons.
“It wasn’t right, Bella.”
She was silent for some time. He waited for her response.
“It didn’t matter. They were going to kill you. I did what I thought was best.”
“The whole thing was wrong. You can’t just go hurling accusations like that. Is
that really how you wanted to get married?”
“Does it matter? I thought we were going to get married anyway? Maybe it was
fate shoving us along? It might not have been ideal, but at least we would have
both been alive.” She waited. “And married. I thought
you wanted that?”
“Isabel you lied. It wasn’t right. We don’t know if they would have gone
through with it.”
“Heath, you can’t believe that or that I meant it. You really don’t want to
marry me do you?” He sensed the fear in her voice.
“Not like that.”
She held her tongue and collected her thoughts. Her response was quiet. “Maybe
that is just our excuse. Maybe deep down we don’t want this at all. Maybe that
is why we took it slow all along? It took a gun to get you to say yes Heath.
What does that say?”
“You don’t understand.”
“Help me! All I saw was you needing a gun to my head to say yes and then it
seemed like marriage was a fate worse then your own death.” She waited for his
reply, something to make her understand his anger. He offered none. She could
take no more. It hurt too much. He had risked death to avoid marrying her. She
rolled over away from his gaze.
He knew she didn’t understand. How could she? He wasn’t quite sure he
understood completely. She had turned from him and rolled up in her blanket. He
stared at her back.
He lay there thinking. He had grown up a bastard, complete with all the pain
that went with it. He was no saint, but he had always been careful to ensure he
had never left a woman with child. He would not repeat his father’s mistake.
Maria’s trap had cut him to the quick, and now Isabel used the same tactic. He
knew they were for wholly different reasons, but it still numbed him inside.
Maybe he shouldn’t be so upset? Perhaps it was God’s way of getting them
married. Heaven must have known they were having difficulty getting to the
altar with one thing after another.
No, he couldn’t accept that. He loved her; he knew it. But he had wanted it to
happen in the right way and at the right time. Was it taking too much time? Why
weren’t they even officially engaged yet?
Then even more troubling thoughts entered his mind. He had been wrong about
Maria. He never felt she would use him the way she had. Isabel had lied to save
them. Maria had lied to save herself. Did he really know his Bella? Maybe
Isabel was right. They were not meant to be together and it was fate’s way of
showing them. He knew the events had played right into his deepest fears. Deep
down he was angry with her. Honestly, he was tired of
her delays and insecurities. What the hell did it matter if people talked? He
was tired of trying to find the right proposal. Perhaps for once they were
speaking the truth. They were not meant to be together. His heart felt like it
had been twisted into a thousand knots. His mind spun.
Morning came too quickly and they saddle up in silence and rode on. They would
be home by late afternoon.
They rode in to excitement that was unreciprocated. Isabel hugged Audra and
Victoria briefly and excused herself. She claimed exhaustion. She took a bath
and went straight to bed. She had asked not to be disturbed.
Heath saw to the horses and then met Jarrod and asked to speak to him
privately. They went into the study and Heath explained what had happened.
Isabel had lied to the family about their marital status and when the lie was
discovered they forced them to marry or die. Jarrod was just about to chuckle,
when he saw Heath’s face. This had not gone well. He had seen Isabel’s distant
greetings and assumed she was tired. He decided this must have cost their
relationship.
“I will check into this immediately Heath. I suspect there is no legal
marriage, but we had better be sure.” He hesitated, trying to evaluate his
brother’s mood. “Heath, if it turns out to be a valid marriage, what shall I do?”
Heath’s words shocked him. There was no hesitation what so ever. “Annul it.”
“Are you sure? It wouldn’t matter. You planned….”
Jarrod’s final statement was cut off. “I’m sure.” There was no hint of hope in
his voice.
Everyone sensed the tension in the house. Nick tried to talk to Heath, but got
nowhere. He next tried Isabel’s room, but found her door locked. The rest of
the family new Jarrod was privy to events, but he said nothing. The next
morning, there was a palpable tension in the room where the family had
gathered. Neither Heath nor Isabel looked at anyone.
The hours lying in his bed trying to sleep had served not to bring him rest or
peace of mind, but rather increased anger over what had happened. He wasn’t
sure whether it was anger or disappointment, but he knew that his months in
pursuit of their love had been in waste. She was not the woman he thought she
was and was not a woman he desired to spend the rest of his life with. She had
been entirely comfortable with her simple lie and then allowed it to spiral
without immediate remorse. It frightened him to think of this side of her, how
he had missed it. It reminded him of Liam. Although he liked the man, there had
been something dark and dangerous when you looked closely.
“I’m gonna head up to check the lumber camp. I’m not
sure when I’ll be home.” Heath’s comment took them all by surprise.
“That’s not necessary Heath. It can wait.” Nick was strangely subdued in his
reply.
“You just got home. Surely it can wait?”
“No. No better time.” He pushed back from the table and left the room.
Isabel quickly followed.
She caught up to him in the barn as he saddled Charger. She stood in the door
watching him for a moment. He stroked his beloved horse and quietly talked to
him. She loved that scene.
“You don’t have to go.” Her voice was small. She didn’t want this. She knew she
had said too much. The entire problem was her fault. She only wished, she knew of some way to receive his forgiveness.
“Yes I do.” His voice was direct and firm.
“Heath. I’m sorry.”
“I bet you are.”
“When will you come back?” His words had stung.
“I don’t know.”
“I love you.”
“I guess that’s not enough anymore.”
Despite everything she had endured in the last twelve months, kidnapping,
attacks, deceit, and loss. Nothing hurt her more then those words. She was sure
he meant them and she died inside.
“You don’t have to stay away long. I will pack my things and go.”
“You don’t have to. This is your home.”
“Not anymore. You are family. I…” She couldn’t finish the statement. She didn’t
know what she was. “I am only the bearer of pain for this family and I won’t do
that again.”
He ignored her confession, opting to let her dwell on it. Deep inside he was shocked at his own venom. “You have Barkley-Winthrop.
Nick needs you.”
“He and I will work it out.”
He tightened the cinch and took Chargers lead. He brushed past her on his way
out. He mounted and left, saying nothing. He was happy she was leaving. It
would be easier to move on.
She turned to find Nick a few feet away. She couldn’t meet his concerned gaze.
Her lip trembled. “I’ll leave.”
“Dizzy, no. He just needs time. I don’t know what happened, but…”
“No Nick. It’s over. I betrayed him. I knew it was wrong, but I did it anyway.
It’s too hard. I earned this.” She turned and fled from Nick as the tears fell
down her face.
(20)
Isabel ran to her room and lay on her bed crying for hours. Both Victoria and
Audra had tried to entice her to open the door, but to no avail. Isabel
descended the stairs later that day with her valise.
“Sweetheart, where are you going? You just returned.”
“I’m going to San Francisco.”
“When will you be back?” She was more worried then ever, first Heath, now
Isabel.
“I won’t. I’ve caused enough pain to this family. You don’t deserve it.” She
exited and left
Jarrod was going to town and offered to drive her. He tried to talk to her as
he drove her to the station, but she refused.
“Izzy, what do you want to happen?” He had tried
again as they entered the outskirts of town.
She laughed a sickening laugh, giving in to his prompts finally. “First I wanted
to marry Nick. But I was wrong. Then I thought I loved Heath. I messed that up
too.” Her voice was tight, trying to control the anguish she felt. “I don’t
know who I am. I keep hurting everyone. I can’t seem to do anything right.” She
laughed again. “Be careful Jarrod. You might be next.” She gave him no chance
to respond as they had pulled in front of the station. She hopped out and moved
to the ticket counter. Leaving a confused and saddened Jarrod
to merely watch.
She arrived at her home and surprised the servants. They quickly saw to her
needs and she moved to her room, where she stayed for several days.
BVBVBVBV
He could not believe his luck. She was
back in town, alone again. He had been angered after he missed his last chance.
He hadn’t acted soon enough. He had no intention of making that mistake again.
He had paid quite a bit, but the information he gleaned from her servants was
most useful. He would not make the mistake of waiting too long again. He had
expected more trouble, but it seems the fly had entered his web with out any of
the expected effort. He smiled. It was almost all too easy. He knew if he was
patient, he would achieve his goal. Isabel was very much alone in
Several weeks had passed and there was no word from Isabel. Heath had returned
but was tight lipped. Nick intended to mention Izzy
every day until Heath relented and worked things out with her. The family
disagreed with him. At dinner, Nick was again questioning Isabel’s departure
and was again, demanding Heath explain what had happened. Heath had heard this
same statement a hundred times. He had thus far ignored it, but it was useless.
His heart resigned the truth. It was over. They both knew it. She had left, as
she said she would.
“She’s not coming back. We’re through.” Then he turned to face Nick in the
eyes. “Would you prefer she come back? Then I’ll leave.” He slapped his napkin
on the table and left the room and his stunned family.
Nick was thunderstruck and turned to Jarrod. “What the hell happened out there?”
“I’m not sure Nick. I’m not sure.” He dropped his napkin on his plate and moved
to follow his youngest brother.
Jarrod approached him at the corral. They stood there in silence for some time.
It was Heath who finally asked.
“Have you heard anything?”
“Yes. I kept the inquiry discreet. It seems they do have status; therefore the
marriage was legal. I began divorce proceedings. Honestly I am not sure what to
do about the annulment. I don’t even know who to talk to. They practice their
own religion.”
“Hmuph! Just my luck. What a
year. Two marriages in one year and both under duress.
Two marriages, two divorces. I guess I deserve it.”
“Heath, no. You can’t mean that. Maria, well. I don’t
know what to say. But Izzy?
I can’t believe you think it is over.”
“I can’t either. But it is.” He paused. Jarrod struggled to find the right
words. He was at a loss for how to help his brother.
BVBVBVBVBV
Nick couldn’t keep still on his seat. He hated trains. He preferred the control
of his own mount, but a horse to the city was impractical. He had left Heath in
charge simply saying he needed time away. Nick had no intention of allowing
Isabel to remain in the city. He was going to resolve their issues if he had to
lock them both in a room. Heath had managed to avoid saying anything, but
Isabel would not be so lucky.
He pounded on her door, having lost his patience a long time ago. A servant,
who claimed Miss Winthrop was out, opened the door. He didn’t believe her and
pushed his way in. He shouted through the house and climbed the large tall
staircase two steps at a time. He found her room empty. He returned to the
parlor and settled in to wait.
He had waited an hour or so, when Izzy’s laughter
came through the door. It annoyed him to hear her laughing. She swept in,
flanked on either side by Dante and Vincent. Nick hadn’t expected that.
“Nick!” She was startled and her smile faded. “What brings you here?”
She tried to stay calm for her guest’s sake.
“Huh? That’s the dumbest question I have ever heard. You know why I am here.”
Dante and Vincent took that cue and made their departures. Vincent promised to
pick Isabel up at 7pm that evening. It was Dante’s final week. He had
graciously invited Nick as well, but he declined. No offense intended.
As soon as the men had left, her attitude changed. She was calm and perhaps a
bit cold. “What do you want Nick?”
“Come home!”
“I am home.”
“The hell you are. This is stupid. No two people were ever more meant for each
other. I don’t know what happened, but this has gone on long enough.”
She thought for a moment. “Nicky, we got through our, em…
break up, because we had something to work toward. He and I have nothing. We
can’t live under the same roof with out making everyone miserable, including
ourselves.”
“You think we’re not miserable now? What about Barkley-Winthrop? Ya know you left a pregnant mare. You can’t tell me that
you don’t want to be there when Hera foals.”
“That’s a long way off. You’re right. I want to be there. I will come to town
then. Maybe we can add a room to the office, or I’ll stay in town. In the
meantime, I can still travel and send you the horses I find. I don’t have to be
there all the time.”
“Yes you do. This is stupid.” He ran his hand through his hair. He hoped it
would somehow stir up his thoughts and give him the right words to convince her
to return. “What happened Dizzy?” His voice was quiet,
enforcing the heartbreak he felt.
“I made a mistake.”
“That’s not good enough. I need to know more.”
“It’s not my place to tell. If he wants you to know, he’ll tell you.”
Nick noted the fact that she couldn’t use Heath’s name. She could put this
brave front on, but he knew that deep down she was lying. She was just as
miserable as the rest of the family.
“So you moved here and are living the high life? Going to the theater and fancy
lunches? This is not the life you wanted Isabel. You came home from
“No its not. But it is the life I earned. I don’t seem to be able to do things
right in any other.”
“It’s not safe for you.” He was ignoring her statement. He refused to validate
her thoughts by acknowledging it.
She smiled and patted his leg. She calculated her next comment for maximum
effect. “If you hurry, you can make the next train home Nick.”
He took her hint and left. He was no better off. He toyed with finding a saloon
and drinking himself to ignorance for a while. He knew it wouldn’t solve the
problem, but at least he could be numb for a change. After all, he had told
Heath he had no idea when he would be back. He could stay for a week. No. He
hurried his pace and made for the train. He knew the one he needed to see was
Heath. They had a shorter cattle drive coming. Heath couldn’t evade him there.
As soon as Nick had departed, all the bravado Isabel had mustered was gone and
she collapsed to her knees and cried.
He watched the man leave. Nick was his
name. She had grown up with him. She loved him. This wasn’t a good sign. He
knew he had to act quickly, step up his pace
(21)
Isabel longed to go home. Nick’s visit had shown her true agony. As she had
patted his leg, she longed to tell him the truth. She wanted the evil pursuer
in her life to win. She prayed for it. Not for a resolution to the situation,
but for an end to her pain. She had thought of ending her life, but she knew
she was too weak for it. She could never do it. She would fail at that as well.
When had she become this pathetic person? The Isabel that left the ranch so
long ago had taken
She found herself thinking of ways to return. She maintained a small sliver of
hope. How could she regain Heath’s love and forgiveness? The situation never
left her thoughts. In her greatest despair, she had accepted her fate and attempted to
build a new life. She reestablished contacts with old friends and made new
ones. Maybe if she managed to forge ahead on her own, she would find that old
Isabel and then maybe, he would see fit to love her again.
It was all very superficial. While attempting her journey of discovery, she had
convinced herself that this was the only life she deserved. If she looked at
her life, she found nothing to be proud of. Her father had died defending her
life. She had almost ended the close relationship between two brothers and had
managed to hurt both in her relationships. Why continue to bring this pain to
them? So she accepted invitation after invitation. She stayed out late, drank a
lot and gave up on anything productive she may have once brought to the world.
Nick returned and held his tongue. He felt strongly that once Heath was away
from home and out in the open of the cattle drive, he would open up. He would
be patient until then.
BVBVBV
He kept to normal and acceptable topics of conversation for most of the trip.
He was trying to lull Heath into a sense of security and relaxation. It was
working. On their final morning, he saw his chance and jumped in. He had woken
early, just before dawn. He knew Heath would be awake. He always was. And this
morning was no different. He sat alone by the fire, sipping a cup of coffee.
“Morning.”
“You’re up early. Anxious to be rid of the herd?”
“Yeah… but I was thinking.”
“’Bout what?”
“Izzy.” He waited for his brother’s reaction.
He saw none in the flickering firelight.
Heath had been waiting for this. He knew he would not be so lucky as to have
Nick let the issue go. He struggled himself. It had woken him earlier this
morning. He had dreamed of Bella and couldn’t get her out of his mind. They had
been through so much together. He found himself thinking of her more and more.
It frightened and confused him. He had no idea what to do.
“Heath. We’ve been through a lot the three of us. I’m
sorry, but I can’t believe it just ends like this.”
“I’m sorry too Nick. I know it’s not fair to the family. Must feel like you
have to choose between me and her.”
“No. That’s not it Heath. I just don’t understand what could have happened and
you won’t say anything. All she says is that she made a mistake. She’s living
some pretend life, claiming she earned it and that is what she deserves. She
told Mother she had brought us too much pain. I don’t see how this is much better.”
“She lied Nick.”
“Lied? About what?”
“It’s not about what she lied about, it’s the fact that she did.”
“You’re going to have to give me more then that Brother.
Heath proceeded to tell his brother the whole story. It was the first time he
had given life to his memories. In a strange way, it felt good. Nick took it
all in, never stopping him. When he had finished, he sat silently.
“Well?”
“Well what?”
“Aren’t you going to tell me I’m stupid or something?” Heath hadn’t expected
the silence from Nick and it unnerved him.
Nick was cautiously selecting his words. “So Heath, if you were at Sinclair’s
for dinner and you wanted a reason to escape old Judith, and Isabel offered a
lie to get you out of the room, would you have left her?”
“No. I would have kissed her, that woman is 10 years past desperate.”
“But if she lies to save your life, you get mad at her?” Before Heath could
respond, he continued. “I understand that one. When you first got there, she
was foolish. She should have just told them. Course, maybe, looking back, they
still would have reacted as they did. You were traveling together. It was a
mistake. But when she lied to save your life Heath?”
“Nick. I spent my life fighting to find some respect. I finally get somewhere,
a good life and family, and it can crumble down with one accusation. People sit
there and wait for me to foul up. First Maria, then Isabel.
I can’t do it.”
“Heath. I used to think our father was perfect. I
figured he could do no wrong. I wanted to be like him. As you know better then
anyone, the truth hurt. He was just a normal man. He could hurt people. It took
me a while to accept that, but then I saw it in myself, and so did you. Hell,
every time Izzy rubs her shoulder, I cringe inside. I
made a huge mistake. I lost myself. I can’t take away the pain of your youth. I
can’t force idiots to respect you either. God help me I wish I could little
brother. But you have to let it go, if you want to move forward. Maria was
evil. She was wrong. Isabel was foolish. There is a big difference. Did you
tell her that’s why it hurt?”
“I couldn’t find the words, besides it’s too late. She
built another life.”
“Listen here. I know a little something about hurting someone you love. You
think it’s horrible and that there is no way out. But, it turns out, when you
love someone, they have an incredible ability to
forgive. Isabel needs that from you. Don’t you see, when someone forced you to
marry, it settled her fears. It was done. She didn’t need to worry anymore.”
“She said it was fate’s way of telling us we weren’t meant to be together.
Maybe that’s why she was always stalling?”
“Aw hell. Heaven is way more powerful then fate. And you two were ordered up
there. Fate’s gonna get strung up if it keeps messin’ things up for you two. She’s not ready Heath.”
“What? Not ready for what, marriage? I figure if you love someone, the marriage
is a natural step Nick. You know something I don’t?”
“It’s got nothing to do with loving you. She loves you; of that there is no
doubt. Look at her. Who is she? She is a lot like us, strong, independent, and
feisty. She is not a typical woman. Good lord, she’s running Liam’s businesses.
When she marries, she becomes wife and mother. That is a lot to add to her
plate. She’s afraid of giving up who she is and becoming someone you don’t want
anymore.”
Heath considered his brother’s words. It made sense. She had said as much that
day at the swing. “But if she is so much like us, why am I
ready and she isn’t?”
“She is younger then us. Were you ready to be married 4-5 years ago?
Plus she’s a woman, trying to fight in our world. It sets her apart.”
“How come I didn’t notice this? Seems pretty simple the way you put it.”
“Because you love her, and love makes men stupid.”
Heath smiled. It was the first genuine smile to cross his lips in some time.
Nick returned it. “You don’t think I been too big a fool?”
“Yeah. But I happen to know, Dizzy likes fools.”
They finished their coffee watching the sunrise in quiet.
“Suppose we can push those men home any faster then how we got here?”
“I reckon there’s a train we can catch to speed things along.” He couldn’t
resist adding. “So, ya wanna
get home to your wife now, huh?”
Nick couldn’t avoid the swat to his arm in time.
Dante’s final concerts had been the toast of the town. Everyone who was anyone
attended. Isabel had stolen many a show when she entered on Vincent’s arm. At
the party following the show, she danced with many men. Dante and Vincent both
complained. She laughed at them and danced away with other men.
She had spent a great deal of time with her old friends. Dante had a month off
before beginning his next shows in
Dante arrived at the ranch and was greeted by a glowing Audra at the door. She
immediately invited him on a ride before lunch, to which he agreed. The boys
were due back at any time and Jarrod was working on some ranch business in
He smiled. He was surprised she had withheld so long. “She seems fine.”
“Seems?”
“She won’t talk about why she left, or returning. Neither Vincent nor I push
her. We are too busy enjoying her company.” He thought a moment then added as
an after thought. “I don’t think she is really happy, but we try our best.”
They chatted on and then adjourned to the parlor, where Dante had brought his
travel scrapbook, at Audra’s request. It outlined his entire tour and the rest
of the day was spent reliving past grandeurs. Audra was smitten. Dante declined
a dinner invitation and left in the late afternoon, promising to return another
time.
Later that evening, Jarrod came through the door bearing many surprises. Heath
and Nick had met him on his way home. The family shared a joyous dinner and all
noted the decrease in tension and basked in its effects. Later that evening,
after the ladies had retired, the boys played pool. They drank and caught up.
Jarrod had informed Heath that the divorce was completed and needed only their
signatures. Nick laughed. Heath shot him a glare that silenced him.
“The divorce is still going through.”
“Why? You’re just gonna remarry her.” He found the
whole situation funny.
“If, and I mean If, she agrees to have me back after the way I acted, it will
be proper Nick!”
“So, are you heading to
“No, I got me another plan. Need a day or two for that. Then I might be going.”
“Oh? What’s your plan little brother? Need some help?”
“No Nick, no help from you is necessary. I already set it in motion.”
“When?”
“On the way home.”
It occurred to Jarrod at that moment, that he had received a package and had
not yet opened it. It was from Marshall Merrick in
There wasn’t much, a few changes of clothing, a razor,
several pictures of Isabel, his wallet, gun and a journal. Jarrod picked the
worn book up and relished in the possibilities of what lay within. He didn’t
feel right reading the whole thing, but decided that the last several months
might hold clues, so he started at the end and read.
Nick and Heath waited for a report.
“Damn it.”
Nick and Heath both looked at each other and exchanged quizzical glances.
Jarrod was trained and educated. He seldom cursed, but when he did it was
usually big. They had high hopes.
“Did he have any leads?”
“Yes. It seems he was following someone, but never says who it was.”
“What?”
“It seems as if he knew the man, but he never identifies him in writing.”
“Damn it.” Nick’s curses were commonplace.
“So we are no better off then before?” Heath sounded down.
“I’m afraid not.”
BVBVBVBVBVBVBV
With Dante gone traveling, Vincent and Isabel spent a
lot of time alone together. He was always the perfect gentleman and seemed to
always read her mind. One evening after depositing her at her doorstep, Vincent
lingered just outside, enjoying the cool breeze. He was reviewing their fine
evening with friends when he heard Isabel’s scream. He crashed through the door
to find the house in shambles. He called out to her and she replied from the
kitchen. There he found her on her knees, holding the body of her cook and
rocking.
“Get help, please!”
He did as she asked and soon there were people crawling all over the place. It
was too late for Mrs. Hadley and Isabel was shaken at this intrusion into her
home and the tragic death. An officer called her to her rooms, where they found
a mirror smeared with blood. On it was a simple message. “I’m coming soon!”
Vincent was amazed with the composure Isabel was displaying; any other woman
would have been hysterical. She calmly answered the questions put forth to her
as the investigation began.
It was early morning, before things were righted and the many men had left.
Vincent tried to get her to go to a hotel, but she insisted she would not be
scared out of her home. He then pleaded with her to return to the ranch for
safety. When that offer was also rejected, he asked if he could notify the
family and seek their help here. This was also soundly refused.
“You need to rest. You’re exhausted.”
“You have been up all night too. Speak for yourself.” How she managed the
smile, he would never know.
“You are a stubborn woman! At least go and lay down in one of the guest rooms.”
“I don’t think I could sleep.”
“I bet you can.” He took her hand and led her up the stairs and then down the
opposite hall to the guest rooms. “I will stay downstairs. I want you to rest
Isabella. No arguments.”
She smiled again. “Thank you. You sounded like my father right then. It was
nice.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Maybe I will be able to sleep, if I
know you are near.” She turned, entered the room and closed the door. Vincent
went back downstairs and poured himself a drink and settled in with the day’s
paper.
Nick had always insisted that the papers be kept when he was away from home. He
never wanted to be out of the so-called loop, so he would spend whatever
available time, reading the old news. His family had always teased him openly
about it, but deep down they respected him for it. He was going through a stack
of
He had just a few to get through and Jarrod entered the parlor. He witnessed
another groan from Nick and assumed his best lawyer mode.
“Bad news brother Nick?”
“Just more Izzy foolishness.”
“What do you mean?”
“She is painting the town and all over the pages. Here she is at Dante’s final
concert.”
“Speaking of Dante, he left his scrapbook here accidentally. We need to forward
it to
“Where’s Heath?”
“He’s out on the north range today, why?”
“Go get him and hurry. We gotta get to
22
The knock at the door startled him and he ran to get it before Isabel was
awakened. He had checked on her recently and she slept soundly. He had enjoyed
his time watching her. He cared so much for her. He swung open the door to find
a delivery boy. He tipped him and took the letter he was bringing. It was of
course addressed to Isabel. He panicked a moment and shoved it in his pocket.
Now was not the time for her to get letters.
It was late afternoon when Isabel finally awoke. She slipped into her room and
changed her clothes. She avoided looking at the mirror, even though it had been
cleaned up. She had been calm last night. In a strange way, she was happy her
would be pursuer had made a move. Perhaps it meant it would all be over soon.
She allowed her thoughts to turn to the blond hair and blue eyes that
continually occupied her dreams. What would he say? Would he mourn her loss?
She felt the need to be comfortable, so she slipped into a nightdress and a
robe, which she tied at her waist. She turned and started down the stairs. She
was surprised when noise came from the kitchen. She had sent all of the servants home as they arrived that morning. They had easily
complied, not wanting to be in the dangerous house.
She reached to her calf and felt the comforting presence there. She would remember
to thank Nick again for his gift. She rounded the corner into the kitchen to
find Vincent with an apron on, preparing food. She laughed.
“You cook?”
“My dear. I possess many skills. Cooking is just one
of them.”
She laughed again. “I am glad to see you helped yourself.”
“Never fear my dear, I have made enough to feed an
army. So, can you set a table, or is the duchess unable to comply with such a
common chore?”
“I think I can handle that.”
They both went about preparing for dinner. She helped where she could, but she
had little experience in the kitchen. It had worried her some, back in the days
when she planned on her future with Heath. Now, it didn’t matter.
They ate the scrumptious meal and Vincent made sure her wine glass was always
filled.
“That was delicious. Thank you.”
“You are most welcome Duchess.”
“Why do people do that?”
“Do what?”
“Nicknames.”
“You don’t want me to refer to you as Duchess?”
“I’m sorry. It just reminds me of him.”
“What he called you duchess?”
“No… Never mind. No one has ever called me duchess.”
She moved her hand to her head and held it there. The wine was getting to her.
She didn’t see his smile.
“Shall we move to the parlor? We would be more comfortable.”
She began to rise, but felt her head begin to swim. She felt his arms snake
around her waist to steady her.
“It seems I can’t handle my liquor anymore. Maybe I better lay down.”
“Let me help you to your room.”
***
Nick fumed. Heath paced. Jarrod pounded his fist against the wall. They had
missed the last train. It would be late morning before they would get to her.
Having no other option, they headed over to the hotel and took rooms for the
night. Jarrod took a detour and wired a friend of his in the marshal’s office
and asked him to check in on Isabel.
“Heath. What was your great plan?”
“Nothing great. I just sent her a letter. I hoped it
would help smooth things over before I got there.” He smiled at the memory “If
she reads this one.”
They were interrupted by a knock at the door. It was a response to his wire.
Jarrod opened it and shared its contents with his brothers. It told them of the
break in at her home, just the night before.
“I just pray we’re not too late.”
*****
He swept her into his arms and carried her swiftly up the stairs. Her head
lulled on his shoulder. He laid her on the bed and moved to get her a glass of
water. With his back to her, he poured the small vial into the water. He didn’t
want her to fight, but he wanted her aware. He returned to her side and held
her head as she sipped the water.
“Drink up. It will settle you.”
“No, that’s fine. Thank you. I think I will just rest.”
He smiled at her, although annoyed that she hadn’t consumed the water. “You do
that.”
She closed her eyes and found sleep.
He lay on the bed next to her, watching her every breath and running his hand
just above her body as if making love to her. He had been so patient. Soon, he
would have the love he had so long sought, and no one would stop him.
***
Heath was in agony. The final wire of the evening had only served to heighten
his concern. He dreaded what might be happening and had only himself to blame.
He had promised to keep her safe and then allowed his temper to get the best of
him and drive her away. She thought it was her fault. No. He came to realize
that it was the Barkley temper that kept hurting Isabel, first Nick’s then his
own. If he were lucky enough to win her back, he would be sure it would never
harm her again.
Further intensifying his stress was the hot, broken down train he and his
brothers were now confined to. There had been a problem with the tracks ahead
and they were stuck here while it was cleared up. He cursed fate. It was
deliberately setting these obstacles in his path. He allowed himself a minute
of self-pity, wondering what he had ever done to deserve these cruel twists. At
best it would be late afternoon before they arrived in
Isabel awoke to the sunshine, but she didn’t feel refreshed. Even with the
large number of parties she had been recently attending, she had never felt
quite this badly. She felt like the world was blurry.
As if on cue, Vincent entered carrying a tray of breakfast foods and coffee.
He set the tray on her lap and wished her a good morning, referring to her as
he had the night before, duchess. She thanked him and immediately reached for
the coffee, hoping it would clear her mind. Although it tasted a bit odd, she
consumed it greedily. She then nibbled on some toast and took the opportunity
to give Vincent a good once over.
“Vincent, heavens. You are still wearing the same
suit. You must leave and change your clothes. I really don’t need a nursemaid.”
She added. “Although I am enjoying the attention.”
“I guess I might be getting a bit ripe.” He stripped off the jacket he
had been wearing and laid it across the bed at her feet. “Perhaps after you are
settled, I can go to my hotel and change.”
“You must get some rest as well. I suspect you have spent a great deal of your
time watching over me.”
He thought to himself, ‘more then you know’. “I have been sleeping just fine.
It is you I am worried about. Perhaps you are coming down with something. You
seem a bit pale.”
“Maybe. I do feel a bit off. But all this rest will
cure anything.”
Just then, from far below, came a knock at the door, followed by a ringing of
the chimes. A string outside the door activated them. It enabled someone in the
deep recesses of the large house to hear someone waiting.
Isabel looked at the clock on the bed table. “I wonder who that could be at
this hour?”
“I’ll just go and see. You finish your breakfast.”
He left and she stretched out her legs. In doing so, his jacket fell open a bit
more and she saw an envelope sticking out of his inner pocket. She might have
ignored it and moved on, but there was something familiar about it and she was
compelled to see it. She removed it from the pocket and turned it over. It was
open. It was addressed to her, but even more elating, it was his handwriting.
Heath had written to her. But why did Vincent have it? When had it come? Why
had he read it? She prayed he had just forgotten. Perhaps he didn’t know how
much it would mean to her. Or perhaps it contained bad news and that is why he
withheld it.
She couldn’t bring herself to open it and read it just yet. What if it was bad
news? She decided to confront Vincent. She turned back the blanket and moved
her feet over the side of the bed. She was still dressed in her robe. She moved
to stand and a wave of dizziness swept through her. She paused a moment and
regained her bearings. She walked slowly over to the door and paused again in
the doorway. She then moved down the hall to the stairs.
Meanwhile downstairs, Vincent had ushered Marshal Matt Anderson into the
parlor.
He turned to find Isabel staring open mouthed at him and the corpse he dragged.
(23)
Her voice trembled. “Vincent?” Her mind was too unclear to respond to what she
was seeing.
Vincent’s mind was clearer then ever. “It was him. He said the most horrible
things Isabella. I had to. He was trying to hurt you.”
“No.” She moved closer and looked at the man’s open eyes, the terror still on
his face. “I don’t even know him. What have you done? This must be some
mistake.”
He moved to her side. “No Duchess. No mistake. You’re safe now.”
“But?” Her mind was swimming even more. It didn’t make
sense. She tried to back away from him. She had no idea what to believe. Her
mind betrayed her and could grasp onto no reason.
“Duchess. This is too much for you. It’s obvious
you’re ill. Let me help you.”
“No.” She shook her head and continued to back away. He continued to advance,
until she was up against the wall. He moved his hand to her face. “Calm down!”
She had nowhere to go. He stroked her cheek and then moved his hand to rest on
her neck. She felt the pressure increase from his fingers. It was causing her
to feel strangely. She felt the world darkening and then she felt nothing. She
collapsed into his waiting arms.
Vincent carried her to the parlor settee and went quickly to gather his small
valise. Inside were all the items necessary to make his plan successful. He
opened the front door and signaled to a waiting carriage. It moved off and he
knew it would meet him around back, by the kitchen door. He met the driver
there after a few minutes and handed him his bag. He then returned to collect
Isabel. He truly had no idea how long she would remain unconscious and he felt
pressure to act fast. In seconds he had loaded her body gently to the floor and
then climbed in behind her. The driver rode off.
Jarrod had expected Matt Anderson to meet them at the station when they finally
arrived at dusk. He saw no sign of him, so they proceeded to Isabel’s house.
The front door was open and they entered the darkened house. They called out,
but received no answer. They each drew their gun and spread out, all in search
of Izzy or a light. Heath and Nick both turned
suddenly toward the sound of a fall.
Nick, finally reaching a lamp, lit it and faced the direction of the noise. The
sight of Jarrod greeted him, struggling to rise from his fall. He had tripped
over a body, the body of Matt Anderson. They made quick time of searching the
house, but found no trace of Isabel. Near the body of Matt Anderson, lay
Heath’s opened letter to Isabel. Had she read it? Did she know he was coming
for her?
*****
Isabel stretched out in her bed. She was confused, her memories jumbled. Had
she dreamt the murder of the man? It had been so vivid, but here she was safe
in her bed? Before she could process further, Vincent entered her room bearing
a tray of tea. Not knowing whether she had been dreaming or not, she was
hesitant.
“Sleeping beauty awakes. Excellent. I was afraid I was
going to have to wake you. You’ve been asleep all day.”
“I have?”
“Yes my dear. And having some interesting dreams too.
I was worried for a while. You seemed scared or distraught. Please tell me you
don’t remember them.”
“I’m sorry to have bothered you.”
“None of that. This has been fun, staying in one
place, a home, and serving a beautiful woman. It was been my pleasure.”
He handed her a cup of tea, and she gratefully accepted it. “Vincent. I wasn’t
trying to pry, but I saw a letter from Heath in your pocket. Why didn’t you
give it to me? When did it come?”
“Oh heavens. That. It came yesterday. I’m sorry. I noticed you had seen
it.”
“Why was it open? Did you read it?”
He paused. She read the guilt on his face. “I did. I’m sorry. I had to know
whether it was good news or bad. It has been some time and he has not made any
attempt to contact you. I didn’t want you to be hurt Duchess. I am sorry.”
“So why didn’t you give it to me?”
”Like I said. I didn’t want you to be hurt. It…”
“Was bad news?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Where is it?”
“Oh no.” He patted his pockets. “I returned it to my
coat pocket. I must have left it at my hotel when I went to change. This is not
my day.” He realized it must still be at the house.
She was quiet. He could see the tears in her eyes. “What did it say?”
“You don’t want to know.”
“Yes, I do. I have to.”
He took a deep breath, contemplating his words. “He said he hoped you would
stay in
“You’ve had a shock, and you’re still not looking well. Drink this tea and try
and rest some more. Things will be better soon, I promise.”
She was too numb to do any differently. She drank the tea and soon found
herself very drowsy. She settled back under the sheets and fell into a deep,
sad sleep, dilled with dreams of what might have been.
He watched her drift off. He moved from the room. He opened the door to a
hallway that looked like hers, from a room that looked like hers. As soon as he
was 5 feet from the door, it all changed. He had taken great pains to
reconstruct her room. He had anticipated an arrival by the Barkley boys and
knew her home was the first place they would check. He was now long gone from
there, with Isabella at his mercy. Life was good.
(24)
Heath was a frantic as his brother’s had ever seen him. They had summoned help
and the house was being combed for clues, but there was none to be had.
Jarrod was speaking with Matt’s superior, who had come out personally to handle
the case. In his day, Ken Starley had been the best.
Succumbing to pressure from his family, he had accepted the promotion. He was
itching to be involved with this case. Jarrod spent a great deal of time
outlining everything that had happened and the newest evidence. Starley immediately ordered one of his men to ascertain the
locations of Dante Dumas and Vincent Layton. Jarrod joined his brother’s in the
parlor. There was nothing they could do but wait.
“Does he have any news?” Nick was anxious. Heath was in his own world, only half
aware of the conversation begun between his brothers.
“No. He has sent men to find
“Its not enough!” Nick’s anger was fueled.
“What else can we do? If we are right and one of them is responsible, we have
to find them. If we find them, chances are we find her.”
“What if we are wrong?” It was the first thing heath had said in some time.
“I don’t know Heath. I just don’t know.”
BVBVBVBVBV
Isabel woke again after several hours. As she pulled herself into a sitting
position in her bed, the first thing she noticed was that her clothes had been
changed. She was wearing a sheer silk nightgown. It was nothing she owned and
it scared her. She had no memory of it or changing. Her head was still swimming
and she took several deep breaths to calm herself. She swung her legs over the
side of the bed and shakily stood. She saw her reflection in the mirror and
gasped. The gown clung to her every curve and was even more transparent then
she had first thought. She glanced around the room and saw a dressing robe
slung over a chair at her vanity and she made for it.
Dressed in the robe and willing her head to clear, she made for the door.
Before she could reach it, she saw the door handle turning and she froze in her
attempt to decide a course of action. She was too far from the door to attempt
to hide and too far from the bed to dash, so she decided to stand her ground,
praying neither her body nor courage would fail her.
The door swung open and Vincent entered. She saw the surprise on his face at
seeing her up and about. He attempted to cover.
“Ah, you must be feeling better duchess.”
“How did I get changed?”
Knowing he had support in the hallway, he dared the truth. “I changed you.” He
smiled at the memory. He had spent so many years longing to see her body; he
had relished every second. Not wanting to disturb her too much, he had simply
cut the gowns she had worn along the length of her body. After pulling them off
her, he merely sat and stared at the wonder of her body. How he had dreamed of
caressing her skin and bringing himself to full ecstasy inside her. The mere
thought was swelling him to discomfort. “I thought it was a beautiful gown.”
She was stunned. “What? How could you?” And then realization hit her. “You
killed that man. It was you all along?”
“Oh my dear Isabella, how naïve you are. You thought I was joking when I
proposed that night in
She knew he was beyond reason, but she tried anyway. “I didn’t love you like that
Vincent. We were friends.”
He laughed and moved closer. She stepped back. “Maybe it was Dante you fancied?
No matter. None of that matters anymore. You are mine.”
“No Vincent. Let me go.” She pleaded. She was backing as far away from him as
possible. He merely advanced.
“Don’t you realize all I have gone through to get you here? No, I will have you
as my wife.”
“You can’t think I will marry you after all this?”
“Oh yes. But I don’t care if we marry or not. I think that my efforts will not
go unrewarded. Did you think that cowboy would help? No. You are quite alone.
Just like your father was. It was snowing. Did you know that? I will never
forget the sight of his blood pooling in the fresh white snow. It was such a
contrast. He had figured it all out. I had to stop him.”
Tears races down her face, “No.”
“Yes. You see; I’ve killed many for you. I was so disappointed when Jezabel failed me in
“No No No…
this is all wrong. Please let me go Vincent.” She felt terror like never
before. She suddenly felt for her calf.
“You were looking for this. He dangled the derringer in front of her. “Surely
you didn’t think I would let you keep it?”
Next her eyes went to her vanity. She kept several sharp objects within that
might cause him some damage. She edged her way in its direction.
His laughter halted her again. “Certainly you don’t think I would have left
anything valuable to you in the vanity? Duchess, I have had years to plan this
moment. There is nothing I have left out.”
“They will come for me. You can’t keep me prisoner in my own home. There are
servants. People will ask about me.”
He laughed and laughed. She didn’t understand. “They might ask.”
She steeled her courage. She knew she would have to make a break for it. She
turned from him, hoping to distract him. It worked, he moved toward her. She
quickly spun and ran for the door. He caught her arm, just as she was nearing
the exit. He grabbed and swung her against the wall. She impacted severely. Her
entire body cried out in pain. She ignored it and pulled her arm from him and
continued toward the door. She reached the door and began down the hallway when
she noticed it wasn’t right. It was not her house. As she rounded the next
corner, she smacked into a wall, which was flesh. She literally bounced
backwards, loosing her feet and falling to the ground.
Before she could regain her legs, Vincent was there at her side. “I told you.
There is nothing I have left out. Now I will need to teach you a lesson about
behavior.” He raised his hand and she screamed in terror.