Chapter 3 4 страница

The door to his granddaughter’s room was slightly ajar. Curious, Travis opened the door and could see Lexington swinging in the closet, her hands frantically gripping a rope around her neck; the other end tied to the clothes bar. He rushed over and held her in one arm, while he used his other hand to pull the rope away from her throat. "Good god, Lexie! What in heaven’s name is going on?" he cried, shaking in fear.

"N..nn…nothin’," the little girl gasped. "I’m an outlaw, and I got caught." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Don’t cry, Gampa…I’ll be gooder." Lexie hugged him tight. "Don’t wanna be bad no more…" she coughed, then began to cry.

Travis looked down and saw the rope burns on her tiny wrists. My god…he could have killed her! Somehow Lex had managed to wriggle the rope loose from around her hands, and pulled the noose away from her neck enough to breathe, until he had arrived.

"Grandpa? Are you okay?" Lex leaned over and put her hand on his knee. Damn, he looks really upset. "What’s the matter?"

He looked up from his memories. "Sorry about that, Lexie." He shook his head slightly to clear it. "I’m fine…but don’t turn your back on your brother, please."

She chuckled. "Don’t worry…I’m not about to. I’ve got a lawyer now checking his claim to the ranch – the last I heard, he didn’t have a snowball’s chance in Hell of succeeding." Lex leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "You should have read that ‘legal’ document. Some of the words were spelled wrong, and most of it didn’t make any sense."

"Do you honestly think that he’ll stop there? He only got a small amount of money from your grandmother," Travis worried. "Maybe I should…"

"You should do nothing, Grandpa. I’ve been fighting with Hubert, one way or another, for as long as I can remember. I really don’t want to get anyone else involved in this mess." Lex looked at her lover. "It’s bad enough that he knows about Amanda living there. I don’t want him to target you, as well."

Travis frowned. "What’s Amanda have to do with the ranch? I know she lives there, but…?" He looked at the blonde woman apologetically. "I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t mean any offense."

"None taken," she smiled. "Lex gave me power of attorney over her, and all of her holdings. Including the ranch." Amanda snuggled a little closer to her friend. "Talk about surprised. You could have knocked me over with a feather."

Lex fought the urge to kiss the blonde head under her chin. "I just wanted to make sure that if anything happened to me, Amanda and Martha would be taken care of." A silent message passed between her and Travis. That goes for you too, now. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family.

I’ll make sure of that, Lexie, he vowed wordlessly. I wasn’t there for you when you were growing up, but I’ll damn sure be here for you now.

Chapter 4

Lex was fuming. They had to cut their trip short, and she was driving the truck back to the ranch silently. She gently rebuffed her partner’s attempts at drawing her out of her bad mood, more than happy to sit and stew over Hubert’s latest scheme. She gripped the steering wheel tighter as she thought back to the conversation with Martha.

"Lexie! I’m really sorry to bother you, but Charlie’s here, and he…" Martha rambled breathlessly.

The rancher laughed. "Y’all aren’t planning on eloping, are you?" She dropped heavily onto the bed in the guestroom. Amanda crawled up behind her and began to massage her neck gently. "Mmm…"

Martha shook her head, then realized that Lex couldn’t see her. "No! I mean…" she sputtered. "Oh, Lexie! You stop that!" The housekeeper released a dramatic breath. "He’s here on official business, honey."

"What’s wrong?" Lex jumped to her feet, causing Amanda to almost tumble to the floor. "Are you okay? Has something happened at the ranch? I knew I should have never left you there alone..."

"I’m fine, honey. Judge Packer issued a subpoena, and you’re supposed to appear in his court tomorrow morning. It’s about the lawsuit that Hubert…" she was interrupted by an explosive curse.

"That sorry SON OF A BITCH!" Lex yelled, as she paced back and forth beside the bed. "I swear I’m gonna wring his worthless neck once and for all!"

Martha pulled the phone away from her ear. She rolled her eyes and spoke sternly into the handset. "Lexington Marie! You watch your language!" She knew that the only way to calm the irate woman was to chastise her, and she wasn’t disappointed.

Lex stopped her pacing, as a wave of shame washed over her. "I’m sorry, Mada…I didn’t mean to upset you." She sat back down wearily, propping her elbow on one knee and cradling her head with her hand.

"I know you didn’t, honey. But I hate to see you get all worked up like that – it’s not good for you." Martha leaned back into Charlie’s strong embrace. "I don’t understand why the short notice on the subpoena, though. I thought that those types of things usually took a while."

"It’s too cold to play golf, so I’m betting the judge is just bored. Or maybe he doesn’t want to put up with Hubert and his buddy any longer than necessary." Lex closed her eyes when Amanda sat down behind her again and wrapped her arms around her. "We’ll be on our way back in the next hour or so, Mada. Should be home by the early evening."

The housekeeper paused for a moment. "Are you okay? You sound so tired, honey." She wracked her brain for a solution. "Maybe Charlie can talk to Judge Packer and postpone things for a day or two. You went out to the cemetery today, didn’t you?"

"Yes, ma’am. We were on our way back when you called earlier. But I’m fine, really. I’ll let Amanda drive if I get too tired." Lex felt an answering rub on her stomach, where the blonde’s hands rested. "Tell Charlie that he doesn’t have to wait up for us – consider me served. I don’t want him to get into any trouble…OH!" She grinned happily. "Umm…could you please fix up the new guestroom again? We’re bringing someone back with us for a while."

"Mr. Edwards? That’s wonderful, honey. I’ll make sure that it’s all ready for him this evening." Martha turned slightly and smiled at her fiancé. "Don’t worry, Lexie. We’ll take care of everything."

"Lex?" Amanda reached over and squeezed her lover’s shoulder. She saw the faraway look fade as the blue eyes turned to study her. "It won’t help, you know."

"What?" Lex began to smile at the look on her friend’s face. She’s just so damn cute. When she noticed the blonde’s lips moving, she shook her head. "Huh?"

Amanda wrinkled her brow. "I said, that thinking about Hubert won’t help matters any." She reached up and felt of Lex’s forehead. "Are you feeling all right? You’re not coming down with something, are you?"

From the back seat, Travis watched the interaction between the two women. He chuckled to himself at the way the blonde treated his granddaughter. Poor Lexie doesn’t stand a chance.

Lex captured the hand on her forehead and pulled it to her lips, kissing it gently. "I’m just fine, sweetheart. Don’t worry so much." She looked into the rearview mirror at the smiling man. "What’s so funny, Grandpa?"

"You two." Travis leaned up to place a hand on each woman’s shoulder. "Amanda, you remind me so much of my Lanie." He looked at the woman driving the truck. "She wouldn’t let me get away with anything, either."

"What did you do about it?" Blue eyes twinkled in the mirror, waiting for his answer.

Travis laughed. "I sat back, grinned, and enjoyed the ride." He studied the face in the mirror carefully. She looks completely worn out. But I bet she won’t stop just because of that. "Lexie?"

She turned her head slightly. "Yes, sir?" Old habits died hard. Martha had taught Lex well.

"You think that we could stop for a few minutes? I’d like to stretch my legs." Travis could almost hear his late wife’s gentle laughter. I know, my love…but it’s for her own good.

"Sure, Grandpa. You should have said something sooner." Lex looked at Amanda, who shrugged. "Do you have enough legroom back there?"

Amanda turned around in her seat. "You’re more than welcome to sit up here." She gave him a stern look. "Like I offered before we started back."

He raised his hands in defeat. "No…no…I’m perfectly comfortable back here. Just need to stretch for a few minutes."

Lex did not look convinced. "Uh-huh. Whatever you say, Grandpa." She exchanged glances with her partner, who shrugged. "There’s a small town about two miles ahead." The dark-haired woman yawned, then cursed inwardly. I used to have more stamina than this. Damn! "I could use a break myself." She missed the look exchanged between her two companions as she fought off a yawn.

Travis patted his granddaughter on the shoulder. "Thanks, Lexie. Sorry to be such a bother – I know that you’re ready to get home."

"You’re not a bother. I needed to fill the truck up, anyway." She steered the truck into a well-lit shopping center. It not only had a fast food restaurant, but a large convenience store as well. "This looks like a good place. You two want to grab some munchies, or a burger?" Lex stopped beside a gas pump and opened the door.

Amanda wrinkled her nose. "Umm…I think I’ll see if they have some fresh fruit, or something." She closed her door and reached for Travis’ hand. "Wanna help me?"

"Sure." He accepted her hand and looked over the hood of the truck. "Do you want us to get you anything, honey?"

Lex yawned again as she began to clean the windows, while the vehicle filled with fuel. "I think I could use a cup of coffee, Grandpa. If you two don’t mind…and maybe some Buttercups?" The vanilla pastry was a favorite of the rancher’s – it was yellow cake with white creamy filling, and a buttery frosting on top.

"All right," Amanda acquiesced, but rolled her eyes. She pulled the older man through the doors of the convenience store, mumbling under her breath. "I swear she’s gonna turn into a blasted Buttercup if she continues to eat them all the darn time."

A short time later, Lex was sitting in the back seat of the truck, her arms crossed over her chest. "I can’t believe you did that," she grumbled, a near-pout on her tired face.

The blonde looked into the mirror and stifled a giggle. She looks so darn cute when she pouts like that.

"Don’t blame Amanda. It was my idea." Travis turned in the front passenger seat so that he could look at his upset granddaughter. They had waited until Lex was finished with the truck, and both climbed into the front seats when she went inside to wash her hands. "Is it so wrong for us to want you to get a little rest? Just lean back and relax, Lexie. I’ll wake you when we get to the ranch."

Lex sighed heavily. Grow up, Lexington. Quit upsetting your grandfather. She could almost hear Martha’s stern voice admonishing her. "Well, I could use a little nap," she acknowledged, as she smiled at the older man. "Sorry ‘bout that, Grandpa." The rancher closed her eyes, but not before she winked at the green eyes watching her in the rear view mirror.

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

The day dawned bright but bitterly cold, as a strong north wind howled through the bare trees surrounding the ranch house. Amanda stood at the French doors in the master bedroom, trembling slightly when the high winds rattled the glass. Warm hands on her shoulders caused the blonde to jump slightly. "Oh!"

"Sorry, love. I didn’t mean to scare you." Lex’s low voice tickled her ear. "Whatcha looking at?" She peeked over the smaller woman’s head.

"Nothing in particular." Amanda turned around and snuggled into the welcoming arms. "It even looks cold out there."

Lex chuckled and led her friend away from the glass and towards the fireplace. "I know. And I can think of a lot better things to do, than to drive into town and fight with Hubert and his cronies." She sat down on an oversized chair, pulling Amanda easily into her lap.

Amanda spun around and wrapped her arms around the rancher’s neck. "Me too. Are you sure that you don’t want me to go with you?" She looked deeply into the blue eyes that were so close to her. "I don’t like the idea of you having to go there alone."

"I won’t be alone, sweetheart. Mel’s going to be there." Melvin Taft was the grandson of her family’s lawyer. He had passed the bar a couple of years ago. Because of his age, and the way the small town worked, he was having trouble getting new business. Lex had known him for years, and because of his integrity and good nature, had decided to retain the earnest young man as her counsel.

"I’m sure Mr. Taft will do his best, honey. But don’t you think that you’ll need some moral support?" Amanda was afraid that without someone there to keep her calm, Lex would lose her temper with her brother and get into serious trouble. "We can start on the Christmas decorations when we get back."

"No…I’ll be fine." Lex pulled the younger woman close and began to gently nibble on her neck. She paused for a moment and grinned. "Besides, Martha is all excited about the decorating this year. It would be a shame to tell her she’ll have to postpone it." The housekeeper was more than thrilled with Amanda’s living at the ranch. She had commented last night about how excited she was that someone would help with the decorations, and not grumble all day about it. And I’ve got to pick up someone while I’m there…no use in ruining a good surprise.

The blonde sighed and rested her forehead on Lex’s shoulder. "I hate it when you’re right." Amanda gasped when a callused hand reached inside her shirt and began to tickle her ribs. "Hey!"

Lex stopped tickling, and removed her hand regretfully. "That’s better." She nodded at the smile her partner now wore. "Unfortunately, I need to get going." She stood up, carrying Amanda with her. Strong legs wrapped around her waist, trapping Lex in place. "It’s gonna be kinda hard to drive like this, love," she teased. "And we’ll probably end up falling down the stairs."

"Oh, okay." Amanda relented, releasing the hold her legs had on the rancher. She kept her arms wrapped around the taller woman’s neck. "I’m gonna have to start wearing heels, if I want to be able to do this," she joked, trying to keep the emotion out of her voice.

"Hey…" Lex looked down at the green eyes as they filled with tears. "What are these for?" She reached down and caught the falling drops with her thumbs.

Amanda sniffled a bit, then blinked. "I don’t know. Just being silly, I guess." She didn’t want Lex to leave her sight, even for a few hours. "Be really careful, all right? And try to stay calm?" She pulled her hands away from the rancher’s neck and stroked the tan cheeks gently. "I just have this awful feeling, Lex. Something just doesn’t feel right about this whole thing."

The rancher smiled. "It’s just a hearing, to see if they have a case. I’ll probably be back before lunch – there’s nothing to worry about." Lex leaned down and covered Amanda’s lips with her own. When they broke apart she whispered, "I love you, Amanda."

"I love you, too." Amanda rubbed her face against the taller woman’s shirt, inhaling Lex’s scent happily. She opened her eyes and looked up. "Is this a new one?" The heavy cotton maroon shirt was crisply ironed, and looked as if it had never been worn.

"Not exactly. But Martha told me that I wasn’t going to meet with the judge looking like a common cowhand." Lex self-consciously stepped back and ran her hands down the front of her pants.

Amanda blinked, not sure of what her eyes were telling her. Lex is wearing…slacks? Wow. She stood staring for a long moment, until the rancher waved a hand in front of her face. "Umm…"

Lex blushed, then ran a nervous hand through her hair. "I know…I feel ridiculous." She brushed the top of her thighs with her hands again. The black dress slacks were also made from heavy cotton, and fit her long legs very well. Even her black boots were polished to a high shine. "I hate trying to look like something I’m not. But Martha was really insistent that I show respect to the court, and said that my normal clothes wouldn’t do that."

"You look great, Lex." Amanda stepped closer and wrapped her arms around the slim waist. She leaned up and whispered into her lover’s ear. "Good enough to eat," and bit down gently on Lex’s earlobe.

A surge of desire ran through Lex’s body, and she felt her legs go weak as the younger woman continued to nibble on her neck. She was only able to stay on her feet by grabbing Amanda’s hips and hanging onto them tightly. "Whoa." She chuckled and shook her head. "I can’t believe how easily you can do that to me." Lex took a deep breath and backed up slightly. She grasped her partner’s hand and led her from the room.

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

She had barely gotten through the door of the small courthouse when someone rushed up and grabbed her arm. Lex looked down at the dark headed man, who was several inches shorter than she was. "Hello, Mel. Been a while, hasn’t it?" The rancher smiled at the frantic look on his face. "You need to slow down, before you fall down."

"Sorry, Lexington. I’ve just come from a meeting with your brother’s counsel. Not a lot of fun." He released her arm and held out his hand. "It’s good to see you, too. Thanks for giving me a chance." Melvin Taft shook his head. "Although, from what I can see, there’s not much work for me to do. This whole thing is a sham." He led her to a small office off the main corridor.

"I figured as much. I’m guessing that my lazy brother is probably low on money, that’s why the sudden interest in the ranch." Lex sat down at the offered chair, and stretched her legs out in front of her. "How’s your grandfather feeling? I heard that he was allowed to go home last week."

Mel smiled. "He’s ornery as ever. Wanted to send his thanks for the flowers, and told me to give you a big hug and kiss from him." The attorney blushed and looked down at the desk. "The way he’s acting, you’d never think that he just had a quadruple-bypass." He picked an imaginary piece of lint from the cuff of his dark gray suit. "He also threatened me with a whipping if your case went any further today."

Lex laughed. "Sounds like Ronald. He’s a tough old bird, that’s for sure." She sat up and leaned forward. "Just what kind of case does Hubert have? I got a copy of the lawsuit brought out to the ranch, and it looked pretty harmless to me." Her mind knew that this was a waste of time, but Lex’s churning stomach said something else entirely.

"It is. Judge Packer is a stubborn old guy, though. He will probably drag the entire mess out, just because he doesn’t have anything better to do." Mel sighed. "And he’s not real fond of my family, either. So I’m afraid that I could be a strike against you, Lexington."

"Maybe. But I’ll take my chances." Lex consulted the expensive watch on her left wrist. She stood up and brushed off the front of her slacks. "It’s about time to get this thing started, isn’t it?"

The counselor picked up his briefcase and stood as well. "Yeah. Don’t want to keep the old guy waiting. I hear that he once held an entire courtroom in contempt because HE was late, and everyone else was a little impatient." He allowed the tall woman to step into the hallway ahead of him, and they made their way to one of the three courtrooms. He was about to open the door, when a nasal voice from behind stopped him.

"‘Bout time you showed up, little sister." Hubert stood next to a middle-aged man, whose face was blotchy from alcohol abuse. "I was beginning to think that you wouldn’t show up."

"Hello, Hubert." Lex turned and quietly studied her brother. He was wearing a very expensive suit, but the jacket was straining at the buttons to cover his growing beer belly. I can’t believe this ass is related to me. She looked pointedly at his stomach, then smiled. "Maybe you should spend less time in the bars, and more time at the gym."

The big man lunged forward and grabbed her jacket lapels. "Bitch! I ought to…"

"Take it easy, Hubert. She’ll get what’s coming to her." His lawyer pulled ineffectually at his own pants, trying to raise them over his equally large stomach. He reached over and grabbed his client’s shoulder, then offered his hand to Lex. "I’m Kirk Trumbull. Don’t think we’ve ever met."

Lex shook the sweaty hand, and then wiped her hand with a tissue she pulled from her pocket. "Probably not. I don’t run in the same social circles as Hube." She smiled sweetly at her brother’s reddened face. Oooh..good one, Lexington. That really pissed him off. The door behind her opened, and an old man in a uniform stood somberly by.

"Howdy, folks. They’re remodeling the judge’s chambers, so he said we’ll just take care of business in the courtroom." The bent elderly man pulled the door open wider, and waved Lex inside. "After you, miss."

The foursome had been sitting at their assigned tables for almost an hour, while Judge Packer read the lawsuit. Hubert and his lawyer both looked hot and sweaty, while Melvin scribbled notes and shuffled through papers rapidly. Lex sat quietly at the table with him, trying her best to stay awake.

God…this is worse than being at the doctor’s office. Why didn’t the judge read the damn papers BEFORE we got here? She sighed again.

Mel looked up from his notes and smiled. "It’s okay. He probably just wants to reacquaint himself with the documents." He glanced over at the other table, where both men were loosening their ties. "They look really uncomfortable."

"Heh…Good." Lex smiled back. She could feel eyes staring at her, and looked up to see the judge studying her intently. I hope this means we’re about to get this mess started. I’ve got to get over and pick up Amanda’s ‘surprise’ soon.

Judge William Packer had been covertly watching both parties for the past ten minutes. He was amused to see that the plaintiff squirmed in his seat constantly, and his attorney didn’t fare much better. Glad I had old Charles turn up the heat a bit – serves them right for bringing this nonsense into my court. He shook his head at the wording on the document in front of him. I’ve seen first year law students write better than this. Wasting my time, and the resources of the county. I ought to have those two fools locked up. He looked over at the young woman sitting at the other table. She looks so much like her mother. That could have been my granddaughter, if things had turned out differently.

Victoria Edwards had been the childhood sweetheart of his son, Timothy. They had even talked about getting married as soon as he got leave from the army. The young man had enlisted days before he graduated from high school, and Victoria had promised to wait for him. She was only seventeen, and he eighteen, when Timothy was killed in Vietnam. Judge Packer and his wife were devastated by the loss, and retreated from any contact with their son’s fiancee’. He had read in the paper a couple of years later when Victoria married Rawson Walters, and grieved again for what was to never be.

Looks like that one’s his father’s son. He takes after Victoria in looks, but his attitude is all Rawson. It’s a shame. The judge was up on most of the town gossip, and knew that this was just another poor attempt from Hubert to hurt his younger sister. Poor Victoria is probably looking down on all of this, upset as anything. She was always such a sweet girl. He banged his gavel on the desk, causing four sets of eyes to cut in his direction. "All right. Let’s get this show on the road."

Hubert jumped, and sat up a little straighter in his chair. "Finally. Thought we’d have to read the papers out loud for the old coot," he mumbled to his buddy, who chuckled slightly.

"Shh. Don’t piss off the judge," Kirk admonished.

"Something you gentlemen want to say to the court?" The judge glared at the two men.

Lex fought to keep the grin from her face. Oooh. This might turn out to be fun, after all. She sat up and took a deep breath.

Judge Packer pulled his wire-framed glasses from his face and rubbed his eyes with one hand. "Mr. Trumbull, I assume you’re responsible for the contents of the document that is here in front of me?"

He stood and nodded. "I am, Your Honor. My client…"

"Sit down. I didn’t ask for a dissertation, just a simple yes or no." He glanced over at Lex, who smiled slightly in reflex. "Young lady, could you step up here, so I don’t have to holler across the room? I’d like to ask you a few questions."

Lex looked at Melvin, who shrugged and then nodded. "Yes, sir." She stood up and crossed the room, wincing at how loud her boots sounded on the tile floor.

He smiled. Spitting image of her mother. "This is just an informal hearing, but I’d appreciate it if you would tell the truth, just as if you were under oath."

"Yes, Your Honor. I have no reason to lie." Lex gave her brother a dirty look once she was seated in the chair next to the judge. "I’m sorry that certain people have brought family business into your courtroom, instead of keeping it private."

Hubert snorted. "Bitch," he grumbled under his breath. He looked away when the judge gave him an evil glare.

"You understand the conditions of the agreement you signed eleven years ago, don’t you?" Judge Packer studied her face carefully, to see how she would react.

Lex nodded. "Yes, sir…I read it through completely before signing it." She felt a knot of apprehension tighten in her stomach. I’ll give the ranch to charity before I see Hubert running it. And NOTHING is more important to me than Amanda – I’ll gladly give everything up for her.

The kindly older man patted her arm where it rested on the chair. "Good. Your brother claims that you’ve broken one of the conditions of the contract – specifically the morals clause." Like he has room to talk. Judge Packer saw the fear and pain reflect in her eyes. It’s a ridiculous clause, but legally binding. Unless…"Do you have a man living with you, young lady?"

"No! Umm…well, my grandfather is staying with me for a while, if that’s what you mean." Lex saw a twinkle in the judge’s eye. What are you up to, you sly old devil?

"She’s full of shit! That little harlot’s living there, and they’re…" Hubert stood up and pointed an accusing finger at his sister.

The judge banged his gavel on the desk. "Enough! Sit down, Mr. Walters, or I’ll have you removed!" He looked back at Lex, whose hands were white where they were gripping the arms of the chair. "There’s a young woman staying with you?"

Lex swallowed heavily. "Yes, sir. Amanda Cauble has been living at the ranch for almost two months, now." Here it comes…oh, god. I don’t think I can handle this.

"Isn’t she Jacob and Anna Leigh’s granddaughter?" At Lex’s nod, he continued. "I believe I met her at a party they had a couple of years ago. Sweet girl." He put his glasses back on and gathered the papers up. "I see no validity in the charges, so I have no recourse but to dismiss this case."

Hubert jumped to his feet again. "Wait just a goddamned minute! She’s living in sin – she practically admitted it! That voids the whole agreement, and the ranch is rightfully mine!"

Lex was about to argue when the judge shook his head. "The contract stated, ‘living with another individual without benefit of matrimony.’ Unless the law has changed since we stepped into this room, same-sex marriages are not recognized in the state of Texas. So, since two people of the same sex cannot be legally married, they cannot be condemned for NOT being married." He looked at Lex with a smile. "Give my best to your friend, Lexington. And tell your grandfather I said hello."