Chris looked up as Buck and Vin entered the office laughing, and brushing tiny pieces of paper from their hair. He waited for the two men to come to him and smiled as they took the seats in front of his desk. Something told him the case had been resolved easier than they thought possible.
“Well, you boys gonna let me in on what’s so funny?” Larabee asked.
“Ya see, Chris, it’s like this...” Tanner started, trying to keep a straight face.
“We got to the stakeout and Preston and his so called lover were already there,” Wilmington took over.
“So called lover?” Larabee asked.
“Yeah...see, Mrs. Preston really thought her husband was messin’ around on her,” the tracker continued.
“I take it he wasn’t,” Larabee stated.
“No, not at all. He was trying to get his wife something for her birthday without her knowing it,” the rogue said, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
“Okay, so why all the cloak and dagger stuff?” the blond asked.
“See, that’s where it gets funny. This whole thing was set up sorta like one of them murder mystery things. Mr. Preston hired a bunch of actors to play the role of his lover and limo driver. Shoot, he even paid the desk clerks at the hotels to say he was there with someone if she called. He really wanted her to be surprised by all of this,” Tanner explained.
“Yeah, see, the lovely Mrs. Preston has always been able to find out what her hubby has for her birthdays, Christmas, Valentines...you name it. She’s the worlds greatest snoop,” Wilmington interjected.
“So what happened?” the blond asked.
“When Preston left his home, we followed him to a restaurant on Mullowney Lane. We parked across the street and kept up the surveillance from there. Preston met with his lover at the door and went inside. We were just about to follow him when Mrs. Preston drove up and parked in front of the place. Me and Buck figured something was goin’ down and we’d best go in and find out what,” Tanner explained.
“Go on,” Larabee said as the two men fought the urge to laugh.
“Well, Vin and me figured we’d best make sure Mr. Preston was protected from his irate wife. So we go in through the front door, nice as you please. The head waiter was standing there and he tried to stop us...saying the place had been hired for a private party. We told him who we were and that we might need him to call the police if things went bad inside.”
“Did they?” Larabee asked as the two men smiled at him.
“You might say that,” the scoundrel told him. “So me and Vin go rushing into the restaurant just in time to hear Preston and everyone else shout SURPRISE.”
“Don’t tell me...a birthday party,” Larabee said.
“Yeah....seems the Prestons have this thing about outdoing each other and Mr. Preston decided on this elaborate ruse to get his wife to really believe he’s been having an affair. This has been going on for several weeks...like I said Preston hired a bunch of actors and actresses to help him out, only it worked so well his wife hired us to prove her hubby was really having an affair,” Wilmington smiled and glanced sideways at the tracker.
“So, we go in and have no idea what’s going on and all of a sudden we’re covered in confetti and streamers. People are hugging and kissing and congratulating each other on pulling a fast one on Mrs. Preston. She’s standing there with this sheepish look on her face and then she spots us. She comes over and tells us it’s all one big happy mistake and that she no longer needs us, but we’re welcome to stick around and enjoy the party,” Tanner laughed.
“So everything worked out for them and she’s mailing our retainer fees plus a bonus for being such good sports,” Wilmington finished.
“So, it was all a set up?” Larabee asked.
“Yep, and Mrs. Preston swallowed it hook, line, and sinker,” Tanner told him.
“Well, I’m glad things worked out for them, but I think they both need to learn not to get so into their roles. What if you guys had gone in there with your weapons drawn...or the waiter had called the police. Someone could’ve been seriously hurt,” the blond said.
“Yeah, and Vin piled into them so well he would’ve made you proud, Pard. He sounded just like a drill Sergeant giving his men a good old fashioned dressing down,” Wilmington laughed. “By the time he finished with them Mrs. Preston was hiding behind her hubby and the guests were shaking in their booties.”
“Good,” Larabee said with a relieved smile, glad that things had indeed worked out, and no one was hurt.
“So, is Anne coming home tomorrow?” the ladies man asked, winking at his boss.
“Yeah, she is,” the blond answered simply.
“Guess that means we don’t get to come watch the game tomorrow night?” Tanner asked.
“Already told JD that if any of you show up you might just find yourself on the wrong end of a colt,” Larabee assured him.
“Ah, hell, Pard, you wouldn’t shoot us,” Wilmington said.
“Wanna bet?” the blond asked, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
“No...not really,” the rogue answered.
“Good, now you two have some paperwork to finish up before we can bill the Prestons for wasting our time,” Larabee said.
“Shit, we were hoping to leave early,” Tanner told him.
“Well, you still can if you get right on those reports,” Larabee said, smiling at his two friends.
“Shit, Pard, thought the idea of Anne coming home might’ve put you in a more agreeable mood,” Wilmington tried.
“Sorry, but I’m taking tomorrow off and I want to make sure things are up to date. Beside, if you boys get the paperwork done then you could come in late tomorrow morning.”
“Plannin on doing that anyway, Boss,” the rogue waggled his eyes as he left Larabee’s office.
Chris shook his head as his long time friend left him alone with Tanner. “Ya know, I doubt he’ll ever change,” he said.
“Would you want him to?” the tracker asked, pulling a piece of streamer from his hair.
“Honestly? No. Buck’s gotta be one of the only man I know who sees humor in just about any situation. I don’t know what I’d’ve done without him over the years. Think it’s time I let him know that,” Larabee said, smiling at the years of friendship he shared with the scoundrel.
“Yeah, and the ladies just seem to flock right to him. He didn’t have to say a word and they just flocked right to him.”
“That’s Buck alright...him and his animal magnetism. Sometimes I think he really is a magnet...at least when it come to women.”
“Just don’t let him know that!”
“Hell, No! We’d never hear the last of it. Okay, Vin, I’ve got some things to get ready at the ranch...”
“So you’re deserting the ship...”
“And leaving it in your capable hands. I’ll see you boys bright and early Monday morning,” the blond said, standing and grabbing his coat.
“Doubt you’ll be very bright,” the tracker mumbled softly..
“What?”
“I said alright,” Tanner smiled as he stood and followed the blond out of the room.
Tanya Stevens placed the key in the lock and opened her front door. She was exhausted, but the past three weeks had been more fun than she’d had in a long time. Seeing Anne Sheridan made the whole conference worthwhile and she leaned heavily against the door as she dropped her bag on the floor. Kicking off her shoes she flicked the light switch, frowning when nothing happened. She walked towards the closet where the fuse box and breaker switches were hidden, stubbing her toe in the process.
“Dammit!” she cursed, hopping the rest of the way to the closet. She pulled open the door and reached for the small flashlight she kept there in case of emergencies.
Fischer knew she was home and smiled at her muffled curse as she moved through the hallway towards a closet. ‘Not long now, not long at all,’ he thought as she stepped past the alcove where he was hidden. He waited until her attention was completely on her task before making his move and wrapping his arm around her neck.
Tanya tried to scream, but something sharp jabbed at her throat and she cried out as she dropped the flashlight.
“Don’t fuckin’ move, Bitch!”
She knew the voice and fear spread through her as he dragged her towards her bedroom. She didn’t want this...couldn’t face what would happen to her if he succeeded in getting her into her room. She didn’t have time to think of a plan, and just lifted her foot, slamming it down on his, regretting the fact that she’d pulled off her six inch heels. Her reward for the attempt was a knife slicing down her chest, stopping just short of her right breast.
‘God help me,’ she thought as she continued to struggle unsuccessfully against the stronger man. She wouldn’t let her see her fears, wouldn’t let him see how frightened she was. Taking a deep breath she gasped through the choking hold he had on her neck.
“Cowardly Bastard!”
“I’m not a coward, My Dear,” Fischer whispered, biting her ear as he continued to drag her into the other room.
“Let me go!” Stevens hissed.
“Not likely. I’m going to teach you some manners!”
“You h...have to have man....ners to t...teach t...them to ot...hers...” she stammered as the world around her began to grow even darker. She gasped as he painfully pinched her nipple.
“Feels good, doesn’t it?” Fischer asked.
“A real man would know, Dick...th...then again....you’re n...not a r...real...”
“Shut UP!” he screamed shoving her into the room.
As soon as he released her Tanya gulped in air as she struggled to stay upright. She raced for the bathroom, but a hand grabbed her shoulder and spun her around. A fist connected with her right cheek and she felt the bone break under the force. Still she tried to make it to the relative safety of her bathroom. His hand fell on her arm once more and she turned towards him, raking her nails down the smooth skin of his left cheek. His scream of rage was the last thing she heard as he struck her again and again. For long minutes the only sound in the room was the violent slap of flesh hitting flesh, and a man’s labored breathing as he delivered the devastating blows to the woman’s silent, un-protesting body.
“You can’t leave me, ANNE! I’m going to kill Larabee and you’ll come back to me! Ba...Back where y...you be...long! You’ll be ANNE Fischer and Larabee will be in his fucking grave. DO YOU HEAR ME, ANNE?” he screamed as he dropped the lifeless body to the floor, before leaving the house and making sure the doors were locked. He patted his pocket, unaware of the bruises on his knuckles or the blood welling up from the scratches on his face.
Chris rubbed Pony down, his body glistening with sweat as he worked with the animal. He felt better than he had in weeks and the only real reminder of the night of the attack was the cast still on his right wrist. He found it awkward working the brush with his left hand and once in a while was reminded of the knife wound he’d suffered in his arm.
“Bet that feels good, Boy,” he said as the animal’s tail flicked at him. He laughed and patted the ample rump before checking to make sure there was feed and water available. Placing the brush back on the shelf he ran his hands down the strong neck and scratched at the underside before leaving.
“Well, Boy, I need to make sure everything’s ready for tomorrow,” Larabee said, shaking his head as the gelding turned towards him. “I know...but hey, a man’s gotta make sure he’s ready for his lady love.”
Taking a final look around, the blond turned away from the horse and made his way out of the barn. The sunset was breathtaking with vibrant purple, orange and yellow hues that blended into a kaleidoscope on natures easel. He stood listening to the quiet sounds he associated with the encroaching night and stared in awe at the things that surrounded him. The air smelled sweet and fresh and he knew this was where he belonged, where he was meant to live. The city was okay to work in, but when it came to down time, ranch life was more his speed. He looked to the east, knowing Tanner’s home was not that far away, and he was probably working with Peso in the stable right this moment.
A smile formed on his face once more as he continued towards his home. There were so many things he wanted to do to make Anne’s homecoming one they would both remember. In the fridge was a bottle of Dom Perignon, the makings of a chicken Caesar were in the crisper and strawberry cheesecake would be the crowning touch on the meal.
He opened the door and stepped into the house, before taking one last look at the peaceful night around him. A shudder ran through his lean form and he briefly wondered what had caused it. He closed the door and walked into the kitchen, where the remnants of his simple dinner still sat on the table. He took the dishes and placed them in the dishwasher, before taking a beer from the fridge and walking towards the patio doors. He picked up his cell phone and walked outside to make his call. He dialed the familiar number as he sat in the chair.
Anne lay on the bed, unable to sleep. She’d been thinking about Chris and the welcome home she knew he had planned for her. The man knew what she liked and since they were both free for the weekend, the plans were to go straight to the ranch from the airport. She thought about the snuggle bunny and the button pinned to his shirt and smiled. Somehow she knew her lover would blush when he saw the bunny. Chris Larabee was a strong man, but when it came to feelings from the heart he had a wonderful soft side that few people ever saw.
What was it about this man that made her long to with him all the time? Why did it seem like he was always on her mind? Was it the way he felt in her arms? The way he made love, slowly, deliberately, enticing her body to respond to him in ways no one had ever done before. Not that she’d been with many men...there’d only been two others after Fischer. She shivered as his name crept into her thoughts and she forced her mind away from the dark memories of her time with him. The sound of the phone startled her, but she reached instinctively for the receiver.
“H...hello.”
“Anne?”
His voice brought a smile of longing to her face and she pushed back the last dregs of sleep. Her body and mind reacted to the thought of the gorgeous man on the other end of the line and she could feel the warmth spreading through her.
“Hi.”
“Hi, yourself...you okay? Did I wake you?”
“I’m fine...yes, you woke me, but there’s no one else I’d rather wake up to,” she assured him.
“Glad to hear it,” Larabee said, relieved that she sounded so relaxed. He knew the last week had been busy with hospital tours and meetings and he couldn’t wait to show her just how much he missed her.
“How are you doing?”
“I’m okay...except at night...”
“What’s wrong?” Sheridan asked, sitting up worriedly.
“Nothing...except it’s awful cold here...”
“Chris, it’s 80 degrees where you are...that’s not cold.”
“That’s not the kind of cold I’m thinking of, Anne,” Larabee told her, smiling as her soft laughter reached his ears.
“Oh, I think I’ll be able to do something about that kind of cold when I get you into bed,” Sheridan said, her voice filled with seductive suggestions.
“Oh, is that a promise?”
“It sure is, Love, and we do have some time to make up for.”
“Yes, we do...guess I’d better get some sleep.”
“We both better, we’ll need the extra energy for all the exercises we’ll be doing. I’m kind of partial to your push ups...or is that push ins,” Sheridan teased.
“Hmm, how about up and in,” the blond said and couldn’t help smiling at the sound of her laughter.
“Well, we’ll just try them all.”
“Now that sounds like a plan.”
“Will you be at the airport to meet me?” the nurse asked.
“Do you even have to ask?”
“Guess not...but I wouldn’t want you to think I was taking you for granted.”
“Never happen. I’ll be there...”
“I love you, Chris.”
“I know...and I’m glad...I’d hate to think it was only me. I love you, Anne.”
“See you tomorrow...snuggle bunny...”
“Shit!” the blond laughed as the phone went dead. Somehow he knew that nickname would be with him for a while. Anne Sheridan would make sure of that. ‘Just don’t let the others hear it,’ he thought. Turning back to the house and hurrying inside.
Richard Fischer watched the house, waiting for Chris Larabee to leave. He knew the man would be meeting Anne Sheridan at the airport, of that there was no doubt. He’d been at the ranch for over an hour, watching from the base of the trees with his binoculars. His car was parked over a mile north of the property on a seldom used back road. His attention was brought back to the front of the house as a figure came out through the main door. He recognized his nemesis as he hurried to the black Ford truck parked at the front of the driveway and felt his stomach lurch as the excitement began to build. His hand strayed to the bandage that covered the marks on his face.
“Soon, Larabee, very soon,” he whispered as the truck drove out of the driveway.
Two hours later Chris pulled into the airport parking lot and took a ticket from the machine before parking his truck. Anne’s flight was due to land in fifteen minutes and he hurried into the airport. People rushed about, gathering suitcases, kissing and hugging relatives as they came through the doors. He checked the overhead monitors and was glad to see the flight was on time. He moved towards Starbucks and ordered a large coffee, then hurried to the windows at the end of the terminal. From there he could watch the flights landing and taking off. He leaned against the wall and watched as a plane was guided up to one of the gates.
Anne sat up and placed her tray back into the slot before buckling on her seatbelt. The pilot had just announced that they were descending towards the airport and her stomach was already doing flip flops.
‘Shit, I’m acting like a school girl who’s waiting for her date to pick her up for the prom,’ she thought, making sure her carry on was tucked under the seat in front of her. She smiled as the flight attendant walked by, checking to make sure everything was properly secured. Taking a deep breath she looked out the window, watching as the runway grew closer. She sensed his presence and knew he was there, waiting for her to land. Her body tingled with anticipation as the wheels touched the dark surface and bounced once before settling on the ground.
Fischer looked at the small case he carried in his right hand and knew it wouldn’t be long more. Anne Sheridan’s flight should be landing, then she’d meet with Larabee, gather her luggage and head out for the truck. He pictured her in the other man’s arms and a strangled cry of rage left his throat at the thought of her betrayal. His right hand clenched in a tight fist and he vowed to make things right.
‘Oh, Anne, once lover boy is out of the way I am going to show you what will happen if you ever think about screwing around on me again. Larabee will pay for putting his hands on my property, and you will watch as I exact my revenge. He’ll pay and pay dearly,’ he thought as he sequestered the suitcase under the edge at the back of the property. He reached into his pocket and found the small calibre weapon and silencer he’d bought. He had no idea what kind of gun it was, but the man he bought it from assured him it would do the job he wanted it too. Now he just had to wait...time was no longer an issue for him...vengeance would soon be his.
Chris watched the plane land and listened as they announced the flight number. He finished the last of the coffee and hurried to the arrivals’ gate. The upgraded security no longer allowed people access to that area of the airport and he knew he’d have to wait for her to gather her luggage and come through the sliding doors. He watched as several pieces of luggage came through the carousel, waiting for their owners to pick them up.
Anne exited the plane and started down the walkway, smiling at the excitement building in her body. She looked at the monitors, searching for the carousel that would hold her suitcase. She smiled as she spotted the right one and hurried to pick it up before the crowds gathered around her. The bag was a little heavy, but she could manage without a carrier. She walked towards the doors, smiling as she caught sight of the familiar figure standing on the other side. Without realizing she’d done so she picked up her pace and was nearly running as she made it through the final leg of her journey.
“H...hi,” she whispered as Larabee’s arms wrapped around her narrow waist.
“Hi, I missed you,” the blond said, as her lips touched against his. They stood that way for several seconds, ignoring the world around them as the warmth of being together again, seeped through their bodies.
“God, Chris, I missed you so much,” she whispered before breaking away from him.
Larabee smiled at her as he reached for her suitcase. “Are you going to show me how much you missed me?”
“Oh, sweetheart, when we get to the ranch, I’m going to show you how much I missed you and then some.” She leaned close to his ear and whispered seductively. “I bought this black lace negligee...”
“Ah hell, come on, Lady, let’s go,” the blond hissed, lifting her suitcase and hurrying towards the exit.
“Chris, you shouldn’t be lifting...”
“I’m fine, Anne, it’s not heavy,” Larabee assured her.
“Just remember, you go doing anything to your shoulder and it just might put a damper on our plans,” she warned.
“Nothing’s gonna do that, darlin’,” he said, imitating Wilmington’s voice perfectly as they walked towards his truck. “Besides, if I do hurt it...I’ve got my own personal nurse to look after me.”
“Yes, but if you’re my patient then I have to be professional about it and keep my hands off,” she teased as they arrived at the black Ford.
“Damn, guess I’d better be careful.”
“Damn careful.” She smiled as he opened the door and helped her inside. She watched as he placed her suitcase in the back of the truck and hurried around to the driver’s side. She admired the well muscled body that filled out the form fitting T-shirt and smiled as a slight flush came to her cheeks.
‘I don’t think you realize the effect you have on women, Chris,’ she though as he climbed behind the steering wheel.
Fischer hid behind the thick brush that ran along the east side of Larabee’s property. From this position he could see the road and the entrance to the driveway. He looked at his watch and realized only five minutes had passed since the last time he checked. The anticipation was beginning to get to him and it felt like time had taken a holiday and would not be moving at all before long.
“Come on, Larabee, what are you doing? Are you making her walk from the airport? Sounds like something you’d do you bastard!” he hissed as he settled in to wait.
Anne watched the man beside her, drinking in the well muscled arms, the lean chest, the way the blond hair fell over his forehead, but didn’t cover the expressive green eyes. Her body’s reacted to her thoughts and she felt the familiar tingle that went with being in love with this man. That he made her feel like a giddy schoolgirl still amazed her.
“You keep looking at me like that and I’m just gonna have to pull over and find a place to show you what that look does to me,” Larabee said, his eyes on still on the road ahead.
“Now that’s a tempting offer, Chris...I think it’s called communing with nature,” the woman said, smiling mischievously.
“Ain’t nature I want to be communing with, Anne!”
“Oh, I’m glad I’m not the only one.”
“So I should pull over?” he asked, turning his head and winking at her.
“No, I think we’re better off going home. Wouldn’t want to lie in any poison ivy. I don’t think either of us would be able to enjoy the weekend. Besides the ranch is only ten minutes away now.”
“Guess we can wait that long,” Larabee said, glad this woman felt the same way he did.
He stood up and stretched the kinks from his back, but dropped back down as he heard the sound of an approaching vehicle. A knot of anticipation formed in his stomach as he watched a black truck slow down and turn into the driveway. A smile of satisfaction formed on his face as he realized the time was at hand. Chris Larabee would soon learn a lesson he would never forget. The blond laughed as he realized Larabee wouldn’t live long enough to think about regrets. His hand reached into his pocket and fell on the gun he’d placed there. Taking it out he waited for his chance to use it.
Chris pulled into his yard and parked next to the house, he turned to the woman beside him and pulled her close until their lips met. Sparks flew between them as the heat of passion ignited the fire that had not been dampened by the distance between them over the last few weeks.
Fischer felt the heat rise to his cheeks as anger surged through his body, causing his nerves to tingle and his face to turn red as he waited for the two people to break apart. The intimate way they held each other fueled the rage inside him and he fought to keep from shooting the man where he sat.
“C...Chris...” Anne called breathlessly.
“Yeah,” he whispered against her lips.
“If we don’t move now I won’t let you go.”
“I don’t have a problem with that,” Larabee assured her, but shifted away in order to catch his breath.
“Me either, but it’ll be better inside, where there’s nothing to get in the way,” Sheridan said, winking as he removed the keys and opened the door.
Chris watched her doing the same as he shut the door, reached into the back and pulled out her suitcase. Walking around the front he stopped beside her and gently placed his right hand over her shoulder, even as she wrapped her left arm around his waist.
Fischer moved out of the brush and held the gun in front of him as he made his way towards the still unaware couple.
“I missed you so much,” Anne said, looking into his eyes.
“Me too, and I intend to show you just how much...”
“Well isn’t this just a lovely picture?” Fischer asked and watched as Larabee dropped the bag and moved in front of Anne Sheridan.
“R....Richard...” Anne stammered, fear clutching at her throat.
“That’s right, sweetheart, now why don’t we all go into the house and have a little chat?” The newcomer motioned towards the house with his gun and waited for the couple to oblige his request.
“What the hell do you want, Fischer?” Larabee spat.
“Now, you’d think that was obvious, Larabee. I want my property back. Now get moving!”
“Let her go!”
“Not likely, Larabee, she’s the one I came here for. Now move, damn you!”
“Fuck you,” Larabee hissed shielding Anne as he tried to move back towards the truck. He kept watching the man standing in the open, wishing he had his own weapon handy.
“Chris...”
“It’s okay, Anne,” Larabee whispered.
“STOP!” Fischer shouted, the gun recoiling as he pulled back on the trigger.
Chris bit back a cry of pain as the projectile slammed into his right thigh, dropping him to the ground as he clutched at the profusely bleeding wound. He shoved his lover towards the back of the truck as Fischer came towards him. The blood seeped through his fingers, the color alarmingly red against the cast and his skin. He knew Anne was safe for the moment as Fischer stopped ten feet away from him.
“Anne, Love, you need to come out now or I’m going to have to make your lover regret ever having met you!” he said callously.
“Anne...Don’t!” the blond shouted, the pain becoming more pronounced as the shock of being shot wore off.
“Anne, I’ll count to three...”
“Stay where you...”
“One...”
“...Anne, d...don’t...”
“Two!”
“...listen to this bastard...”
“Three!”
The silencer muffled the shot, but the cry of pain from the blond, and the scream of rage from Anne Sheridan were loud in the stillness surrounding the house.
“You BASTARD!” Sheridan screamed as she raced to the downed man. She tried to get her lover to lie still, but his hand continued to clutch at the second wound in his right shoulder.
“Get away from him, Anne!” Fischer ordered.
“NO!” she hissed, turning her attention to Larabee once more. “Chris, let me see!” The terrified woman had been replaced by the strong, steady nurse who only saw pain written across the face of the man she loved.
“I...I’m o...o...kay,” the injured man stammered, watching Fischer as he came closer. “S...should’ve stayed h...hidden...”
“He would’ve killed you,” she said, checking the wound in his shoulder. “It went through...but I think the one in your leg is still in there.”
“...it is...”
“Well, I don’t want to stay out here in the hot sun so why don’t we take this inside? On your feet, Larabee!” Fischer ordered.
Anne turned towards him, anger and horror in her eyes as she looked at the hated figure before her. “He can’t, Richard! He’s got a bullet in his leg and...”
“I don’t give a fuck, Anne! You get him up now or he’ll have another one in his other arm!”
Chris heard the threat and felt the woman move so that she partially covered his body with her own.
“Leave him alone!” Sheridan hissed.
“...it’s okay...get me up!” the blond mumbled through clenched teeth.
“Chris...”
“No choice...just help me up.” He felt her hands reach for him and used what little strength he had left to get up. He tried not to lean on her too much, but the bullet wound in his right leg threatened to put him back on the ground.
“Lean on me, Chris,” she said as she felt him pull away slightly.
“T...too heavy....”
“You two wanna get moving there? Or do I...”
“Shut up, Richard!” Sheridan hissed, rounding on the hated man.
“Uhuh, sweetheart, there’s to be no more of that kind of talk. You know Larabee has turned you into a real smart mouth bitch, but I’ll set you straight when we get back home!” Fischer warned as they slowly moved towards the house.
“S...she’s not going any....anywhere with y...you, Fischer!” Larabee ground out as they made it up the steps and to the front door.
“You’re not in any position to stop me...at least you won’t be once I’m through with you. Drop lover boy, Anne, and get that damn door open!”
“No!” She heard the pistol cocking and eased her burden to the steps. She turned hate filled eyes on the man with the gun as Larabee handed her the keys.
“That’s better, but next time Larabee gets another orifice,” he laughed at his own joke and watched as she placed a key in the lock and turned it.
The world around Chris began to grow dark and he knew it was caused by blood loss and pain, as well as the lingering shock of being shot. He swallowed again and again as nausea rolled through his stomach. A day that started out with the promise of renewing the love they shared had been shattered by a monster from Anne Sheridan’s past. One Chris Larabee was bent on sending back to hell where he belonged.
“Come on, Honey.”
Chris shook his head as he realized she was kneeling beside him. “....sorry...” he whispered.
“It’s okay, but we need to get you inside so I can get the bleeding stopped.”
“A...Anne...you...r...run if y...you get t...the ch...chance,” Larabee ordered as he made his way to his feet once more.
“I won’t leave you!”
“Enough of this chit chat...get him inside!” Fischer snapped.
“He’s hurt!”
“No shit...want him to hurt some more?” he asked, cocking the pistol.
“NO!” Sheridan screamed and heard her ex laugh maliciously as they finally made it inside.
Chris tried to keep his weight off Anne and his leg, but there was no way for him to do both. He continued along the hall towards the living room where he dropped wearily onto the couch.
Anne watched the blond as he tried to fight the pain and nausea. She knew he was close to the end of his reserves of strength as his face paled even further. She stood up and faced the man she loathed, angry tears forming in her eyes and running down her cheeks, but she refused to acknowledge them by wiping the moisture away.
“I need to get the first aid kit and get the bleeding stopped!”
“Not much point in that, Sweetheart. Soon’s I’m ready he’s gonna bleed out anyway,” Fischer answered.
Chris recognized the look on her face and reached for her hand before she provoked Fischer. He didn’t want to see her hurt anymore than she’d already been. He waited until she turned her gaze on him and forced a smile to his face.
Anne knew he was telling her to be careful, but the sight of the blood seeping from the wounds to his arm and leg made her angry. Pulling her hand from his grasp she turned on Fischer once more, anger and frustration warring for dominance on her face.
“I’m
going to get the first aid kit, Richard, Then I’m going to clean and bandage
those wounds. Once that’s done I’m going to call an ambulance and you and I...”
“No!” Larabee hissed, working to stand on his own two legs as she continued.
“...can leave here together...”
“Y...you c...can’t...”
“We can go...”
“Anne!” Larabee said, reaching for her trembling body and turning her towards him.
“Chris...I have to...”
“Yes, she does, Larabee. Whether you’re dead or alive when we leave is of no consequence,” Fischer said as he neared the couple.
Larabee moved to protect the woman, laughing inwardly as he realized the futility of facing down the man holding a gun pointed at his gut. Taking a deep breath in and effort to fight back the nausea and pain he fought to stand against this man.
“She’s not going w...with you!” he spat venomously.
“There’s nothing you can do to stop me! Anne Sheridan will be my wife whether she wants to be or not! She will do like the vows say and honor and OBEY me in everything I say or do!”
“A woman doesn’t have to obey a man...”
“She does if the man knows how to make her see it’s the way of things and Anne has had first hand knowledge of that,” Fischer said, seeing the fear in the auburn haired woman’s eyes. He pulled the bandage from the scratches on his face and ran his fingers across the tender wounds.
“You’re a sick bastard...” Larabee started, holding his body rigid in front of Sheridan.
“I’m afraid her friend also knows what it’s like to make me angry...”
“T...T...Tanya...” Sheridan felt the tears well up in her eyes as Fischer smiled cruelly at her.
“That’s right, Sweetheart. I’m afraid she won’t be able to be maid of honor at our wedding...she’ll be very busy being in the honor role at her own funeral...”
“NO!” came the anguished cry of pain and rage from Anne Sheridan.
“Yes, she’s going to be pushing up the flowers very soon.”
“You bastard!” Larabee spat, feeling the woman’s loss as she trembled against him.
“Shut up, Larabee!” he warned.
“Fuck you!”
“Oh, God...” Anne cried at the thought of her best friend’s senseless death.
“Anne, come over here!” Fischer ordered.
“She’s not go....going any...where with y...you!” Larabee stammered, fighting to stay on his feet. The room around him had taken on a decidedly blurry image as he fought to protect the woman he loved.
“She doesn’t have a choice, Larabee! Not if she wants you to live! She’ll be much better off with me...and will learn just where a woman’s place is...just how to please a real man...I’ll make her beg for more...”
“NO!” Larabee lunged for the man, but loss of blood and shock made his movements slow, and his lunge was met with the barrel of the pistol connecting with his wounded shoulder. He cried out as he sank to his knees, fighting to stay up.
“Anne go get your first aid kit. Don’t bother with the phones. I cut the lines before you got here. Your lover and I are in need of some man to man conversation.”
“Y...you’re no...no man, Dick!” Larabee hissed through clenched teeth. He didn’t have a chance to say anything else as the man’s face turned red with anger and Fischer struck him twice more with the pistol.
Anne heard the sickening sound of metal hitting flesh and lunged in front of the man she loved. “NO! Richard, don’t hit him anymore...P...please...do...don’t.”
Fischer stood up, his shoulders heaving at the sight of the bloody wound over Larabee’s right eye. He grabbed Anne’s arm and pulled her up. He could see the anger in her eyes, and knew her feelings for Larabee were strong. There was only one way to make her see the man for the weakling he was. He would show her just how much he loved her by slowly killing the man in her honor and making her watch, thereby driving away the love he saw in her eyes and leaving her open for his brand of love.
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