Landmine - Post Malone

46

When she wakes the next morning she is alone in her bed, but she can hear Austin's voice just outside her door. He is talking to someone; she can make out another two voices, and their conversation sounds serious. Austin will shit out a heifer if she gets out of this bed; he won't even let her go to the bathroom unassisted, but she is far too nosey not to eavesdrop on their conversation. So she slips out of bed and tip-toes to the door. They are speaking in hushed tones so she can't make out what they are saying, but she can tell Austin does not sound happy.

It goes quiet then her heart leaps into her throat when the door handle jiggles. If Austin catches her out of bed she is toast. She hobbles back to her bed as quickly as she can, sliding under the covers and smoothing out the bed covers. She also puts on her most innocent face. Austin walks in, throwing her a pointed look. He knows she was out of bed and she will catch a growling from him so she readies herself but then frowns when she sees two sheriffs walk in behind. Her heart hammers against her chest. She really is going to be a prisoner now. She is going to prison for life and so is Austin and Louis. Everyone is going to prison. How is she going to explain everything that has happened?

"As you can see, my wife is in a bad way. I would appreciate it if you allowed me to break the news to her myself," Austin says to the sheriffs. They both nod and look guilty for disturbing her. Austin comes closer and sits on the edge of the bed, taking her hands in his and leaning in close.

"Darlin', the sheriff's office has found your sister. I am sorry to tell you this after your endless searching, but she has passed."

"Oh...um..."

"Ballistics show she died from a gunshot wound and the bullet came from Luke's shotgun."

"I-"

"They believe Luke shot her."

Dillon stares at Austin. What is he saying? He knows she used Luke's shotgun to shoot Isla, but he is looking at her with his brows raised and his head cocked. What is he trying to tell her? Her brain is too frazzled with the sheriffs just behind him. He gives her the smallest nod so she copies him and nods, her eyes locked on his.

"Sorry for your loss, ma'am," one of the sheriffs say quietly. Dillon looks over at them and can see they look so apologetic. They believe wholeheartedly that Luke shot Isla - well, she supposes all the evidence points to that.

"What...what about Luke?" she whispers, looking back at Austin.

"Well, darlin', they can't find him. The sheriffs here assume he has gone on the run," he says, then winks at her. "Oh..." she squeaks and blinks at him with a surprised face. She does not know what to do now; she is sure the sheriffs will see through their lies and have her in cuffs in the next few seconds. Austin leans in a little closer and wraps his arms around her. "How about you put that dramatic streak of yours to good use for once, darlin'," he whispers. "I don't have a dramatic streak," she whispers, hiding her face in his neck and sniffling, then building up an award-winning cry of a desperate sister who just found out the sister she had been searching for, for years has been found dead.

"As you can see, my wife is in shock and now distraught. Leave us," Austin says over his shoulder. "Of course. We will give you time to grieve," one sheriff says. "What happened to your wife, if you don't mind us asking?" the other sheriff asks all of a sudden. "It's none of your business," Dillon's doctor says, stepping into the room. "But, if you must know, she got caught up in a cattle stampede. The dangers of working on a ranch. It's all in her chart. Now, if you will please leave so she can rest, it would be appreciated," the doctor snips. Dillon frowns and peeps up at Austin who grins at her and shrugs. She remains hidden in his neck till she hears the hospital door shut then pulls out of his arms and gives him a pointed look.