10. The Ranch Hand (bwwm) Short Story #Wattys2016

4 - Taken away

One month later

"The paddocks are almost ready," Nick said closing the stable doors.
"How many more days before we can move the cattle?"
"Two at most," he replied as they walked up to the main house which stood back in its original glory.
Reaching the porch he turned to look at her.

"Well good night Steph," he said with a warm smile.
"Good night Nick. I will see you boys tomorrow," she said walking into the house and locking the door behind her as he left for their own quarters.

Taking out the satellite phone he called Terry listening in on what his friend was saying. Apparently his fathers health had taken a turn for the worse. Inquiring on what the physician had said was the problem, he was informed that it was all due to stress. Stress he knew was mostly because of him. Sleep did not come easily as he lay awake. His men were sharing the other two larger rooms.

A piercing scream had him up and scrambling for his jeans as he hopped out of his room heading towards the main house. Only one person could have screamed like that.
Kicking the door open he found Steph on the floor crying her eyes out. His men stood by the door behind him waiting for his orders.
"Someone's here find them," he ordered helping Steph to her feet. But she was too shock up so he slowly lifted her into his arms.

She was shaking beyond control as he helped into a chair.
"Steph, did they hurt you?" He asked trying to pull her head up which she stubbornly refused to do. "Look at me," he growled harshly making her look at him in fear.
Taking a deep breath he cursed under his breath. Walking over to the refrigerator he took out a few ice cubes placing them on a towel. Resuming his positing in front of her he pushed a few strands of hair behind her ear and gently placed the towel over her cheek which was now purple as a bruise appeared. She flinched away from him as the towel made contact with her skin.

"I need to put ice or else the bruise will become worse," he said gently placing a hand behind her head to keep her from moving away from him.
After a few minutes of icing her swollen cheek he gave her some aspirin before sending her off to bed.
"I will be downstairs if you need anything," he said in an authoritative tone leaving no room for argument.

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She woke up to find her door fixed and room arranged, funny enough she hadn't heard any noise. The intruder had knocked over her favorite vase as he ran away when she screamed. Walking into her kitchen she was surprised to find breakfast on the table with a note informing her to eat up and rest for the day.

Leaving the house in search of Nick she discovered he had left for town with Gabe, one of the farmhands Omar had brought. She frowned at this silently hoping they would return in one piece.

~~~~~

"Good afternoon sherif," Nick said with a polite smile.
"Good afternoon. How may I help you?" The middle aged man asked with a frown.
"We would like to report a break in at the Daniels residence," Nick stated.
"What goes on there is none of my business. That girl killed good folks. Folks who were respected by everyone around here."
"Is she not entitled to that same respect. She is after all a citizen of this town."

"Listen here. Do not undermine my authority. Now leave my office. If anyone broke in there it's most likely because of you."
With a smirk Nick left the office.

"Sire should I inform proper authorities?"
"Do not worry Gabe. We will deal with this very soon."

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