The M 6 Ranch

Untitled Part 3

Chapter 3

My eyes opened slowly. The light was killing them for some reason. The light coming through my window sure is bright today. I tried to sit up and move my arms. But I couldn't move them. My eyes flew open as I remembered what happened. The evening sun was low in the sky and shining in my eyes. I looked around. I was at the old mining camp. That's been closed for over thirty years. No one seemed to be there but me. "Hello?" ouch my head. I winced at the pain.

"Ah you're awake." The voice came from behind me. I tried to turn my head to see who it was but I couldn't quite get turned enough. I finally got twisted enough to sit up and lean against the tree they had me tide to. "I know you're fixing to hit me with a hundred questions. Who am I? What do I want?" He said coming over in front of me. He squatted down. "You will know all in due time honey." He got up and started off.

"Can I at least have a drink of water?"

"Well sure you can." He brought over a bottle of water, and helped me get a drink.

After I quenched my thirst I asked. "How long do I have to wait?"

"Not much longer, it will come in time," he continued walking away.

"That sounds like someone else I know." I sighed. "He never answered a direct question either."

"That way you don't give away any information about yourself." A new voice came from behind me. It sounded a little familiar. I couldn't quite put a face to it. And I couldn't turn around.

"I suppose you're going to be that way too."I said closing my eyes to the pain.

"Why Laura, you don't know who I am? I sure remember you." He came up behind me and put his hand on my shoulder.

"Your voice sounds familiar but I can't put a face to it. Show me who you are."

"Maybe later, I'll let you think about it. I will tell you this. Sorry I missed Russell's funeral. I was out of the country." I heard his footsteps walk away. Then I heard the two men talking in the mouth of the mine.

"We better head back. It's getting late and the girls can't handle the cook out by themselves. Steve walked back to his horse. "It's not supposed to rain so we can pick it up in the morning."

"Are we just going to leave her out here?"Tony asked in shock.

"It won't do anyone any good if we get lost too."Ronnie said. "We'll call the police when we get back. They'll help us look." He turned toward the house.

"Ok, will she be ok out here, with the wild animals and all?"Tony looked around.

"I don't think the four legged animals are what we have to worry about." Steve said to Tony while following Ronnie out. Tony fell into step behind them. He was looking up at the hills to the north of them.

They got back to the house. Everyone was out in the front field gathered around the picnic tables. Off to the side were the BBQ pits. They were smoking away full of food.

Anne was standing off to one side with Nikki on her hip. She was talking to two hands. Giving instructions Ronnie assumed. She is trying to be so brave, but she doesn't do well with change. The three guy's road up and tied their horses to the fence. Anne and Jane came running over to them noticing no Laura. Ronnie assured them they will start looking again in the morning. He went in the house to call the police.

I yelled at the men. "Hello....hello.... I could use a blanket out here." I mumbled "First lousy accommodations, then sorry food, now this no blanket thing. I'm going to complain to management. "