In this AU, the boys are in modern day Texas. Sarah and Adam are still alive. We hope that we've set down a good foundation for others to build on.
We began this AU to explore the relationship between Chris and his family, in an effort to see Chris Larabee as the loving father and husband we believe the series was trying to portray him as. And to see how the boys would interact with Sarah and Adam. We welcome other writers who can share that vision and invite you to build on what we've started. We hope you can respect the premise of the AU.
The boys don't belong to us, dangnabit! Thanks to Mirisch, Trilogy, MGM, TNN, CBS, Hallmark Channel for bringing them to us. And many thanks to those seven wonderful actors for giving them life.
Author's Note: We do have stories in the works highlighting Ezra, JD and Nathan, please be patient. We're not forgetting them. But when the muses say write about Inez and Vin, we write about Inez and Vin.
Inez Rosillos pulled her Jeep into the driveway of the Larabee Ranch. It had been awhile since she'd been here and she was looking forward to the day. She had been friends with Sarah Larabee for several years, ever since high school. Sarah's Senior Spanish class had taken a trip to Mexico and the students had spent the week at the hotel that was owned by Inez's parents.Inez was a couple of years younger than the American teen, but the two had struck up a friendship.
After Sarah had returned to the States after the trip, she and Inez had kept in touch by letters and periodic phone calls. Sarah was in college when she learned that Inez' parents had been killed in a car accident. She had headed to Mexico to be with her friend and was supportive when Inez decided to move to the States.
Inez had inherited the hotel from her parents when they died. When she decided to sell, she contacted a neighbor who had offered to purchase it from her father several times. He was still interested, so they made a deal. After that, she got her work visa and moved to the U.S. After seven long years, she finally had received her U.S. citizenship and now owned the bar she'd waitressed in when she first arrived in America.
Sarah had invited her over for the day to help with research on her newest book, which was to be set in 1800's Mexico. Inez had often assisted Sarah in her writing, whenever she had questions about Mexico or the Spanish language. And Inez was always happy to help since it gave her the opportunity to spend time with her closest friend and also to remember her homeland. Plus, Sarah insisting on giving her a percentage of the profits of any book she assisted with, which Inez always tried to refuse, only to discover just how stubborn her friend could be.
She loved coming out to the ranch. She wished she could do it more often, but owning her own business was time-consuming. She was lucky to get out here every other month. In fact, this would be the first time she'd seen the Larabees since she'd returned from a recent visit to Mexico. She couldn't wait to see Adam, to see how much he'd grown since the last time Sarah and Chris had brought him into town. She was fond of the little boy and Adam seemed to return the feelings, always running to her whenever they met. She was Aunt 'Nez. And the little tyke was picking up the Spanish language like he was born to it!
Inez got out of her car and walked around to the kitchen entrance on the side of the house. She looked in to see Sarah slicing tomatoes. Glancing at her watch, she realized it was late morning. She'd planned to arrive earlier, so they would have the whole day to spend with her friend, but something had come up at the bar and she'd been delayed.
Sighing, she knocked on the screen door, opening it at the same time. Sarah turned around and her face lit up.
"Inez! Hola! It's been too long!" Sarah set the knife down on the counter and wiped her hands on the small towel she had slipped over her shoulder. Tossing the towel toward the counter she threw her arms around her friend.
"Si, mi amiga, too long," Inez said, happily returning the embrace.
"I was just fixing lunch, your timing is perfect," Sarah said returning to her slicing. Inez slipped onto a bar stool on the other side of the counter and the two women caught up as Sarah continued to prepared ingredients for sandwiches.
"So how is that handsome husband of yours?"
Sarah smiled. "He gets more handsome every day," she said, pulled some already shredded lettuce from the crisper in the refrigerator and began putting together a salad.
"And Adam? Still precious?"
"Precious as ever. And more precious all the time, the little imp."
The two ladies laughed. Sarah placed everything on a large tray and covered it in plastic wrap.
"Can you grab the lemonade and glasses, Inez? We're eating on the porch today."
"Do you really think we can eat all that food, Sarah?"
Her friend smiled. "Chris is home today doing some work with the new horses."
The two women walked out onto the back porch and set their burdens down on the large pine table. Looking over toward the corral, Inez could see Chris holding the rope around the neck of a beautiful black horse. She could see another man leaning over, checking the rear hoof of the horse. Of course, the man has his back to her, so she really couldn't see much of him.
But what she did see impressed her.
"Chris, lunch," Sarah called out. Larabee turned his head and glanced at this wife. He nodded his head to indicate that he'd heard her, then spoke to the man with him.
The ladies settled in chairs at the table, watching the two men finish up with the horse, then walk toward the barn. They stripped off their t-shirts, then Chris turned on the hose that was attached to the side of the building. Both men washed the sweat and dirt off bare chests, then pulled on clean t-shirts that they'd hung on the barn door earlier.
"Is the stallion new? " Inez commented.
"Yes, he is a beauty, isn't he? Chris bought him at an auction a couple of weeks ago. He's a wonderful horse, spirited yet gentle."
"Hmmm. Si, Si, the horse is nice too, But, actually, I wasn't talking about the horse."
Sarah looked over at her friend, and saw that she was watching the longhaired man who was now walking with Chris toward the house.
"Inez!"
The sultry Mexican lady turned to her friend.
"What? Oh, don't give me that look, Sarah. You can't tell me you haven't noticed him!"
"Well, yeah, I'll admit he's good looking..." she began, biting her lip.
"...but Chris will always be better looking than any other man on the planet," Inez finished for her.
Both women laughed as they were joined by the two objects of their conversation. Chris and Vin Tanner exchanged a looked that seemed to say they thought they were in the midst of two insane women.
Chris shrugged and moved to sit next to his wife, giving Inez a hug and kiss on the cheek along the way.
"Morning, Inez."
"Good Morning, Christopher. Are you going to introduce me to your handsome amigo?"
With a raised eyebrow and a quick glance at his wife, Chris made the introductions.
"Inez Rosillos, this is Vin Tanner, the new foreman here at the ranch and the newest member of our happy little family. Vin, this is Inez, Sarah's oldest and closest friend and the sexiest bartender in Houston. She also owns the bar."
Vin reached up and touched the brim of his hat.
"Nice to meet ya, ma'am," he drawled.
"Oh my, where did you find him, Chris?" Her smiled turned into a frown. "Wait? Vin... you are the man who saved dear Adam from the kidnapper! Oh, I have been wanting to meet you for weeks!"
Inez jumped up from her seat and wrapped her arms around Vin's neck and hugged him tightly. Pulling back slightly, she proceeded to smother him in kisses.
"Senor, you are a blessing to this family. The Lord was looking down from heaven the day he sent you to their home," she said between kisses.
"Ah, ma'am... Inez... I... thank you... but really, it wasn't nothin' special. Anyone would have done the same thing," he said, reaching up to remove her hands... and her lips... from his face. He succeeded finally, albeit reluctantly, only to have her wrap her arms around his waist and pulled him tight again.
"You might as well relax and enjoy the attention, Cowboy. She's worse than Nettie when she gets started," Chris supplied, gaining him an elbow from his amused wife.
Vin remembered how Nettie Wells, Sarah's aunt, had greeted him with a strong, lingering hug when she'd first met him and continued to hug him each time they met since. He knew that some folks were just like that, always physical with their attention. And with Nettie, he'd not only learned to tolerate the attention, but had come to expect it and, much to his own surprise, enjoy it. It was like getting a hug from a favorite aunt. He hadn't felt that way since his own mother had died when he was a young boy.
But Inez... well the beautiful bartender was so far from any aunt he could picture, she might as well have been from another planet. He wasn't used to getting hugs and kisses from women he'd just met, but he certainly wasn't against accommodating the wonderful smelling woman. Honeysuckle. She smelled like honeysuckle, which was one of his favorite scents.
He smiled at Chris and shrugged, then returned Inez's embrace. Sarah laughed.
"Inez, my friend, you should be ashamed of yourself. Using Adam's ordeal just to cop a feel from a handsome man. Shameful, just shameful," she admonished with a chuckle.
Inez didn't respond, just sighed and tightened her grip, which caused Chris to join his wife in laughter, and Vin to raise his eyebrow in question. Inez sighed again, then released her hold. Stepping back, she looked up into Vin's deep blue eyes and almost wrapped herself around him again.
"Sarah, you spoil all my fun," she said, reaching up to kiss Vin on the cheek again before settling back into her seat.
Vin, although usually a quiet man, was far from shy.
"Don't let her stop ya, Miss Inez. Anytime you feel like ya need a hug, you come see me."
She leaned her head back and laughed. What a wonderful sound, Vin thought as he sat down next to the beautiful Mexican lady.
Sarah and Chris exchanged looks. Sarah's said I told you so. Chris' look was more What am I gonna do with you, woman?
Later that afternoon, Sarah and Inez were comfortably settled in the den. They had spent the afternoon going over notes for the newest novel that Sarah was writing. She planned on setting this novel in late 19th century Mexico and wanted to get as accurate a feel for the time and place as she could. Inez' family had lived in Mexico for generations, so she was retelling some of the stories that had been passed down through her family. And to Sarah's delight, the Rosillos family had harbored some colorful characters. Banditos, businessman, lawmen and farmers all graced the family tree.
Sarah dropped her notebook on the table, the pen following. She picked up her coffee cup and finished the last sip. Leaning back in her chair, she glanced over at her friend. Inez was paging through the photo album that she'd brought along. There were many pictures of her family dating back over a hundred years, most very faded, but still telling a wonderful history. The look on Inez's face was one Sarah hadn't seen often.
"Do you miss it, Inez?"
The beautiful, dark-haired woman looked up, her fingers still tracing the faces of her parents, the picture taken during their wedding so many years before. She smiled.
"Yes. And no. I'm glad I was able to spend so much time there this summer. I was able to catch up with some cousins and extended family. I met some new nieces and nephews. But I love it here. I would never move back, if that's what you mean."
"It may be selfish of me, but I'm glad. I'd miss you terribly," Sarah assured her.
"As I would you, my friend."
She closed the book and set it on the table. Reaching for her glass of iced tea. She stood and stretched, walking to the window. Chris and Vin were working on the corral fence. She smiled as she saw Adam sitting on the railing nearby.
"I wish I would have been here when Adam was kidnapped. I wish I could have helped you. I wish..."
"I wish you would stop feeling guilty for being on vacation with your family," Sarah interrupted. She smiled, taking the sting from her words. "Inez, he's fine. I'm fine. Chris is fine. We are all still here. And as frightening as that time was, it made us all stronger. And it brought us a new friend." She glanced out the window to see Vin tickling Adam, and although she couldn't hear them, she could see the laughter on her son's face. "He was a godsend for us. I can't imagine what that time would have been like if Adam had been alone."
Inez threaded her arm through Sarah's.
"Tell me about him."
"Vin? Well, he's quiet, but strong and caring. He reminds me a lot of Chris, actually. Adam loves him to death. And Chris... he and Chris... I can't explain it, but it's like they've known each other all their lives. Vin was working as a bail bonds agent — a bounty hunter. And you know that Chris has no respect for bounty hunters, thinks that they are legal vigilantes. But for some reason, he and Vin became friends almost from the start."
"Think that might have something to do with the fact that Vin saved you and Adam from a bomb?" Inez asked with a smile.
"Maybe, but I don't think that was all of it. I think... I think Chris just saw someone like himself. Someone dedicated to bringing criminals to justice. Vin just went about it from a different direction. Chris checked up on Vin after he met him that first time. A few other police officers who had dealt with Vin in the past spoke highly of him, which says a lot about him, since most cops feel like Chris does about folks in that profession. But, there's just something about Vin..."
"Hmm. Yes, there is."
Sarah pulled back and gazed at her friend.
"You like him, don't you?"
"What's not to like?" She smiled at Sarah. "He's handsome, polite, sweet, funny, loves horses... and children," she said, nodded toward the window, where both could see Vin now chasing Adam around the fence, Chris watching and laughing.
"I think he likes you too," Sarah said. "I've never seen him so talkative around someone he'd just met." Inez smiled, happy with the idea. "Of course, I'll be sure to warn him about your volatile temper, your tendency to drink too much tequila and, of course, your cooking. That last batch of chili I tasted nearly burnt a hole in my stomach lining."
Inez slapped Sarah on the arm. "Hmph. I bet he would love my chili. I imagine he has a little fire inside himself. Just have to find out what will ignite it."
Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Buck will be devastated, you know."
Inez grew serious. "Oh, Sarah. I care for Buck, but not that way. I... he loves the women, yes? Maybe too much. I don't think I want to compete with other women. I just don't think I can do that again."
Sarah wrapped her arms around her friend. She knew that Inez had been hurt in the past, and hurt deeply, by a lover who not only cheated on her but tried to forcibly keep her confined to her house. She also knew that her past sorrows were what kept her at a distance from Buck. And truthfully, Sarah wasn't sure that Buck was truly serious about the Mexican beauty. Sarah loved Buck, but she also knew that he loved women, maybe too much to be faithful to just one. Maybe at some point he would find a woman that would knock him off his feet and make him turn a blind eye to everyone else, but she honestly didn't think he was at that point in his life. Maybe he just hadn't met the right woman yet. She chuckled.
"What?" Inez asked, pulling out of Sarah's embrace.
"Oh, I was just thinking. One of these days, some woman will come along and sweep Buck off his feet. I can't wait for the day when he realizes that he can find happiness with just one woman."
Inez nodded. "I will be there to cheer them both on, if that day ever comes. And I hope it does. He is a good man. He's just not the man for me."
"And Vin is?" Sarah asked, lightening up the conversation once again.
"Maybe, maybe not. But I would sure like to find out."
"Hmm, well maybe I can help you along there. You know, I'm going to have to do a lot of research for this next book. Maybe you should plan on spending a lot more time out here. Like maybe, next weekend. Come out Thursday or Friday, plan to stay a couple of nights."
"Yes, yes, I think you are right. A long weekend of research. With several breaks for fresh air, maybe a horseback ride or two."
"I think that can be arranged."
The two conspirators headed into the kitchen to start dinner, firming up plans to ambush an unsuspecting former bounty hunter. Seems the predator had become the prey.
"So, what little plan are you and Inez hatching up, and do I need to start looking for a new foreman?" Chris asked.
He and Sarah were snuggling in bed. Chris was rubbing his hand across Sarah's belly, which was just beginning to grow with her pregnancy. She was only four months along and Chris was anxious to meet this new child.
"Moi? Now why would you ask something like that?"
"Because I know you, my dear wife. And I know how you are when you get together with that Mexican fireball. Are you going to try your hand at matchmaking again?"
"Now, Christopher, would I do that?"
"Yes, Sarah-love, you would. You have."
"And...?"
"And..." Chris glanced at her face and saw the smug look there. "And, you've been successful in the past, I admit. But not everyone you think would be perfect works out. And I just don't want to see either Vin or Inez get hurt."
"I wouldn't hurt them, Chris. In fact, I really don't think I'm going to have to do much work here. Inez already likes him, and judging by what I saw at lunch this afternoon and at dinner, I think Vin feels the same way. All I have to do is sit back and watch nature take its course."
Chris sighed and continued to rub Sarah's belly, sliding down to place his head between her breasts, closing his eyes as he listened to her heartbeat and took in her scent. Her fingers reach up and brushed through his hair.
"I have to admit, they did seem to hit if off. And they would make a great couple. Just promise, you'll let them deal with it. Don't try to push it. I'd like to keep them both as friends if it doesn't work out."
"Chris, you know me. You know I would never do anything to hurt either of them. But, there was something between them today. Even if it doesn't turn into a lifetime love, I think they would have a good time together. More to the point, I really think Inez needs someone like Vin, who won't hesitate to tell her how beautiful she is."
"Hell, Sarah, Buck tells her that all the time. But I understand what you mean. She still gets a bit tense around Buck and as much as I'd love to see the big guy find a woman he can love as much as I love you, I just don't think Inez is that woman."
"I don't either. And more to the point, neither does Inez. I love Buck, but I think he just reminds her too much of Paolo."
"Yeah, you're probably right. Still, he's gonna be hurt if those two start dating. He's just now getting to know Vin. I know he's been a bit jealous of him because of Adam. And now to have to deal with Vin seeing Inez..."
"I think you underestimate him, honey. I think he cares for Inez, but I think even he realizes that there would never be anything permanent there. And if things work out between Vin and Inez, I think you'll find that Buck will be happy for them both."
Chris slowly moved up his wife's body, his lips drawing a path to her lips, fingers following behind, causing her to shiver.
"I hope that someday, all three of them find the happiness that I've found with you," he murmured against her lips before bringing a halt to any further conversation. She reached over and turned out the light, the glow from the moonlight shining through the window lighting her way as she drew her fingers down his naked back, drawing him closer against her.
"Good afternoon, Senor Vin."
Tanner turned from his task and smiled when he saw Inez standing behind him.
"Well, hello." He settled the horse's hoof back on the ground, then moved to untie the animal from the fence where he'd secured him while he cleaned his hoof, and set him off into the corral. He set the tools and rag down on a small folding table that sat against the fence, then wiped his hands on another rag. He leaned on the corral fence.
"What brings you out here? I thought Sarah said you weren't going to be here until later. She went into town for a bit."
"I'm a little early. I wanted to stop by the storage unit to pick up the documents and pictures we would need. It didn't take me as long as I'd thought it would to find them. So, rather than wait, I decided to come out early."
"Oh, well, she should be back soon."
"That's fine. Would it be alright if I just watched for a bit? It's so beautiful out here, I'd like to enjoy the scenery." She smiled as she looked him up and down.
Vin looked away, almost shyly, but she could see a slight grin on his face.
"Well, ma'am, I certainly wouldn't mind the company. But it might get a might boring just watching me clean horse's hooves. And you might get your pretty clothes dirty."
Inez looked down at her colorful blouse and dark pants.
"Maybe your right. I'll just take my bags inside and change clothes, then join you. Would that be alright?'
"I'd like that. Why don't I help you with the bags."
He climbed through the rails of the corral, intent on assisting the beautiful woman. Inez lightly grabbed his arm.
"That's alright. They're just small bags. You continue with what you're doing and I'll be back in a few minutes."
Vin smiled. "I look forward to it."
Inez smiled and turned back toward her car, muttering under her breath. "So do I."
Vin watched her go, admiring the view as she reached in to grab her bag. Once she was out of his sight, he shook his head and walked back into the corral. "Damn."
Sarah drove up the long drive, checking her watch when she noticed Inez's car already in the driveway loop in front of the ranch house. She realized that she wasn't late, that Inez was just very early. She pulled her station wagon to a stop and got out, pulling several bags with her. Laughter caused her to walk around to the back entrance of the house, which faced the corral.
She shook her head and murmured to herself. "I should have known."
Inez sat on the top rail of the corral, holding the reins of Chris' horse, Arroyo. She was laughing at Vin, who kept getting slapped in the face by Arroyo's tail every time he leaned down to pick up the animal's rear hoof. Vin was muttering obscenities under his breath, threatening the horse with every nasty thing he think of to do to a horse, which caused Inez to laugh harder.
Vin finally gave up on the horse and turned his attentions to the lady on the fence. She was still laughing hard and wasn't really paying much attention to the foreman. He took advantage and yanked on the reins still tethered in her hand.
Losing her balance, she began to fall forward, the reins dropping from her hand as she tried to catch herself. Arroyo took the opportunity to get away from the crazy humans and trotted to the other side of the corral.
Vin reached up and steadied her. They stared into each other's eyes for a long moment, then Vin climbed up next to her on the top railing.
Sarah could see him smiling as he said something to Inez that Sarah wasn't able to hear, which caused Inez to playfully slap him on the arm. His grin just got bigger. So she pushed him, causing him to lose his balance and tumble from the fencing. He landed on his feet though and turned with a scowl on his face reaching for her foot. She squealed and spun around, dropping to the ground and running for the house.
Vin slid through the fence and chased after her, catching up and grabbing her around the waist and lifting her feet off the ground.
It was at that moment that the pair noticed Sarah watching them.
Vin slowly lowered Inez to the ground and cleared his throat. Touching the brim of his hat he smiled.
"Sarah, can I help you with the bags?"
"No, Vin, but thanks. There's only just these," she replied, lifting the plastic sacks in her hand. "I do appreciate you keeping Inez company while she waited for me." Sarah was having a difficult time keep a straight face.
"My pleasure ma'am. I... ah... I should be returning to my chores. I'll see you later, Ms. Inez," he said, again touching his hat, before he turned and walked back to the corral, periodically glancing over his shoulder.
The two women watched him walk away, one with laughter in her eyes, the other desire.
"Damn, that is a fine specimen of a man," Inez remarked.
"Hmmm. Looks like I came home too early. Should I leave for an hour and try again?"
"Don't tease," Inez ordered her, grabbing two of the bags. "I like him, is there a crime in that?"
Sarah smiled. "Absolutely not! In fact, judging by what I just saw, I do believe the feeling is mutual. I'm happy for you. He's a good man."
"Yes, he is," Inez agreed, as the women entered the house. She took one last glance back at the corral to find Vin looking her way. He tipped his hat again, then grabbed up Arroyo's reins to continue the job he was doing when they were interrupted.
Buck Wilmington pulled up in front of the Larabee ranch. He parked and stepped out of his truck, glancing around. Smiling, he headed toward the front door. He always loved coming out here. As much as he liked living in the city, he enjoyed getting away from the traffic and noise every once in awhile.
"Uncle Buck!"
Wilmington looked up to see a small tornado heading his way. He grabbed Adam into his arms and swung him around.
"You ready to go fishin', l'il pard?"
"Yep. Daddy helped me get all my gear down and we're all packed up."
"Great. Cuz we're gonna be leaving early tomorrow. And your Ma expects us back with lots of fish for dinner."
"Yep, she told me. Daddy says the spot we're going, the fish just 'bout jump in the boat!"
"He does, does he? Well I guess we'll just see about that, won't we."
"Now, Buck, are you saying I'd lie to my son?"
Buck looked over his shoulder to see a smiling Chris Larabee behind him.
"Hel... ah, heck no, Pard, but you might just fudge a bit."
Chris' grin got wider at Buck's attempt to cover up his cussing. "Adam, your Mama could use some help with the lunch basket for tomorrow."
"Okay, Daddy," Adam said as Buck set him back on his feet and he raced inside.
"Been awhile since we've been fishin', Pard," Buck remarked.
"Yeah. Has been a long time."
"So, how's the new mare working out?"
"Just fine. She's gonna do really well. Vin took her out yesterday. Says she's got a real smooth gait. Looks like she'll be a good horse for Sarah."
"That's good." The two men headed toward the corral, where they could see the mare prancing around. As they leaned against the fence, Vin Tanner strode out the back door of the house, shaking his head all the way to the corral.
"Damn, Larabee, that woman of yours would have given my old grandpa a run for his money," Vin groused as he got closer.
"She get you all squared away?"
"I haven't had that many rules since I left kindergarten. Geez, you'd think she was my mother."
"And you know why." Chris stated, simply.
Vin sighed. "Yeah, I know why. But she don't got nothing to worry about. I ain't gonna hurt her."
"I know that, Vin. Just humor Sarah, okay? Her hormones are in an uproar."
Buck laughed. "Oh, ho. It's that time of the pregnancy, is it? Damn, I remember when she was pregnant with Adam. Geez, that woman went on a tear!"
Chris frowned. "Pard, you didn't get half of what she gave me! I remember you made yourself pretty scarce for a couple of months there."
"You bet I did. Hell, Stud, I'm not the one who got her in that condition!"
Chris' frown turned into a smile. "Yeah, you're right. That was me. And, brother, did I enjoy it!"
The other two men rolled their eyes.
"Well, I better head out," Vin said.
"You're awfully spiffed up tonight, Tanner. Gotta hot date?"
"As a matter of fact, I do. Keys?" he asked, holding his hand out to Chris.
Larabee dug his keys in his pocket and toss the keys to his friend. "Remember what I said," he warned.
"Geesh, first Mother Sarah, now Daddy Chris." Mumbling below his breath he got into Chris' truck, started it up, and drove away.
"So, anyone I know?" Buck asked.
Chris didn't looked at Buck right away, continuing to watch the truck head down the driveway. When he finally glanced his way, Buck could see concern in Chris' eyes.
"We need to talk, Pard," Chris said.
"Damn, Chris, didn't you tell him about me and Inez?" Buck was working up a head of steam, pacing back and forth along the fence line.
"Buck, Inez asked him out. And, as far as I know, there isn't a 'you and Inez'. Am I wrong there?"
"Hell, Chris, you know I've been working on her for months! You even let him use your truck!"
"Yeah, and I also know she's turned you down for months. And, from what the conversations I've had with Vin, I don't think Inez has told him that you've asked her out. He may not even be aware that you know each other. She's only been out here two or three times, helping Sarah with her latest book. As far as the truck goes, well, that was Sarah's idea. She didn't think Inez should be squired around town in Tanner's beat up old jeep."
"He was gonna pick her up in his jeep?! The man has no class, no idea how to treat a lady! You need to pamper them, shower them with flowers and perfume, hold doors open for them."
Chris smiled. Buck was on a roll. He'd gone from being angry that Vin had a date with Inez to being concerned that the other man wouldn't treat her like she deserved.
"Did he get flowers? Inez needs flowers. He better have gotten her flowers. Damn, I need to talk to that boy, give him some lessons on how to treat a lady of Inez's caliber." He stopped and stared down the long, now empty, driveway. "Chris, just answer me one question."
"What's that, Pard?"
"How the hell did he manage to get a date with her when she's been turning me down for... well, ever since I've known her?"
Chris didn't answer him, not entirely sure how to phrase his reply. He was saved by the arrival of his wife and son.
"Dinner's ready," Sarah said. "Buck, I'm glad you could make it." She kissed him on the cheek as he leaned over to greet her with a hug.
"Hey, Darlin'. I wouldn't miss one of your meals for anything."
"Chris, you need to clean up."
"Right, c'mon sport," he said reaching out a hand for his son. Adam looked at the hand, then grinned at his dad.
"Race ya!" he cried, taking off at a run.
"Hey, not fair! You got a head start," Chris yelled as he chased after his son, being sure not to catch him.
Sarah and Buck chuckled at the antics of father and son. Then Sarah turned to the man who was like a brother to her.
"I heard what you asked Chris. I'm sorry, Buck. I know how much you like Inez."
"Yeah, I do like her, Sarah. I really think that she and I could have fun together."
"You probably could. But I'm not sure Inez is willing to be just another of Buck Wilmington's women." She raised hand when he started to protest. "Buck, be honest with me. Is it that you think Inez might be the one you'd want to settle down with or would she be one of many?"
Buck turned serious, but didn't answer for a full minute.
"I don't know. How am I supposed to know that if we haven't even been out together?"
"You know Inez. You've been to enough dinners here with her and been to The Saloon enough to know what kind of woman she is. She's beautiful and I know how you love beautiful women. But she's also very special."
"I know that," Buck insisted. "Sarah, I don't know how to answer your question. If you're asking me if I'm ready to settle down, then no, I'm not. I don't know if I ever will be. I enjoy being with women. I'm sorry if that's not good enough..."
Sarah placed her hand over his lips. "Don't even go there, mister. You are a wonderful, loving man. And someday, probably when you're, oh about ninety-two, some woman is going to sweep you off your walker, and get you to walk down the aisle. She'll probably be just barely legal." They both smiled at that thought. "And she'll be strong and beautiful and intelligent. She'll know how to ride a horse and will be able to tear down the engine of your truck and put it back together in a day. She'll give you a houseful of little Wilmington's to spoil and you'll probably live to be a hundred and fifty years old. And she will be the luckiest woman in the world... well, next to me. And I will be there that day to cheer you both on."
"But you don't think that woman will be Inez?"
"Do you?" she asked softly.
Buck too a deep breath and turned to watch the sun slowly drifting toward the horizon.
"I don't know. But I'd like to find out."
Sarah smiled. "Then don't give up. Keep trying. Who knows, you might win her over eventually. Or maybe you'll just wear her down. But I think I do need to tell you something. It's the big reason why Inez is so reluctant to go out with you." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a photograph. "Inez doesn't know that I have this. She thought that she destroyed all of these photos. But, I thought it would be good to keep one just in case."
She handed the snapshot to Buck. "Just in case?" he asked.
"See this man here?" She pointed to a man standing behind Inez, who was pictured smiling up at an older gentleman in the photo.
"Yeah. Who is he?"
"His name is Paolo Diaz. He likes to be called Don Paolo, thinks it gives him respect. He fancies himself a Land Baron because his family owns several hundred acres of prime cattle land in Mexico. He knew Inez when she and her parents lived in Mexico. He and Inez dated for awhile, but then it turned ugly. He wanted her to marry him, but didn't want her to work. She was still very young and he thought he could run rough-shod over her, even to the point of dictating who her friends were and where she went. He insisted that after they were married she stay home full-time. However, he felt it was within his rights to keep several girlfriends on the side. She wouldn't put up with that, so she dumped him."
Sarah moved to lean against the corral fence before continuing.
"Of course, that hurt his pride and he started stalking her, sending her letters, some of them threatening. He was one of the main reasons she left Mexico and moved here. After Inez moved to the U.S., he visited here several times, always contacting her and asking her to marry him. She always refused. He wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. Last year, he tried to rape her one night at the bar. She was able to fight him off. She grabbed a bottle, which had broken on the floor during their struggle, and she cut his face."
Wilmington said nothing for a long moment. Then he shook his head.
"I would never do anything like that to her... hell, to any woman."
"I know that, Buck. So does she. It's just that when Inez first met Paolo, he was like you. Always flirting, looking for fun. Some of the things you say, just remind her of him. She knows that you're not like him, but the way you both flirt... well..."
"Damn," he said softly. "Thanks for telling me, Sarah. So, is he in jail?"
"No. His father is a member of the Mexican government, so the Texas authorities agreed to release him to their custody."
"Crap!"
"Yeah. That's what we thought. The problem is, they didn't restrict him from returning, since he has business dealings with several Texas cattlemen. She was able to get a restraining order, but you know how ineffective they can be."
"Yeah, just a piece of paper. And a piece of paper won't stop a bullet. I would protect her if she'd let me."
"Don't give up on her, Buck, just..." He raised a hand to stop her.
"No, you're right about one thing, you and Chris both. I'm not ready to settle down yet. And as much as I like Inez, I enjoy women too much to be exclusive at this point in my life. Hell, I may never reach that point." He handed the photo back to Sarah. "But you best tell Tanner to treat her right or he'll be hearing from me. And you make sure he knows about this guy too. Hell, with his contacts he could probably keep track of the guy and know when he comes back into town. I'll still keep an eye out for her when I can."
"I'll make sure he knows. Although I'm hoping Inez mentions it herself. You're a good man, Buck Wilmington." She wrapped her arm through his and guided him toward the house.
"Aw, shucks, ma'am. I'm just an ol' country boy."
Inez pushed through the doorway and set the box she carried onto the bar. She began to remove the bottles and place them on the counter behind her. Looking around, she smiled. The bar was busy. She could see her two waitresses rushing between tables, and Mike behind the bar was kept hopping.
She picked up a plate of food that the cook slid through the small window behind the bar and after checking the order, moved gracefully through the room to deliver the dish to a hungry man sitting with his friends. Deftly avoiding the hand that reached for her, she shook a finger at the offending man, who just chuckled, used to the game.
Checking her watch, she realized that it was only an hour until closing time. Vin had called earlier and planned to come by later. She smiled, remembering their first date. Tanner was surely a gentleman. He'd brought her flowers, opened doors for her, walked her to her door, and never once assumed that the night would go further. He'd even asked if he could kiss her goodnight. It was a refreshing change.
She glanced up at a loud spurt of laughter across the room. Buck Wilmington was in the bar with a young man that Inez didn't recognize. Buck looked up and saw her watching him. He smiled and waved her over to the table.
She headed over, bracing herself for the man's sometimes lecherous flirtations.
"Inez, I want to introduce you to the newest member of our office. JD Dunne, meet Inez Rosillos, the prettiest barkeep this side of the Rio Grande."
"Senor Buck, I'm not just a barkeep..."
"Ooops, sorry. My apologies. JD, meet the prettiest bar owner this side of the Rio Grande. Hell, either side of the Rio Grande." He winked at her.
She blushed. She might not have been interested in Buck Wilmington romantically, but every woman loves to hear compliments like that.
"It's good to meet you, JD. I'm just sorry you have to put up with this lothario."
"Good to meet you to, Ms Rosillos. And Buck ain't so bad. He's just full of it most days."
"Hey!" Buck exclaimed.
Inez laughed. "Call me Inez, JD. And you don't need to tell me about Buck, I know all too well just what he's full of."
Buck placed a hand over his chest. "Inez, you wound me."
"Not yet, but I'd like to," she said before turning to head back toward the bar. She stopped short as she noticed the man who walked through the front door. She let out a small gasp, then turned and quickly headed toward her office.
"Inez?" Buck asked, seeing her reaction. He stood up and followed her into the hallway. He saw her talking to the cook, then she headed out the rear door to the alleyway. Buck followed, nodding to the cook as he walked past. The cook didn't stop him, since he was familiar with Buck and knew that he worked for the Texas Rangers.
By the time Buck made it to the alley, JD had joined him, although the younger man wasn't sure what was going on. Buck glanced down the alley and spotted Inez, talking to a Hispanic male. The two men approached slowly until the male grabbed Inez's arm, then Buck took off at a run.
"Let go of her!" When he turned, Buck recognized the man from the photo that Sarah had shown him. When he got close enough, he pulled the man away from Inez. "Get your filthy hands off her!"
"Unhand me, Gringo!" Paolo Diaz said, jerking his arm out of Buck's grasp. "This is between me and the woman. Be on your way!"
Buck reached into his back pocket and pulled out his badge. "Wrong, amigo. I'm a Texas Ranger. And you just committed assault.
Inez placed a hand on Buck's arm. "Senor, please just let it go. He didn't hurt me."
"Not this time." Buck growled, letting Diaz know that Buck knew who he was.
"Problem here, Bucklin?"
Everyone turned toward the new voice. Vin Tanner stood about twenty feet away, his hand wrapped around his belt, cool as could be--until you looked at his eyes. Those blue orbs were shooting fire, and it was aimed at Paolo Diaz. Chris Larabee stood behind him.
"No problem, Tanner. I was just ready to introduce my amigo here to a nice set of silver bracelets." He reached to the back of his jeans and pulled a set of handcuffs from his belt.
"You can't arrest me! I'm a Mexican citizen."
Buck smiled. "That may be, but you committed a crime in the good ol' U.S. of A. Up against the wall and spread your legs."
When Diaz started to walk away, Buck grabbed him and slammed him against the brick wall of the building.
"I guess we can add resisting arrest to those charges," he remarked as his grabbed Diaz' left arm and pulled it behind his back, closing the cuff around his wrist. As he pulled the other arm down, he listened to Diaz spouting off in Spanish. And even if Buck hadn't known a fair amount of Spanish, it would have been obvious that his prisoner was doing a fair job of cussing him out.
"Senor Buck, please, can't you just let him go?" Inez pleaded. "He will only be worse next time."
Diaz smiled at her, losing his smile only when Buck pushed his head against the wall.
"I don't have a choice, Inez. He's in violation of a restraining order, plus I witnessed him assaulting you."
"What's this about an assault?" Vin added.
"It's nothing, Vin," Inez insisted. "He just grabbed my arm to make a point."
"Ya know this guy, Inez?" Vin asked.
"Yes. He is... someone I knew in Mexico."
"We were engaged to be married!" Diaz exclaimed. "You make it sound like we barely knew each other."
"I didn't know you. I thought I did, but then you turned evil."
"You haven't seen evil, yet. I will be back for you, make no mistake. And you will be my wife!"
Vin stepped between Paolo and Inez. "Take a good look at my face, friend. Remember it. Because if ya bother her again, you'll be seeing a lot of it, up close and personal."
"You threaten me, in the presence of a Texas Ranger!?" He turned and looked over this shoulder. "I order you to arrest this man," he said to Buck.
"For what?"
"You heard him. He threatened me."
"I didn't hear any threat. JD, you hear a threat?"
"Ah, no, I didn't." Dunne replied.
"You heard what he said!" Paolo insisted.
"I heard him say you'd be seeing his face a lot... now, where some people might consider that threatening, especially judging by the looks he's giving you now, it's not really a threat. And therefore, not arrestable. Is that a word, "arrestable"? JD, you know if that's a word?" Buck continued to ramble as he and JD left with their prisoner, Buck pulling his cellphone from his pocket to call in a patrol unit to come pick Diaz up.
Vin turned to Inez and pulled her close. She wrapped her arms around him and sighed.
"Are ya alright?" he asked softly.
"Si. He just scared me."
"Who is he?"
Inez pulled back and looked into his eyes. She saw only concern, with a touch of anger still there. She sighed and leaned her forehead against his chest.
"Someone I knew in Mexico."
"So... were ya engaged to him?"
"For a short time, yes. Then I discovered what his idea of a good, dutiful wife would be and knew I had to leave. He's been after me since then. He turns up every few months to try to persuade me to return to Mexico with him."
"Buck said somethin' about a restrainin' order."
She shivered. He released her long enough to pull off his jacket and wrap it around her, then guided her toward the door.
Larabee watched them walk away, then spoke up softly, turning slightly to a darkened doorway on the opposite side of the alley.
"So, you always just standby and watch as your friend assaults a woman?"
Several seconds passed before another Hispanic male, a few years older than Paolo, stepped into the feeble light of the ally. He was dressed in a burgundy shirt and black jeans and his face sported a dark mustache.
"You have good eyes, Senor."
Chris smiled. "I try to always know what's going on around me. What's your relationship to Diaz?"
The other man hesitated briefly, then shrugged. "I work for his father. My patron is uncomfortable with his son's obsession with Senorita Inez, feels he is well rid of her. But he knows his son will not give up easily."
"So, you're what, his babysitter?"
Now it was the other man's turn to smile. "I prefer not to think of it in those terms."
"Nonetheless, Mr... ?"
"Rafael Cordova. Si, nonetheless, that is what I am," he agreed with a sigh. "He will not be happy that his son has been arrested."
"Then in the future he should keep his son in Mexico."
"I will be sure to tell him this when we return."
"And just when might that be?" Chris asked.
"Who knows, Senor. The whims of children are difficult to predict."
"He's not a child and this is not a whim. These are serious charges. Your friend is looking at possible jail time, not just a fine and a request to leave the country. With the way things are going on the border these days, he won't get a break."
"Is that a threat, Senor?"
"I don't make threats. We'll see what the judge says on Monday."
"Monday? But that is three days from now."
"Si, Senor," Chris replied, mockingly. "Guess you get a break from babysitting duties this weekend. I suggest you take that time to make arrangements for a flight home, with or without your baby. And if the judge does allow him to leave, I hope we don't see any of you back here again."
"Ah, Senor, who knows what tomorrow will bring. I will contact my patron and advise him of what you say."
"You do that."
The man nodded and turned, walked slowly down the alley. Chris watched him until he turned the corner, then headed into the back entrance of the saloon.
Meantime, Vin had taken Inez back to her office and settled her on the long sofa against the wall. Then he moved to the cabinet behind the desk and pulled out a bottle of whiskey and a glass. Pouring a small amount into the glass, he handed it to her. She took a small sip, then downed the remainder in one gulp. Handing the glass back to Vin, she let her head fall back against the cushion and closed her eyes.
Vin sat down next to her. "Tell me." He could see her trembling still and reached out to take her hand in his. She squeezed it tight and began her story.
Fifteen minutes later, she was glad she held his hand so tightly. After learning what Paolo had tried to do to her that night in the bar, Vin had been ready to go down to the jail and beat him to death. Only her tearful pleas had kept him there.
"I have to leave. He will only come back again. And this time he will be so angry. Buck humiliated him."
"Ya can't keep running, Inez. Ya have friends here, family even, from what Sarah tells me. If ya run, next time he catches up with ya, ya won't have all of us to watch out for ya. Ya gotta make a stand against him."
She turned and looked into his eyes, his intense gaze telling her exactly what he was thinking. She saw strength and determination in that gaze and she allowed it to wrap around her and strengthen her as well.
She nodded.
"You are right. I will make my stand here." Vin smiled and winked at her, then gathered her close.
"...and so I've upgraded the restraining order to a 'no contact' order, which means he is to have no contact with you at all, even through a third party, which I understand he has attempted in the past. However, keep in mind that this new order is not enforceable until such time as Mr. Diaz is served with the paperwork. My office has faxed a copy of the order to the Mexican authorities, however it isn't consider officially served until a U.S. Law Enforcement officer has personally placed it in the hands of Mr. Diaz. This is your copy and an extra copy for you to keep on hand. If he returns to your place of business, call the police and they will serve it."
Three days after the assault behind the bar, Diaz had been bailed out of jail and promptly disappeared. Everyone assumed he'd gone back to his own country. Inez was currrently sitting in the living room of the Larabee ranch with Ezra Standish, Chris and Sarah. She had already given her statement to Standish' assistant, who was currently printing it out for her signature. While they waited, Ezra was going over the other paperwork that he'd brought with him.
"And this form is an application to carry a concealed weapon. Ranger Larabee was unsure if you would agree to this, however I thought I'd be prudent and complete the paperwork anyway. This will allow you the option to carry a weapon for self-protection, if you so desire. Ranger Larabee assures me that he will tutor you in the proper handling and safety issues relevant to carrying a concealed weapon. It will be your choice, of course, but this way you won't have to delay getting a permit at a later date."
Inez glanced over a Chris and Sarah who sat across the table from her.
"What do you think?"
"It's your choice, Inez," Chris assured her. "This is just the application for the permit. It's a good bet that your application will be approved, but even then it'll just give you the permit, the right to carry if you want to. And like Standish said, I'll give you the all lessons you want. Or Vin can, if you'd prefer. We can find you a weapon that you'll feel comfortable firing. We'll practice as much and as often as you need to."
Inez still looked worried, so Sarah moved over and sat down next to her friend.
"Inez, I know you don't like the idea of shooting anyone, even Paolo. Neither did I until that night that Fowler came to the ranch. But if he threatens you again, you need to be able to defend yourself. He's already shown that he'll use guns himself. Like Chris said, you don't have to carry a gun, but if, in the future, you decide you want to start, then at least all the paperwork will have been done. That's all this is, just paperwork. Get the permit now so that you're ready if you need it. I have a permit. I've had one for years, but I don't carry a gun around in my purse. At the very least, this will give you the right to keep one at the bar. And I know Vin has already talked to you about keeping one at your apartment."
Inez nodded as Sarah continued, a mischiveous grin appearing on the redhead's face.
"And you know, learning how to fire a weapon from a man, well it's not all that bad. I mean, he'll have to teach you how to stand, how to hold the weapon, how to squeeeeeze the trigger. It could lead to any number of other, wonderful learning experiences. I remember when Chris taught me ..."
"Sarah!"
"Yes, Christopher?" she asked innocently.
"Inez doesn't need to hear that."
After staring at her husband for ten long seconds, her smile widened, then she leaned over and whispered to Inez, "I'll tell you later."
Inez laughed. "You, my red-headed friend, are incorrigible." She reached for Sarah's hand. "But thank you, I needed to laugh."
"My pleasure." She glanced over at her husband, who just smiled and shook his head.
Inez tried to relax, but it was loud in the room. Louder than she thought it would be, even with the large earmuffs covering her ears. Vin moved beside her and placed three guns on the tall bench in front of them and three boxes of bullets. He'd explained that he wanted her to try all three to see which felt most comfortable. They'd already eliminated two others that were just too awkward in her smaller hands.
He unfolded one of the targets he'd carried with him and hooked it onto the overhead track. Then she watched his strong, nimble fingers as they fed the bullets in the magazines for two of the guns. Next he picked up the third gun, a revolver, and loaded that one as well. He set it down, then turned to face her, pushing the button on the wall behind her, having to lean in close to do it. She watched the target move down the track to the other end of the long, narrow shooting range.
"You okay?" he asked. His eyes were on the target, but his nose breathed in the scent of her as he reached past her.
She nodded. "Si."
"Nervous?" he asked, turning his head to look into her eyes.
She nodded again.
"Good. That means you're taking this seriously and that you'll pay attention."
She glanced down at the target, the black silhouette of a man's torso in the center of the paper. She took a deep breath and turned to look at him.
"I hate having to do this."
"I know ya do, Inez. But I'm glad ya decided to at least know how to handle a gun. Ya might never have to use it. I pray that ya don't. But I also want ya to be able to if ya need to."
She attempted to smile, but it only came out as a grimace. He leaned closer and place a kiss on her forehead.
"You'll do fine. Ready to start?"
She nodded, her smile less forced now.
He moved to stand behind her and with a hand on each shoulder turned her to face the target. Picking up one of the weapons, he moved to show her the proper way to hold the gun, his arms moving around her, his chest against her back.
She smiled as she remembered what Sarah had told her about the first lesson she'd had with Chris. How it had turned into a long, loving night once they returned home. Sarah was convinced that was the night that Adam had been conceived and said it was a running joke between her and her husband about how neither of them had been shooting blanks that night.
The memory of Chris' blushing face when he walked into the kitchen as Sarah relayed the story to her, caused Inez to laugh softly.
"What's so funny?" Vin asked.
"Nothing," she replied, shaking her head. "Just remembering something Sarah said. It's not important."
"Ooookay." Vin didn't question further, just took her hands and placed them around the pistol grip, covered them with his own. His mistook her small shudder as nerves, not able to see her smile.
She vowed to just relax and enjoy herself and whatever happened, happened.
She'd invited him back to her place for dinner.
The next morning she lay awake beside him, not regretting it for a single moment. He was handsome and gentle and a wonderful lover. She closed her eyes remembering the wonderful night they'd experienced.
Dinner had led to cuddling on the sofa, which led to kisses and caresses. His touch had kindled a fire in her that she had not wanted to extinguish. So she'd led him to the bedroom.
Now, as the sun was just beginning to rise, she reached out to trace a finger along his square jaw. She smiled as he moved into the soft touch. Her finger continued down his neck and along his shoulder. He sighed as she moved down his arm, then back up to his shoulder again.
His eyes opened as the hand moved toward his chest.
"Mornin'," he rasped.
"Good morning," she answered, not stopping her journey across his skin.
"You are a beautiful woman, Inez."
She stopped her hand and glanced up at his face. She brought her hand back up to cup his chin, moving her thumb across his lips. He opened his mouth and wrapped his tongue around the digit, smiling at the tremor that went through her body. He reached up and snared her hand, slowly sucking on each finger before moving further up her arm, then pulling her closer until she was lying on top of him.
It was only then that he captured her lips with his, wrapping his arms around her.
He knew Chris would forgive him for being a little late to work that morning.
Several weeks passed with no further contact from Paolo. Chris and Vin had both sent out feelers to their local contacts to attempt to locate the Mexican, but neither was able to find his current location. They assumed that he'd decided to return across the border. Even so, they decided to keep a close eye on Inez and the bar. Chris made sure the local police precinct was aware of the problem and requested they do extra patrols in the area. He and Buck also made it a habit to stop by there frequently. And Vin spent more than one night in Inez's apartment over the bar.
Paola entered the bar, with Hector and Rafael behind him. He glanced around, not spotting the Texas Ranger. He smiled, sure now of his power. Even the great Texas Rangers were no match for Don Paolo. Not that he hadn't been prepared. He had five more men in place outside, just in case. He strutted over to the bar, seeing a small Hispanic man serving drinks to the few patrons in the place.
Paolo looked around and shook his head. Three skuzzy, dirty customers were all that were in the bar. Inez should know better than to try to run a business like this. Once he got her back to Mexico she would learn her place. She would not work. As his wife, she would bear his children and keep his hacienda clean... and pleasure her husband, of course. She would mind him and no other. Too much female independence was ruining the human race.
He smiled as he saw her step through the door next to the bar. She carried a box which she set down on the bar. She began to remove the bottles and set them onto the long counter behind her.
He moved closer, signaling to his men to remove the three customers, while he gestured for the bartender to move. When the man hesitated, Paola showed him the knife on his belt. Slowly, the man stepped back, only a few steps taking him next to Inez. She glanced at him when he bumped into her and followed his gaze when he didn't speak.
"Paolo!" she gasped and then turned to race back into the storage room and nearly collided with the burly Hector, who grinned at her with yellow teeth. She was trapped between the two men. Quickly grabbed a bottle from the bar, she swung it at the man in her way.
He grabbed her arm and twisted, forcing her to drop the bottle. He just smiled at her cry of pain and tightened his hold on her wrist. Paolo approached them, seemingly ignoring the bartender who scurried out the back door. He gestured to the other man, who shoved Inez toward Paolo, before heading out the door after the bartender.
Inez once more attempted to get away from Paolo but was stopped when he grabbed her hair and yanked her back to him.
"Let me go!" she cried, kicking back at him, connecting with his shin. He grunted, then turned her around and backhanded her across the face. She stumbled against the bar and fell to her knees. He reached out again and dug his fingers into her hair, pulling her back to her feet and pushing her against the bar. Pulling the knife from his belt, he pressed it against her throat. She stilled.
"I am through playing games with you, Inez. You will come back with me to Mexico and be done with this silly country."
"I will never go anywhere with you. I would rather die!"
"I can arrange that," he threatened as he pressed deeper on the knife and she felt a trickle of blood make its way down her neck. Then he leaned down and licked the blood away. "I can taste the fire in you." He leaned down and brutally pressed his lips against hers, moving the knife until it was flat against her chest, just above her heaving breasts.
He leaned back. "I have longed for another taste of you, Inez. I have missed you. I have missed this." He pulled the knife down her body, stopping as he got to her waist, then continuing on down her left thigh.
Inez didn't move for fear of being cut, but he could feel her trembling. He smiled at the thought that he could make her so afraid. Bringing the knife back up, he placed the tip under the top button of her shirt. Flicking his wrist, he deftly removed the button. In the silence of the bar, they both heard it skitter away on the wood floor.
"Paolo, please don't do this," she pleaded as he moved the knife down to the next button, again taking only a second to remove it. Neither heard the front door open.
"Paolo, your father would not approve of this," Rafael said from near the doorway.
"My father is a coward. He is a weak man who kisses the feet of the Americanos for his precious peso."
"That money has kept you in the lifestyle you so enjoy," Rafael pointed out. "If you do this thing, you will go to jail for many years and never be allowed back in this country."
Paolo laughed. "I do not need anyone's permission to enter this backwater country. I simply stroll across the border. This land was stolen from our ancestors, so it is rightfully the property of Mexico, therefore it is my homeland. I can do as I please."
"Even in Mexico, this is against the law," Rafael remarked.
"The law cares not what a man does with his own woman." He stopped briefly to slam Inez against the bar again she tried to squirm out of his grasp. "Stay put, puta!"
"I am not your whore or your woman!" Inez spat back at him. "Let me go!"
"Enough! Rafael, lock the door. Inez and I will be in her apartment, getting reacquainted."
"Think again, pal!" said a voice from the back door. Paolo turned to see the big, mustachioed Texas Ranger, this time in uniform, another Ranger behind him.
Rafael recognized Chris Larabee, although he did not know him by name. The two Rangers had weapons out, Buck's aimed at Paolo, Chris swinging his own toward Rafael. The older man just raised his hands and backed up. Chris holstered his weapon and quickly moved over and did a cursory pat-down of Rafael. After determining that he was unarmed, Larabee slipped handcuffs around his wrists and pushed him into a nearby chair. Then he moved back, pulling his handgun again, keeping Rafael in sight while changing his aim to Paolo.
"You, Gringo! What do you want?!" Paolo screamed at Wilmington, pulling Inez close and wrapping his free arm around her neck.
"Let her go, drop the knife and I won't have to shoot you," Buck replied.
Paolo responded by putting the tip of the knife against Inez' throat, drawing a drop of blood which slid down the blade. He watched it move, then lifted knife to his lips and licked the droplet from the blade. Smiling, he then lowered the hand that was wrapped around her neck, sliding it down to her breast and roughly fondling her.
His smile grew as he watched the anger flash around Buck's face.
"You want some of this, gringo? I'll share with you, just this once, as a parting gift before Inez and I returned to Mexico. We can all have a party with her, what do you say?" He glanced over his shoulder and out the large window to the street.
"Real men don't have to take it by force, ameeego," Buck replied. "But I guess you'll learn all about that once you get to prison. You're just pretty enough to make someone a real nice boyfriend up in the big house. Oh, and if you're looking for your men to come in here and rescue you, don't bother. They're already in custody. We've contacted Immigration to come and get them. It's just you and me, compadre."
Paolo glanced over at Chris, who just smiled but didn't lower his weapon. Paolo then shifted his gaze to Rafael, his eyes narrowing when it became apparent that the other man was not going to assist him.
"Rafael, take his weapon," Paolo orderered, gestured toward Larabee.
Rafael exchanged a glance with Chris, then shook his head, turning slightly and showing his handcuffed wrists.
"I can not. I would not even if I could. He is the law here."
"I order you..."
"I do not take orders from you," Rafael snarled. "I take orders only from your father. I told you, he would not approve of this. I will not help you commit a crime. This has gone far enough, Paolo."
"When we get back to Mexico..."
"I have a feeling your buddy will make it back to Mexico long before you do, pal," Buck said as he moved closer to where Paolo still held Inez behind the bar. "In fact I have the feeling that you may never see Mexico again."
Diaz turned back to face Wilmington, slightly alarmed to see how close he'd gotten.
"Stop! I will kill her!" Paolo yelling as he grabbed Inez by the hair and dragged her backward, holding the knife against her neck.
"You'll be better off just letting her go and putting the knife down," Buck assured him. "I don't want to shoot you."
"Inez and I are leaving," Paolo announced. "You will not follow us."
"You won't get ten feet out the door," Chris replied moving around to the opposite end of the bar, splitting Paolo's concentration between the two Rangers and subsequently getting between the armed man and the front door in the process. Larabee glanced sharply at Rafael as he moved, but the older Mexican was just shifting his weight and leaning back in his chair, showing he was no threat to the Rangers.
So now Paolo was behind the bar with Inez, with Chris and Buck blocking both routes out. He was so busy watching the two Rangers that he failed to see Inez reached for a bottle on the bar.
She swung it up it his face, slamming it against his forehead. At the same time, Buck moved forward, having seen her reach for the bottle, hoping to move her out of danger. Paolo grunted from the blow and released his captive, allowing Buck to grab her by the arm and moved her behind him, sheltering her from her assailant.
Paolo recovered quickly, lunging at Buck and Inez with the knife just as Chris fired a shot. Buck turned slightly away from Paolo as he pushed Inez away, opening his unprotected side to the long blade of Paolo's knife.
The knife sliced into Buck just as Chris' shot slammed into Paolo's back.
Near silence fell over the bar, only the ragged breathing of the combatants could be heard for several seconds.
The silence was shattered as footsteps ran toward the front door.
"Larabee! Wilmington!" a voice called out.
"It's clear!" Chris responded. "Get an ambulance! Officer down!" His words sent half a dozen cops through the door.
Inside Larabee moved toward Buck, stopping to remove the knife from Paolo's fingers and tossing it onto the bar. He checked for a pulse. Finding a faint one, he allowed one of the newly arrived officers to frisk the man for further weapons and moved next to Wilmington, picking up the fallen Ranger's weapon from the floor.
"Hey, Buck, medics are on the way."
"Inez?" the injured Ranger asked softly.
"She's fine," Chris replied, getting a tremulous smile from the woman who moved to sit next to him. "Thanks to you."
"You get him?"
"Yeah, he's down, but not out."
"Good. Inez?" he asked as he noticed her colorful Mexican skirt next to his arm on the floor.
"Right here, Buck," she said, tears flowing down her face, as she softly stroked that arm.. "Thank you. I'm so sorry..."
"You got nothing to be sorry for, darlin..." Buck said, his voice losing volume as he spoke.
"Let us in please," a voice called. Chris looked to see paramedics behind him.
"Come on, Inez, let's let the medics do their job. We'll see you at the hospital, Buck."
Buck didn't respond as the paramedics moved in and started to evaluate his condition. Chris took Inez over to one of the tables and sat down with her there. Since he was the one who'd shot Paolo, someone else would be in charge of the investigation. So, he figured he just sit with Inez and wait. He looked up as Rafael moved over to the table.
"Senorita." Inez looked up. "I am truly sorry for what happened. It should not have been allowed to go this far. Paolo..." Rafael glanced over as the man in question was wheeled out the door on a gurney, medics and officers surrounding him. "Well, it just should not have happened."
"Then you should have stopped him," she said, angry that Buck had been injured and still more than a little frightened. "You should not have let him come here."
Rafael's reply was halted when an officer approached the table.
"Chris?"
"Hey, Lee. You taking over the call?"
"Yeah." He gestured to the doors, where the flashing lights of the police cars and ambulances could be seen flashing through the glass. "Your shot or Buck's?"
"Mine," he said. He stood to join the Police Sergeant. "I'll be right back, Inez." Looking over at Rafael, he gestured toward the door. "You best come with us."
The three men walked away from the table. Inez glanced over and saw the paramedics lifting Buck onto a stretcher and lifting it up and moving toward the door as well. She saw the bandages on his back and the IV lines in his hand. She felt the tears begin again. She lowered her face into her hands.
So she didn't see Vin Tanner walk into the bar. He was stopped briefly before being allowed to continue by the Police Sergeant with Larabee. He sat down next to her and pulled his chair close.
"You okay, Inez?" he asked softly.
She looked up and was surprised at the relief she felt finding him beside her. Her tears came harder as he wrapped her in his arms. They were allowed some peace for a few minutes before Chris returned.
"How's she doing?" he asked. Before Vin could answer Inez replied instead.
"She is doing fine. I'd like to go to the hospital and make sure Buck is alright." She pulled away from Vin and stood.
Chris smiled at her grit. "Vin can take you over. I'd like you to get checked out too, Inez. And an officer may come by to get your statement while you're there. Okay?"
"That's fine. Oh! Miguel! He ran out, Hector was chasing him."
"Miguel is fine. He's outside. And Hector is already at the precinct. We were coming down the alley when we saw Miguel run out. He's the one who told us what was going on in here. He said he'd wait until the police were done and then close up for you."
"Gracias. Thank you, Chris. If you and Buck..."
"It's over, Inez," Chris said, embracing her briefly. "He won't hurt you again. If he survives, he'll be in jail for a very long time."
"If? Is it that bad?" she asked.
"It's bad, Inez. I wasn't about to let him get another chance at either you or Buck."
"I know. I just... his father will be devastated."
"His father should have kept him in Mexico. Then none of this would have happened."
She sighed and leaned against him. He wrapped his arms back around her and held on until she was ready to let go. Half a minute later, she lifted her arm and patted his back, signally him that she was okay, and he released her.
"I'll catch up with you at the hospital," Chris said. "You want me to call Sarah?"
"No, it's late. No need to wake Adam. I'll be okay."
"Have Vin bring you back to the ranch when you're done. Sarah will want to know that you're okay and you know she won't believe it until she sees you herself."
"She's a good friend."
"Yep. I know that. She's the best friend I have, that's why I married her." He returned her grin and then watched her walk out with Vin, leaning increasingly on him as they made it across the parking lot.
Chris' attention was drawn back into the room when someone called his name.
An hour later, Larabee walked into the Emergency Room and found his wife, Inez and Vin waiting, Adam sleeping on the sofa next to Sarah. He shook his head. He'd called Sarah to let her know that he'd be late getting home and even though he'd told her that Inez insisted she not be there, he wasn't surprised to find her there anyway. As he walked in, he could hear his wife trying to convince Inez to go home, without much success.
"...think you'll feel better if you can just get some rest."
"Sarah, I will go home later. I want to wait and make sure that Buck will be okay. He saved my life tonight."
"Inez..."
"Sarah, you best just leave it be," Vin interrupted. "I'll make sure she gets home, but she'll just worry more if she has to leave before she finds out Buck's condition."
"I can call you whenever I hear something," Sarah insisted.
"No." Inez stated with finality.
"I think it's a lost cause, babe," Chris stated as she sat down next to his wife, stroking Adam's head where it lay on Sarah's thigh. "So, no word yet on Buck?"
Sarah sighed. "No. Nathan just went up to see if he could find out anything."
Twenty minutes later, Nathan walked back into the room. The doctor explained that Buck was still in surgery.
"The doctors are trying to stop some bleeding. The blade nicked his kidney and they want to make sure the bleeding is completely stopped before they close up."
"Will he lose the kidney?" Chris asked.
"Don't know for sure. We'll have to wait and see. If we can keep infection at bay, he's got every chance of recovering completely, with full use of the kidney."
When no one else had any questions, Nathan moved back toward the door. "I'll keep you informed. Barring any complications, they should finish surgery in another thirty minutes or so, then he'll be in recovery. I know better than to tell you all to go home, but try to relax. His surgeon is the best in this part of the state, so he's in good hands."
Chris nodded and settled back, his arm finding it's way around his wife's shoulder. She leaned her head against him and dosed as they waited for the surgery to finish.
Chris moved away from the window as he heard a noise from the bed. He watched as Buck moved his head, eyes still closed, a soft moan sliding past his lips. Larabee smiled. The doctors had assured them that Buck should be just fine. Apparently, the damage had been worse then they'd originally thought, but Doctor Marshall felt that he'd repaired it and that Buck would recover. Although, he'd have to steer clear of his favorite beverage, beer, for several weeks. Chris knew Buck wouldn't be happy about that. But he also knew that Sarah would make sure he followed doctor's orders.
Buck's eyelids fluttered, open half way, then closed again. His tongue darted out and slid across his lips. Larabee smiled.
"Buck? Buck, can you hear me?"
Again, the eyelids fluttered and opened, this time staying open a bit longer. His eyes found Chris before the closed again. Then a deep sigh before he opened them again.
"'ris? ...am I?"
"You're in the hospital, Buck. You got stabbed, but you're gonna be just fine. You're still in recovery. You had surgery."
"Hmmm... sur'gy."
"That's right. But you're just fine. Understand?"
A slight nod was his only response. He laid his hand on Buck's forearm and squeezed lightly. He breathed a deep sigh. "You scared the hell out of me, Buck," he said softly. Several minutes passed while Chris thought back on the horror of that night and how a few inches could have meant the life of his oldest and closest friend. He closed his eyes against the threat of tears.
"Ranger Larabee?" Chris looked up at the voice and saw the nurse standing in the doorway. "We need to check Mr. Wilmington's vitals. I need to ask you to step out for a few minutes."
Chris nodded. He leaned over the bed. "I'll be back in a few, Buck. Some pretty lady here wants to check your body." Larabee chuckled at the small smile that slid onto his friends face. "He's all yours," Chris told the nurse. "Just watch out for wandering hands."
"Oh, don't you worry, we nurses know all about Ranger Wilmington. And he knows that his hands will be tied to the bedrails if they wander the wrong direction." They both laughed as the soft huff that came from the bed.
An hour later, Chris was seated in a chair next to Buck's bed, reading a two-month old magazine he'd found in the waiting room. After the earlier check, the doctor had come by and they'd moved him from recovery to the Intensive Care Unit. A noise caught Chris' attention and he turned to find Inez standing at the door, her hand over her mouth. Her soft gasp had been the noise he'd heard.
"Inez," he said, standing up and moving toward her. "It looks worse than it is, trust me."
"All those wires," she whispered.
"They're just monitoring him--his breathing, heartrate, temperature, etc. The nurses check him every hour and he's doing fine. In fact the doctor may move him to a regular room tomorrow."
She nodded, then moved closer to the bed. "He's so quiet."
"Hey, take it while you can get it. You know he won't stay that way for long," Chris joked, trying to get a smile out of the fiery Mexican.
Reaching out, she lay a hand on Buck's cheek. He moved slightly at the touch, but didn't open his eyes. She rubbed a thumb across his jaw.
"He will be okay?"
"He'll be fine as long as no infection sets in. And they're doing everything they can to make sure that doesn't happen. One of those IV's is an antibiotic. He's tough, Inez. He'll be okay."
She nodded, then removed her hand. She silently crossed herself. A moment later Chris realized she was whispering, softly saying a prayer. He waited until she was finished, then placed a hand on her arm.
"He'll appreciate that, Inez. It may not seem like it, but Buck is a spiritual man, and a strong believer in prayer."
"He has to be okay. God wouldn't let him die. He was trying to protect me."
At her trembling voice, Chris wrapped his arms around her. "Shhh. He'll be fine, Inez. Don't you worry about Buck Wilmington. He's the toughest man I know and he's nowhere near ready to leave us."
As Inez cried out her worry, Chris glanced over at his friend. Don't make a liar out of me, Buck.
The next few days were hard ones for the Larabee family and Inez Rosillos. Buck had in fact spiked a fever caused by an infection. They'd kept him in ICU for another three days. It had been touch and go for several long hours there, with everyone keeping a vigil in the ICU waiting room, only allowed to visit him for ten minutes every hour. They'd been joined over the days by various members of the Texas Rangers and Houston Police Department, making sure the Buck and his 'family' were well taken care of--the law enforcement family taking care of it's own.
Then, his fever broke and it seemed he had finally turned the corner and was getting better.
It was his favorite part of the day, when the darkness of night was leeching away, yet the sun had yet to grace the horizon. The earliest birds were beginning to sing and the wind rustled softly through the trees outside the open window. He inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with the crisp coolness of the morning air. He shifted onto his back and slid his hands behind his head, yawning widely. A minute later he pushed his blanket back. Sitting up, he planted his bare feet on the soft rug on the floor. Stretching his arms overhead, he yawned once more before standing moving barefoot down the hall into the large kitchen. He started a pot of coffee and stood next to the counter, closing his eyes and just listening to the sounds of the morning begin outside his window.
Fifteen minutes later, after a couple of quick phones calls, he stood on the porch in jeans and boots, his open shirt revealing his tanned and toned upper body. He didn't turn as he heard the soft footsteps behind him, smiling when the slender fingers reached for the cup in his hand. When the soft body leaned against his, he wrapped his arm around her and kissed her hair. He loved the smell of her and indulged himself by taking a deep lungful of her natural fragrance.
"Morning, beautiful," he greeted her.
"Mmmmm," was her only reply, the coffee not quite bringing her to full awakeness yet. They stood silently for several minutes, sharing coffee and the sunrise.
He felt her gasp and watched as her hand moved toward her bulging belly. She smiled and reached for his hand, moving it over her until he could feel the movement from the life inside.
"She's kicking up a storm this morning," Sarah remarked.
"Just like her mom," Chris replied.
"Won't be too long until she joins us out here. Just two more months."
"I can't wait to meet her," he said.
After a few more minutes of quiet, she turned and set the cup down on the porch railing.
"I think I'll call Inez this morning, make sure she's okay."
"Oh, I don't think you'll have to call her," Chris advised.
"Chris, last night had to have been traumatic for her. I want to spend some time with her."
"Sarah, honey, I have no problem with you spending time with her. All I said was you aren't going to have to call her.
Hearing the amusement in his voice, Sarah glanced up at her husband and noticed he was looking away from her. When she followed his gaze, she understood just what he meant. She smiled as she watched Vin Tanner strolling across the grass, his hand wrapped around the smaller hand of Inez Rosillos. Sarah watched as they neared the back deck.
"Good morning Inez, Vin," she greeted them.
"Mornin' ya'll," Vin said. Beside him Inez just smiled.
"Inez, how are you feeling this morning?" Sarah asked.
"I am fine. What about you?" she asked, gesturing toward Sarah's belly.
"I'm fine, but the little one is more awake then I am at the moment," the red-head replied, her hand once again rubbing across her stomach.
All four chuckled. Inez turned to Chris.
"Have you heard how Buck is doing this morning? I would like to go visit him."
"I talked to the hospital about thirty minutes ago. He's doing fine. Doctor will probably release him in a couple of days. I'm going to see him this morning myself. You're welcome to join me or you can go with Sarah later on."
"It would probably be best if you joined me, Inez," Sarah said. "We can leave early and stop by your place so you have the chance to shower and change."
Inez glanced down. She worn her own colorful skirt, but one of Vin's denim shirts. Sighing, she grinned at her friend. "I think that would be a good idea."
"You don't need to change, you look beautiful," Vin insisted. "I like that shirt on you. As far as a shower goes, why would you need another...."
Inez slapped him on the arm before he could finish his sentence, although judging by the grins on the faces of the two Larabees, he really didn't need to elaborate. Taking pity on her, Sarah grabbed her arm.
"Come on inside and help me with breakfast, while these two take care of the horses."
"Sarah, wait," Chris called before they could get inside. "Inez, there is something you need to know. When I talked to the hospital this morning, I also asked about Paolo." He watched her eyes for her reaction. "Inez, Paolo died about three o'clock this morning. He never regained consciousness."
She gasped and put a hand over her mouth. Chris moved closer and put his hands on her shoulders. "I'm sorry, Inez. The State Department will contact his father, but I thought that you should know, just in case his father..."
"No. No his father would not hurt me," Inez insisted. "He is not that kind of man."
"Inez, his son is dead."
"Yes, but I did not kill him. He knows the kind of man his son is... was. He's known of his violent ways since Paolo was young. I really don't think he'll be very surprised. What about you? Will there be trouble for you since you are the one who had to shoot him?"
Larabee shook his head. "No. I'm suspended now, with pay, which is normal in any officer involved shooting. But I was within my rights to fire in defense of both you and Buck, so I don't anticipate any problems with that. Don't you worry about me."
"Yeah, don't worry about ol' Chris. He's used to startin' inner-national incidents, ain't ya, Cowboy?" Vin remarked, purposely mispronouncing the word.
"Watch it, Tanner!" Chris growled.
"Oooh, I'm shaking in my boots, Larabee."
Chris turned around and pushed Vin on the shoulder, roughly steering him toward the stairs. "Let's go get the horses fed, Tanner, before your mouth overrides your brain... .oh, wait, too late!"
Tanner just laughed and trotted down the steps, then turned back around. "Well, come on old man. Don't be lollygagging around like ya are. We got things to do this morning," he said, winking at the ladies who just laughed at his antics. Chris reached him and slapped his arm, then pushed him again toward the barn.
Back on the deck, Inez and Sarah watched both men walking away, still joking and laughing together.
"I'm so glad that Vin decided to stay here," Sarah said. "He really is good for Chris."
"Hmmm... Chris isn't the only one he's good for, Sarah my friend."
"Yes, I see that. So, you're happy then."
"Oh, Sarah, I can't begin to tell you. I feel like I've known him all my life. I feel so comfortable with him, so safe."
"So, are things getting serious then?"
"I don't know. I mean I care for him a great deal, but I have really only known him a short time. And I'm not sure how much the feeling of safety is because he's been there during this whole thing with Paolo or if it was there before. I want to give it more time."
"Well, you take all the time you need. But in the meantime, you sure can enjoy the perks."
Inez smiled. "Oh, yes, the perks. And what nice perks they are too."
Sarah laughed and hugged her friend. "Oh, Inez, I'm so happy for you."
Inez snuck a glance into the room before she stepped inside. Buck was sitting up and smiling at a pretty brunette nurse who was taking his blood pressure. She just shook her head and tried to ignore him as he remarked on her eyes, her hair, her legs and anything else he could think of. Inez just smiled, softly laughing at his charm. Buck glanced up and spotted her standing in the doorwy.
"Inez! Come on in!"
"Hello, Buck. I hope this is a good time. Chris said that you were doing better."
"I'm just fine. Annette here is just getting all my vitals. Annette, darlin', this is Inez, the prettiest bar maid in Texas."
Annette frowned at the use of the term "bar maid", but didn't make any comment. She didn't have to, as Inez moved closer to he bed and slapped Buck on the arm.
"How many times have I told you not to call me that!" she snarled good naturedly.
"Oh, probably a couple dozen, at least," he smiled in return. "I just love getting you riled up."
"Oh, you!" Inez looked over at Annette. "How do you ever put up with him?"
"Oh, I have my ways," the pretty nurse replied and demonstrated by sticking a thermometer in Buck's mouth when he opened it to protest.
Inez laughed at the indignant expression on Wilmington's face, then sobered as she remembered why he was here in the first place. And in keeping with his nature, Buck noticed. Speaking around the thermometer, he questioned her.
"Ine', you o'ay 'arlin'?"Buck asked.
Inez sighed and sat down on the chair next to the bed. "Oh, Buck, I'm so sorry that you got hurt. I never wanted anyone else to get involved in all this. It was my problem and..."
Buck ignored the protest from Annette as he pulled the thermometer from his mouth so that he could answer Inez.
"Now, Inez, I don't want to hear that! You were being terrorized by a stalker, a rapist! Do you really think any decent man would stand back and just let that happen? No siree, not while I'm within striking range it won't happen. Forget the fact that I'm a Texas Ranger, forget the fact that I know you and care for you a great deal, forget the fact that you are Sarah's closest friend and as much a member of the Larabee family as I am. I am a man and I will never allow that to happen to any woman, friend or not!"
A long moment of silence followed his pronouncement, after which Annette looked at Inez and shrugged. "Guess he told you, huh? Now stick this back in your mouth, Mr. Wilmington, before I have to resort to other ways of checking your temperature—there are other orifices that would suffice," she said, interpretting his raised eyebrows. "And the next time you give me trouble I'll just have Nurse Baxter take over your scheduled checks."
Horrified, Buck opened his mouth and accepted her ministrations. No way was he going to settle back and let Lester Baxter, big and ugly Lester Baxter, former linebacker, take over his care. He'd put up with whatever indignaties she required to avoid Lester. Not that Lester wasn't a perfectly capable nurse. But Buck Wilmington didn't like having male nurses. He just didn't. And Annette knew that, which is why she often threatened him with Lester, who was possibly one of the nicest, most compassionate nurses in all of Texas. He was also one of the best in the hospital, a fact that Buck knew all too well, seeing as Lester was in the Emergency Room the night Buck had been brought in. That was also something both Annette and Buck knew. Lester was first and foremost a trauma nurse, and he seldomed worked on any of the floors. Which made Annette's threat all the more ridiculous. But Annette knew Buck well, in fact had dated him off and on before she'd married. So she made the threats and Buck acquiesced and they kept their friendship intact.
A few minutes later, Annette finished and said her goodbyes, extracting a promise from Buck to take it easy and call if he needed anything.
"So, Inez, how are you?" Buck asked, his joking manner set aside for the moment.
She nodded. "I'm doing fine, Buck. Chris told me that Paolo was dead. And I... I just don't know how I feel about that. I'm sorry that he had to die and I'm sorry that Chris had to shoot him. I'm mostly sorry that his father will now have to bury his only son. But I'm also glad--is that horrible? To be happy someone is dead? But I just can't help feeling glad that I will never have to see him again."
"Inez, darlin' come here." She moved to settle next to him on the hospital bed. He wrapped his arm around her, wincing only slightly at the pull on the stitches in his back. "Inez, I know what kinda lady you are. And I also know that you would never wish ill on another human being. But I gotta tell you, I am not sorry that monster is dead. I feel for his old man and I'm really sorry you had to go through all that, but I'm glad that he can never bother you again. He wasn't stupid and next time he would have made sure you were alone. You got no reason to feel guilty. He was given the chance to give up and he didn't. That was his choice and don't you ever forget that."
She just nodded and lay her head against his shoulder. "You're a good man, Buck Wilmington. Thank you for being there last night. Thank you for saving my life."
"You are more than welcome, Senorita." After several moments of quiet he asked. "So, does this mean you'll go out with me?"
The End
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