Chapter 14
When Sky and Tara finally made it to where they left the horses, both
were relieved to see them snacking on wild grass. It did not take long
to cinch up the saddles, remove the hobbles and swing up onto the
saddles leaving the compound behind. They took it easier going back,
sometimes at a gallop or trot but mostly letting the horses pick their
own pace.
Tara reined in Bella and rode next to Sky and her horse. "Are you all
right? I know it had to be hard on you back there."
Sky glanced toward Tara, urged her horse to move faster and said, "What
do you think." It was not a question; it was an answer as her horse
left Bella in the dust.
Tara shook her head in despair, she knew the question was loaded and
needed to be careful what she said about Bobie Parker. Sky was like a
dormant volcano waiting to go off at a second's notice.
There were no more words spoken between them until they were within
easy range of the ranch where they now needed to return the two horses.
Tara urged Bella to trot up by the side of Sky and her horse. "The
ranch, sky, how do you want to do this?"
Sky looked up at the fading moon then toward Tara. "Not sure. From the
looks of the sky, I would say a person running a ranch would wake
earlier than most. The buckshot could be waiting for us as well as a
very angry rancher. That is if he has not called the sheriff."
"Cripes! I never thought of that. Do you see any patrol cars in the
area?"
Shaking her head, Sky replied, "No. However, that does not mean
anything. Could be hidden from view or maybe walked there just like we
did."
"Well I for one will not go down without a fight. I say we just send
the horses home. They know their way. We can hoof it to the place we
left the car."
Sky could not help but look at Tara and feign a smile. "You just keep
surprising me Coltrane. I was thinking something similar. But I thought
maybe we could hitch the horses to the corral posts. Either way sounds
good. And Like you, I do not want to face a very irate rancher or the
sheriff."
Tara watched the woman step from the horse, her lengthy legs made it
easy. Not to be the one to climb down like most, Tara chose to swing
off. The moment she touched the ground, Sky chided, "Always trying to
one up me Coltrane. This is not a contest. Must say though, that was
quite a dismount. Doubt the horse even knew you left the saddle. Let's
make sure we do not leave anything in the saddlebags, and send them
home."
They stood side by side watching the two horses gallop toward home,
then began walking in a different direction. Once more, the silence
between them was enough to cause Tara to finally say, "Come on
Richmond, I'm not the enemy, talk to me."
Sky stopped, turned and stared into Tara Coltrane's face. There was
enough light from the moon to bring out the woman's subtle beauty. She
had flawlessly tanned skin a graceful neck that led to assets even
though covered by the top she wore; it was obvious the woman was
endowed in marvelous ways. She was a true beauty, and for so long all
Sky thought of Tara Coltrane was the woman was a thorn in her side. Now
she looked at her and wondered how she could have been so wrong.
"Sky I'm sorry if you thought me to be insensitive back there."
The warmth in her voice, the straightforward way she said the words had
Sky feeling terrible. "It is not you. Please believe me Tara; I
appreciate all you have done for me. I would never have been able to
carry any of this off without you."
"You would and you could. I know you Skylar Richmond and when you set
your mind to doing something, you do it, come Hell or High water,
the job will be done."
"From your mouth, the words are overwhelming; you make me sound like
some sort of female Ram--"
"Nope, I prefer, Xena Warrior Princess."
The woman's dark eyes seemed to smolder at times and this moment, Sky
felt they were sending out mixed signals. "Have to say, you do not look
like Ga--"
"Ah maybe the height, the dark hair, the darker eyes, might give one to
think that but I really can be and hope I am a friend, a partner,
someone who would walk across hot coals if needed."
Throwing her head back, Sky laughed then said, "I needed that, a
release from the tightness clutching at my heart. Sweet or I should say
kind of you to say but this night and these days have caused some sort
of short circuit in your brain to occur. Really Coltrane, do you think
I would believe such drivel."
"I know you are hurting, I am too. Even if I did not know the woman
like you did, all that has happened certainly changed my opinion of
her. What I say is not drivel it is truth. This may be the
only time in your life I have actually let my guard down. By this I
mean, actually saying I would do whatever it took to make you happy. Be
it Parker, fine, you know how I feel, this is not important what is at
this moment and time is getting you back to civilization and some much
needed rest."
"Rest? I cannot ever believe my body will be at rest again. But getting
back is a good idea, things have to be done and I can't do them from
here."
"Just looking out for you, Richmond. I'm with you, let's go."
They both were a little surprised to see the car still there. It seemed
the road had been quite busy that night and with sheriff's deputies
putting up roadblocks they could easily have found the car; it was not
that far from the main road. Though it was amazing to see the car they
were both delighted to climb in and be on their way back to Springfield.
It was a ride once more in silence, Tara offered to drive but Sky would
have none of it, even if Tara had rented the car. She finally agreed to
just sit back and let Sky have her way. It was obvious the woman needed
something to keep her mind off Bobie and if driving would do it, fine.
Laying her head back against the headrest, Tara closed her eyes.
The sudden feel of the car coming to a stop, brought her out of a very
restless nap, sitting up she turned to stare at Sky and ask, "Why did
you stop?"
Sky pointed and said, "Look ahead."
She turned to gaze in the direction Sky pointed toward and could see
lights, several. "Damn, not another roadblock."
"I am sure it is."
"Don't those people sleep? Jumpin roos's this is becoming a crazy
night!"
Sky tipped her head to the left and queried, "Roo's and Jumpin? There
is no shrimp on the barbe, no Sheila's, although, have
to say I would just as soon stare down a croc at this time
rather than Deanna Burgess. And yes it is becoming a 'crazy night' as
well as one that will stay with us a long time."
"Just my way of saying can anything else go wrong? In addition, like
you, I would just as soon be in a boat, hunting for the big one that
was terrorizing people. Crocs are not easy to catch but at least a
person knows what they are in for. "
"Like you, at least we would know what we faced and how to deal with
it. Deanna is unpredictable. We have both learned, deadly. We are not
that far from town but my feet are sore from walking and so is my body."
Tara raised an eyebrow and said, "Mine too. Nevertheless, looks like we
have no choice. I think we are up for it. Take it slow, do our best not
to get attention. What say, Sky, one more walk?"
Sky frowned and replied, "No choice. But, we have to get the car off
the road. You drive; I will cut some brush and try to wipe away the
tire tracks, as I follow behind. I hope that we can make it as far as
the arroyo. Then it should be a hop skip and a jump into
town."
"Prettier words I have never heard, town. Never thought I would
ever even think it of that--"
"Watch what you say, it is my home now too."
"A discussion for another time. Right now, we need to get moving. But
why you follow and brush away the tracks, why not me?"
"Need something to keep me busy, and thought after all your help, I
would do this. So do not look a gift horse in the mouth. Let's
go, time waits for no one."
Tara shrugged, it had been a long difficult journey and at that time,
she did not feel like arguing over this. However when Sky was back in
focus, she just might. Hearing that Bobie Parker was gone had
devastated the woman. She had never seen Sky in such terrible
condition, though some of this could be contributed to the injury that
Deanna Burgess caused. Sighing, Tara hoped when they hid the car, that
the walk to town would be without problems, somehow, it was time for
things to turn around and allow some quiet time.
Once the car was safely hidden, the two began the trek to Springfield.
Standing on a sandy slope, Tara asked, "How far do you think it is?
Sky wrinkled up her nose and said, "About three miles I guess. I don't
know about you but I would like a nice cold beer right bout now."
"Drinks are on me, when we get there. I too would love to feel the
cool, most welcome treat pass my lips. So what are we waiting for?"
Sky stared around the area then said, "I see several patrol cars off in
the distance, and we have to make sure they do not spot us, so best we
try to keep to the slope, use bushes, whatever we can to stay
inconspicuous."
"We have made it this far, I'm ready. However, let's face it; the sun
will be totally up soon. Even a three-mile walk will take a lot out of
us. Besides the animals, and snakes, we should stay out of the Sheriff
and her deputy's view."
Sky began to walk downward as she said, "Just hope there are not
curious deputies with binoculars looking around. I have to admit, the
two of us really are a sight."
"Ah come on partner, Calamity Jane had nothing on us."
"Yeah she did, Bill Hitchcock and in a tight spot he was an
excellent marksman as well as survivalist."
Taking long strides, Tara soon caught up to Sky and said, "We have
that, both good shots, as well as surviving has been our forte for a
long time. Think about some of the situations we have been in, yet,
here we are, still breathing."
It was a long walk; both women were so tired, their legs were shaking
when they finally walked toward a back street and headed for Bell's
place. Sky hoped that Bell was back and Tara hoped they could find a
place to lay back, drink their fill of cold beer and rest.
Sneaking up to the back door, Tara taped Sky on the shoulder and said,
"Maybe I should go in first, in case someone is waiting for you."
"Sky held a finger up to her lip and said, "If they are, it would just
make my day."
"Crikey, woman, I think that hit on the head has caused you to loose a
few screws. Haven't we had enough confrontation?"
"Yes, too much. But at this time in my life, I am not all that fond of
living and it makes me someone that will take down anyone in my path,
at least until they take me down."
"Then maybe you should start with me. If all you want is a good fight."
Sky grinned, then replied, "If you are feeling as tired as me, it would
not be much of a fight. Sides, how could I fight someone that has been
standing by me through all this?"
"After we have time to rest, get our fill of drink, will you let me
take you to see Doc?"
"Why?"
"Because you have been acting, well not like yourself completely."
"You think this hit on my head is causing some sort of short in my
brain?"
"No, not exactly but I am worried about you."
"Tara, can we just go in, get something to drink, sit and try to relax
for a few minutes. About Doc, I'll think about it, only to ease your
mind."
"Good, that is what I wanted to hear. All right you go first, I'll
follow you."
Once they had entered the back room, Tara held her rifle at ready as
she looked around the room. It was empty except for boxes and
fundamental things used by the establishment. Sky pointed and started
to walk to the door that led to the main part of the tavern. Both
heaved a sigh of relief when they spotted only one person in the room,
and it was a woman, sitting by herself at a back table. Penny White was
behind the bar, drying several glasses, she did not even hear the two
until they were right behind her. "Penny, don't freak out, its Sky and
Tara." Sky whispered as the woman turned wide-eyed and stared with a
look of surprise on her face.
Sky put a finger to her lips and made the motion of quiet then pointed
to the back. Penny looked around the room, nodded and walked to the
back followed by Sky and Tara. Once they were inside the room, Penny
blurted, "What? How? I was afraid you were dead!"
Sky set her rifle against the wall and asked, "Which question do you
want answered first?"
Tara set her rifle beside Sky's adding, "It was not for want of the
sheriff and a few others that we are still walking. I take it by your
look and questions; you must have thought someone got to us."
Sky nodded. "It has been a long journey, we are both beat, need to sit,
taste some cold beer an--"
"None of that and stuff, I'll go get you the beer, there are some
folding chairs behind those boxes, set them up and relax. Have you had
anything to eat? I would think that might be the first thing you need."
Tara had found the chairs and carried them over to Sky, handing one to
her she said, "Sit, Richmond, take a load off. Woman is right, we both
could use nourishment."
Sky looked at the twinkle in Tara's eyes and winked at her then turned
to Penny and said, "Ignore Coltrane, her mind is on a different type of
nourishment. What do you have to eat?"
"I could rustle you up a couple of burgers, fries unless you want
something else"
Sky sat and replied, "Sounds wonderful. Can we get the beer soon?"
"Be right back." Penny turned and was out the door into the other room
before another word could be spoken.
Tara looked at Sky and asked, "Can she be trusted?"
"Have to trust someone, some time, Coltrane. I think so. Belle thinks
enough to leave her taking care of the place and that is enough for me.
When she comes back we need to ask her what has been going on, just
what she has heard."
"I agree." Tara watched Sky remove the belt, sheath and knife from the
place it had been on her leg adding, "Your leg probably is breathing a
sigh of relief. Wouldn't surprise me to see the marks on your leg."
Sky gave her a scowling look then said, "Leg, at least your mind is not
somewhere else."
Huffing, Tara walked toward the door and said, "Where is that woman?
How long does it take to get two beers and bring them back here?"
Sky smiled, she knew that Tara was doing her best to ignore what she
said. "Hold your horses, she will be here. Why don't you sit back down,
lean back and relax."
"Not in this creature, we have been through so much, I'm just jumpy. I
know you feel safe here, but if you do then you have to realize the
sheriff already knows this and has the place under surveillance."
"I figured she would. But we came in the back; there is only one person
in the place besides Penny. I think we are safe for now."
Wasn't too long before Penny walked back into the room carrying two
chilled bottles of Smyth's Mountain Beer. She handed one to
each woman then said, "I've got the burgers cooking, should have them
in here soon. If you need another beer, just pull the--" She never
finished because, Tara Coltrane had emptied her bottle of beer as if
she vacuumed it and was holding out the empty bottle.
Sky looked at her half-full bottle and then Tara's empty bottle. "Bet
you have a humdinger of a headache right bout now? That was really
cold."
Tara nodded. "Sure do, but I was thirsty and really would like another
one or two or--"
Sky smiled toward Penny then said, "Why don't you bring us a six pack?"
Penny was still staring at the empty bottle and the woman that was
holding her head as if it would explode. "You two look and the way she
drank that beer like you must have been out for sometime. By out
I mean in the desert, away from here. Be right back with the six-pack.
Then I have to check on the burgers."
The two women sit staring at the doorway. Sky turned to Tara and said,
"Your head will hurt like that for awhile, a brain freeze never feels
good. Have to say though, this is heavenly." She brought her bottle of
beer up to her lips and took a long drink.
When Penny brought them in the six-pack, she also brought them their
burgers and fries. Both women were amazed to see this done so quickly
but both were so hungry they dove into the meals with gusto. She smiled
and said, "I have to keep check on the front. I'll give you time to
eat."
As the woman turned to leave Sky said, "Penny we need to talk to you.
So when you get a chance come back so we can."
She nodded and left the room.
Tara was chomping away on the burger, nodding her approval and so Sky
took little time trying hers. It seemed like ages since she had a good
hamburger but this was worth the wait.
When Tara finished hers as well as the fries, she turned to Sky who was
still enjoying the burger and said, "Hit the spot. I say that was
finger licking good."
Sky held the hamburger to her mouth, did not take a bite only stared at
the woman and shook her head.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Sky replied, "Just sometimes you amaze me, that's all."
"I hope the surprise is a good thing. Anyway, we should think about
going to the clinic."
"Do I look that bad?"
"No, even covered with desert in places, you are still Skylar Richmond
and we both know she has a rep."
"You know, I think maybe you should be the one to have Doc, check."
"Ha, ha you can be so funny. Come on, if you are rested we should go."
"What is eating at you, Coltrane? I have never seen you so antsy."
Tara stood and began to pace. "Always felt it was a good thing to
listen to my body and it keeps telling me we need to move on."
Sky leaned back in the chair and stared at Tara in fascination
replying, "We are both tired, it feels good to sit, let the food reach
its destination before we leave. Penny is a good host."
"Maybe she is, but we still have the sheriff to think about."
Sky sighed then stood and said, "Maybe you just need to walk off this
feeling you say your body has."
At this time Penny came back into the room, she held a look of concern
on her face and it did not take long for her to say, "You two need to
go. The lone woman in the place left a few minutes ago and I have a
feeling she may have been a plant by the sheriff."
Tara blurted, "See! I told you so!"
Sky gazed at Penny and asked, "Why do you think this?"
"Just a feeling. Bell would be so upset if anything happened to you.
She is still not back and I don't know what else to do but give you my
gut feeling."
Smiling toward the woman, Sky said, "It's all right Penny, we
understand. Tara has the same feeling and I think that is enough for
us. We will go but--"
Tara was heading for the back door rifle in hand and she turned asking,
"But what?"
Sky replied, "No car. How do you propose we go? Walking will get us
nowhere. We need to call someone."
"No, you can take my car. It is in the alley. Here are the keys." Penny
was holding out a set of keys attached to a fuzzy white rabbit foot.
"Don't worry; it is not a real rabbit foot, just fake. I thought it
would bring me luck."
Sky and Tara exchanged glances as Sky accepted the keys. "We will take
your car; I will assume it is the ford that is parked there."
Tara chuckled, "Good guess Richmond, since it is the only car there."
They hugged Penny and wished her well saying they would leave the car
for her and let her know where.
The minute they pulled into the drive of the clinic, Sky let out a big
sigh. "Can't believe after all that has happened I have lost Bobie."
"Maybe not."
"Come now Tara, everyone has told us this."
"Yes, but so far there is no body."
Turning to glare at the woman, Sky growled, "Stop it! You talk about
her like she is just a case, that there are no feelings there."
"Sorry. I was just trying to have you look at it objectively."
"There are times for this but I am in no mood to be objective at this
moment. Now come on, I want to get this over with."
It was not long before they entered the doctor's office, both happy to
see there were no patients in the waiting room. The receptionist was
sitting at her desk and smiled when she saw them then scowled at the
sight of the guns. "We don't want any trouble here."
Sky acknowledged the woman's apprehension and said, "Neither do we. I
would like to see Doc Taylor, is he in?"
She raised her eyebrows, still looking at the two women and the
artillery they carried. "Just a minute, I'll go get him."
Tara had stepped forward blocking the woman. "That's all right, we know
where he is. In case you are wondering this is a medical visit, nothing
else. Sky just needs for him to check the head wound, and then we will
be out of here."
She stepped back saying, "Then I will get her chart, Doc will probably
want to see it."
Sky walked past Tara who was still standing guard not letting the
receptionist past. She reached out and took the file from the woman
saying, "Save you a trip, I'll take this to him."
When Doc Taylor saw the two women walk into his office, his mouth fell
open and he exclaimed, "You two look like you ate a lot of dust as well
as took down an entire compound of militants. Congratulations!"
After shaking the man's hand Sky asked, "How did you know?"
"It is all over the news, or I should say the emergency bands. Being a
doctor, I get all sorts of emergency information on the band. Now what
can I do for you?"
Tara spoke softly, "Take a look at Sky, and make sure she is all right?"
Sky gave Tara the look, before adding, "She thinks I am not acting
right, so I agreed to let you examine me to shut her up."
"All right, let's go into one of the examining rooms. Perhaps your
friend could take care of the artillery."
Sky removed the knife, holstered gun and several belts of ammo handing
them to Tara as well as the rifle. "Sit, I'll be back soon, and we can
call Bern. Won't be long we both will be out of here."
Tara watched Sky limp into the room followed by Doc Taylor. The man was
a good doctor and she hoped he didn't find any problems with Sky, but
she was concerned none the less.
Once in the exam room, Doc gave Sky a good exam all the time
questioning her about what happened. When he found out about Bobie, the
man stood back and said, "I can't believe it, not Bobie, she has
withstood so much. This must be devastating for you"
"It is. I have failed her."
He shook his head. "No, you have done all you could. Sometimes life is
not fair."
"I've heard all this from Tara, so if you are going to preach to me
about this, please
don't."
"No preaching, I am sure you already think about what has to be done.
Just want you to know how badly I feel."
"I do, Doc and appreciate all you have done for us. Thanks again for
the check up. Tara and I need to be leaving as soon as we can, from
what I have gathered; Sheriff Burgess has an APB out for the two of us."
"I have heard of the road blocks. But at the same time she must know of
your bravery."
"Never know about that woman, my head reminds me of this everyday. Tell
me Doc, after checking the head wound, and my body, will you please
inform Tara that I am fine."
"Not sure I can do that."
Tilting her head to the left she surveyed the man and asked, "Why not?"
"Because young lady you have sustained a serious injury and a
concussion is not something to dismiss. I am prescribing a good long
time away from all this stress."
"The rest of me is fine though, right?"
"Well, a few bruises here and there, but except for the ankle, the rest
of you will be fine, just take a break from all this action."
"Doc, please do not tell Tara this. I will later."
He nodded then said, "I won't; now you get yourself dressed, and then
come into my office. I'll write you a prescription."
She watched him leave the room and began to remove the paper gown. All
the time wondering just why they used them, surely something less
crinkly, less cumbersome and much softer could be used. Tossing the
gown in the trash container, she left the room and headed for the
doctor's office.
The second she neared the doorway she felt the hair on the back of her
neck prickle, it was a warning but at this time in her life Sky ignored
the feeling and walked into the room. The first person she saw was
Tara, and from the look in her eyes she immediately
backed from the room only to be met by the end of a gun barrel centered
against her spine.
"Hands on your head! You are under arrest!"
Sky wished she could melt into the floor, the voice was menacing. She
asked, "What is going on?" Knowing all to well it was Deanna Burgess.
"What do you not understand, the word you, or arrest? Whether you like
it or not you and your friend are now my prisoners."
The sheriff gave orders to search her for weapons as Sky's feet struck
out knocking the deputy off his feet then she whirled quickly grabbing
the gun and knocking it from the woman's hand. Deanna was quick to fend
off Sky's thrusts and keep away from the deadly fists that would have
knocked her out cold if one made contact. Sky was relentless and kept
coming after her with flashing kicks and movements that resembled an
action star.
Deanna Burgess was approaching the back door to the clinic and would
soon be trapped with her back against the door as she puffed, I'm
placing you under arrest Richmond!"
Sky's face was taunt, her eyebrows drawn together in a frown as she
replied, "For what?"
In a shaky voice Deanna Burgess replied, "Breaking the law."
Sky reached out and grasped the woman by her right arm twisting it
behind Deanna she stood behind her and pushed her toward Doc Taylor's
office. With her free hand she reached down and removed the keys from
Deanna's belt loop and tossed them to Tara who stood marveling at the
woman.
As Tara caught the keys, Sky hit the floor, blackness surrounding her.
When Sky opened her eyes she found herself staring into the very
concerned face of Tara Coltrane. "Where--?"
"In jail."
"What happened?"
"You passed out, gave the sheriff the opportunity to turn the tables on
us. Her deputy was ready and waiting. Have to say, you gave it a good
try. I'm proud of you Richmond."
Sky tried to sit and was able to with Tara's help; she grimaced and
said, "Doesn't look like much to be proud of, look where we are."
"I know but you gave the woman what for, at least she now knows you are
not just a legend."
Sky reached up to touch her head. "Maybe in someone's mind but I am no
legend."
"Got a lot to live up to Richmond, and you certainly have. I think
Sheriff Burgess was thinking it was all a myth, no truth. Well, she has
now seen you in action and that was just a little of what you can do."
"Doesn't do any good. Once again I have failed."
"Would you just stop talking like that? I have seen nothing you have
failed at. No one could have predicted your head giving out. But Doc
did say you had a concussion so we are lucky it did not give out before
now. Said you need to take a long rest."
Sky stood, though a bit wobbly and walked to the bars that surrounded
them. "From what I see, I would guess we are in for a long rest behind
bars. What did the Sheriff charge us with?"
"Didn't say and I wasn't arguing with the guns that were trained on us.
I think she will make her appearance once she realizes you are awake."
Sky leaned against the bars and looked up to see a small video camera
and said, "I would say you are right, can't have any privacy in here."
"Doubt that was even on her mind. Just wanted to lock us up and take
away our toys as she called them." Tara could see that Sky was trying
to get past the word toys so she added, "Our guns and other
things."
"Oh. I would say she was being flippant."
"For sure. Even winked at Doc when she said this."
"Speaking of Doc how is he?"
"Fine I guess. Didn't say anything, I think he was taken by
surprise same as us."
"But who tipped the sheriff?"
"Perhaps I can answer that for you." The two women turned to see Deanna
Burgess standing with her arms folded across her chest and a satisfied
look on her face.
"You have no right to lock us up in here." Sky scowled at the woman.
"Have every right. The weapons we confiscated from you is enough,
unless you have these legally and can show the proof."
"They are legal; we don't go around carrying proof of this."
Sky tried to stare down Tara but the woman still said the words as Sky
added, "Let us out and we will get you the proof."
"Can't do that. Neither of you are from here and with all the
connections you have, odds are you would be on the first horse nor
should I say plane out." Her mouth twisted up as if she was the cat
that ate the canary.
"What do you mean, we wouldn't do that." Tara was now standing beside
Sky at the front of the cell.
"Are you telling me it was not you two that swiped two of Ben Hendricks
prized horses and took them on a joy ride?"
Sky shook her head, "We don't do joy rides."
"The man showed me your notes."
Sky grumbled, "Meant everything in them, he will get his money and the
horses were not harmed."
"Maybe not but you did take them without his permission. You might be
thankful they don't hang horse thieves anymore."
"We said we would pay and we will, he will get a very good bonus too. I
think we should talk to him, get him to understand."
"Right now you are in my jurisdiction and it is me that needs to
understand. However, the horse thieving put aside, I have other
charges."
Tara spout, "Come now Sheriff, you promised."
Deanna looked at Tara then back to Sky before she replied, "Has nothing
to do with the leg or your head Richmond."
Sky was beside herself, she felt terrible, her head ached, her body
felt like it would crash any minute but she just had to say, "Then what
is it? How can you keep us in here?"
A man's low voice echoed the room, "Because I have charged the two of
you with kidnapping, abusive force and attempting to kill me!"
The two women could not believe their eyes as Dete Fletcher appeared
behind Deanna Burgess.
He was wearing a neck brace, but other than that, the man looked good
compared to the last time they saw him. Sky locked eyes with Tara, the
look on her face was of surprise, but Tara's face looked more like she
wished the floor would open up and swallow them. Tara finally uttered,
"I have no idea what this man is talking about Sheriff."
Sky shot daggers toward the man as she agreed, "That's right; the man
is talking hot air."
Dete approached the cell but was held back by Deanna's right hand. "You
know what I am talking about; the two of you terrorized me at the
Trenton place. Thank goodness I can pass out on a minute's notice.
Always been able to deep sleep when necessary. Speaking of the Trenton
Place, which for some reason has been destroyed. I would say you
probably had a hand in that too, especially after seeing all your fire
power."
Sky turned her attention toward Deanna Burgess and said, "This man is
the one that kidnapped Bobie Parker. He should be in here not us."
"Can you prove this?" Sheriff Burgess never took her gaze from Sky.
"What do you think? We know and that is a fact."
"Then I would say it is your word against his for now."
Tara attempted to smile as she said, "Contact Bernie Herbella or
Barbara Johnson they will tell you the truth."
Deanna shook her head then said, "You work with them, they would not
be, believable."
Sky had her hands on the bars and gripped them tightly. "There are
others and it can be proven. Just give us our one call and you will
find out."
She scoffed, "First we have to book you and that will happen about
now." Turning to Dete she added, "Wont be needing you Dete, get back to
Max's place and take care of it."
Once the man was gone from the area, Deanna left the room but not for
long, she soon returned accompanied by three burly men. Approaching the
cell she ordered, "Step back!"
Sky shot a look at the woman then said, "We have the right to know what
is going on?"
She scowled at Sky and said, "In here you have no rights. Now hold out
your hands and let my men cuff you, as you can see they are well armed
and I would suggest no martial arts stuff. Come along and there will
not be any trouble."
As the two women were being cuffed, Sky softly said to Tara, "Bet
you're sorry you stayed around to help me now."
"Never." Tara replied as she suddenly felt a sharp jab to her abdomen
and went down to the floor.
Deanna Burgess taunted, "Want to whisper among yourselves again, next
time Richmond will feel the blow. Now get up Coltrane, the two of you
are in for an experience, maybe even one, you never have had."
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