Deception

~ Deception ~

Part One

Disclaimer and Acknowledgments

This is an adult story that primarily features stories involving women. If it is illegal in the state, province, or country in which you live; or if you are under the age of 18, please close this story and find something else to read. There are consensual sexual relations between adult women, which may be graphically explicit. There are elements of strong language, violence, physical and/or mental, as well as some emotional hurt and discomfort in the story. The events portrayed in this story are fictional and any resemblance to actual events and/or people is purely coincidental. Dedication: Into everyone's life comes a person that challenges them to become more than they are by not accepting mediocre. J.M. Dragon has been such a friend to me and without her input and encouragement, I could never have written this or anything else.

Standing at her office window, Lane Cuthbert looked across the street at her new law partner who was in an animated conversation with a distinguished looking gentleman. A feral smile curled around her mouth as she recognized just who the man was. There wasn't a client of Monty Geiger's that she didn't know about bible and verse – that is why she chose him. He, of course, thought that he had chosen her. After all, it was his law practice. She had set out to become his partner thirteen years earlier when she read an article in Texas Monthly about The Rancher's Lawyer. She knew where she wanted to go in life and the man, or rather his clients, were her ticket to the big time.

Lane had never done what everyone thought the conventional wisdom was for her. Her father, a prominent lawyer in San Antonio, had expected her to attend his alma mater and follow his example. But, much to the dismay of her family, Lane had other ideas. Instead of going to school in Texas, she attended Columbia for her undergraduate degree. When she chose to attend Dickenson School of Law in Pennsylvania, her father only shook his head. "Why on earth would you go to that school l? Yale or Harvard would have been a better choice, girl." He had no way of knowing that she was setting her master plan into motion by attending that particular law school.

After graduating, Lane went to work as a clerk for the chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court. Three years later, she began a stint as an ADA in Houston. Then, the opportunity presented itself – the rancher's lawyer was looking for a partner. His previous partner had unexpectedly died and his search began for the right lawyer to buy into his practice. Although he had three other lawyers in is practice, none had the necessary funds and hadn't felt any of them were partner material. He was looking for someone with solid qualifications that would impress his clients. After the death of his partner, Richard Steiner, Monty leisurely took his time in finding a suitable replacement. Then, one of his most important clients was in trouble for unethical lobbying practices in Washington and suddenly there was a sense of urgency in finding a new partner. If he prevailed in the DC case, his reputation would go beyond the borders of Texas. He needed to concentrate all his time and energies on that litigation making the need for a partner immediate.

To his surprise, Lane Cuthbert was available. Her credentials were impeccable – Phi Beta Kappa, top of her class in law school, the law review, glowing recommendations from the state Supreme Court and a stellar ninety percent win rate as a DA. Added into the mix was the fact that she had attended Monty's law school. She is exactly what I am looking forshe's a sure winner. And, she was.

"Wasn't that Sam Clayton?" she asked Monty when he returned to the office.

"Now how did you know that?"

"Oh, I remember reading an article about him when he donated money for a hospital wing in Austin."

"That was ten years ago." He laughed. "I remember the day he came into my office with that proposal." He gave her a serious look. "Are you all settled in?"

"Yes, I believe so."

"Good. I need to bring you up-to-date with all my clients before Sunday."

"Sunday, why then?"

"I'm having a barbeque for you at my home that afternoon. I've invited everyone from the firm, all our clients and several others dignitaries along with the sheriff, mayor and perhaps the governor." He shook his head. "Don't know why I put off for so long getting a new partner after Richard died. Well, what's done is done. Now, we need to get you situated."

The mention of Monty's long time law partner who died in a boating accident made Lane feel strangely happy. His presence was always the one sticking point in her plan and his death came as good news to her. The other lawyers in Monty's firm were not full partners, which made Lane's arrival on the scene somewhat sticky. At the final stages of the partnership negotiations, Monty told her she was the perfect partner material because she was so dynamic that she would bring in clients. And, clients, he told her, means billable hours. When he welcomed her and unveiled the new firm's name – Geiger, Cuthbert and Associates – she saw the bitterness on the other lawyers faces. Nevertheless, she dove headlong into the mix knowing she could win them over. That didn't take long as on her first day she took everyone to lunch. Food and drink always has a way of winning people over she reasoned and she was right.

"Well, I'm ready to take it on."

Monty liked the woman. She was so well qualified he was surprised when she applied for the position. He knew of several firms in Austin that were courting her and there had been a rumor that several New York firms had offered her a very lucrative package. My good fortune he thought. "Tomorrow morning at six-thirty we will begin."

"Six-thirty?" That was the only time of the day when she allowed herself to relax. Her morning routine for the last fifteen years consisted of a vigorous work-out followed by the crossword puzzle and a cup of coffee while she soaked in the tub.

"Yep, meet me at the Blue Bonnet."

Cocking her head and furrowing her brow, she said, "I don't understand."

"Foundation, I have always believed, is an essential key to understanding your clients. You have been in the office for two days and tomorrow, your education into rancher's psyches will begin." He saw the look on her face, took it for bewilderment, and laughed. "Not to worry darlin', they don't bitetoo hard."

I wondered how I was going to scope out that famous meeting place and he has just presented me with a gift. "Okay I'll be there."

"Don't go wearin' those lawyer clothes of yours. Folks round her don't take kindly to fancy dressed people." He gestured with his finger up and down her body. "If you're going to make it here you have to fit in," he said with a wink.

Lane was taken back by his comments about her dress. I can do ranch casual. She self-consciously ran her hands over her suit jacket. It's not as if I'm going to be here forever. All Lane needed from Monty was the one big break - the one client that would make her name a household word. That was her master plan and she was certain one of Monty's clients would make it come true. All she needed was one big scandal or juicy divorce to make the headlines and she would be on her way. Watch out Nancy, Greta and Katherine, I'm nipping at your heels.

+ + +

Lane had arrived in the small town three weeks before she began working at the law firm. In that time, she managed to find a home to purchase, which fortunately was vacant and have her furniture moved in. The home was bigger than she needed – four bedrooms, three baths, three car garage all on three quarters of an acre. But, she reasoned the price was a steal, she wouldn't be living there forever and she was certain to make a hefty profit when she sold. Opened and unopened boxes were scattered throughout all the rooms except two – her bedroom and her office. They were the rooms she occupied the most so they were the first to be decorated and set up exactly the way she wanted. Each evening and during the weekends, she made her way through all her belongings organizing the boxes in the rooms where they belonged.

It was five in the morning and Lane stood in front of her closet assessing her wardrobe. Jeans, she thought, I've always hated wearing them. They're hot and just don't feel right. She pulled out a pair of khakis, a red tank top and a light blue long sleeved shirt. Perfect. She took the clothes to her spare bedroom and maneuvered around boxes to get to the ironing board. Casual doesn't mean un-ironed. By six o'clock, she was showered, dressed and ready to go. This better be good, she thought driving into town annoyed that a slow moving tractor was making the journey longer than it should be. Shit I don't want to be late. "Come on asshole move over! "

Pulling into the parking lot of the diner, Lane drove by a myriad of big trucks and SUVs that made her small BMW convertible seem exceedingly small. Unwilling to squeeze her vehicle into a spot that risked getting a ding, she exited the lot and parked on the street.

Opening the door to the restaurant, she saw a long corridor that seemed to lead to the kitchen. Shit what kind of place is this? Reluctantly, she walked until she came to a place where she could turn left and she saw three distinct dining areas. The one immediately in front of her, was filled with what she thought must be the geriatric crowd for they all seemed to be gabbing about their health and how much medications cost. Beyond that, was another area that had tables and chairs but she couldn't see if it was occupied. To the left, was another dining area where she saw Monty waving her to join him. As she stepped into the room, she scanned the other occupants. A group of about fifteen scruffy looking cowboys sat loosely around several tables eating, laughing and talking. Reaching her partner, she began to pull out a chair.

"No, sit in this one darlin' you can see more." Monty stood up and pulled out a chair to his right.

"See what?"

"Over there," he raised his head slightly and pointed his chin towards the group of men.

Lane looked the group over. "You got me here to look at a bunch of down and out cowboys?"

"Oh they're not cowboys and they certainly aren't down and out. They all have one thing in commonmoneylots of money."

Lane looked harder at the group - not one looked like they had a penny to spare. "You're kidding right?"

"No ma'am."

The waitress came and poured coffee, which gave Lane more time to check out the men. Once she looked past the hats, jeans and denim, she did recognize most of them. They were among the richest ranchers in Texas.

"You two ready to order?" a woman asked. "I know you want your usual Monty. What about you honey?

Looking quickly at the woman's nametag, Joyce, then to her menu, Lane said, "I'll have the special with scrambled eggs." She smiled up at the woman. "Thanks Joyce."

The waitress smiled brightly then left. Lane, trying not to stare, looked at the table on the other side of the room again. "Who's that blonde woman? She doesn't look like she belongs there." If the woman were one of his clients, she didn't recognize her.

Monty looked in the direction of the woman. "Now, that little gal is another story. See the fella sitting next to her?"

"The older gentleman?" Lane looked hard at the man and recognized him from her dossier of Monty's clients.

"Don't go lettin' him hear you say thatPreston Garrett is not a man to get riled up."

Lane smiled. "So he's a sugar-daddy."

Irritated by the innuendo, Monty said, "No! That's his niece."

She looked at him incredulously. "Sure it is."

Taken aback by her comment, Monty felt the need to defend his client. "His wife's sister passed several years back and her daughter came to live with them. Lydia took quite a shine to her uncle and goes with him everywhere. Pres is like a father figure to her."

"Sure he is - that is why he has his arm draped around her chair so possessively." She looked critically at Monty challenging the man. "I bet you can't look me straight in the eye and tell me nothing is going on between them."

A sly smile formed around Monty's mouth. "Now darlin', we both know never to ask a question you don't already know the answer to." He picked up his cup, took a sip of the steaming brew and eyed her before speaking again. "Wealth is the only thing they have in common. You will learn that some of them have power, some have influence and others are dangerous. Preston Garrett falls into the later category. His family is old Texas settlin' here in the 1800's and grabbing up all the land. At one time, they had close to a million acres. Eventually, the land was divided among the siblings. Preston is a taker and when his brothers fell on hard times he bought them out except for one, Brett." Monty shook his head and laughed. "That boy just never would sell to his brother." He saw the questioning look on Lane's face. "Brett hated his brother for stealin' away his girlfriend and then marryin' her." Monty shrugged. "What makes him so dangerous is that he takes what he wants without remorse. Watch out for him girl," he said seriously.

Lane took in Preston Garrett again. He was a big man with a hard, cold grizzled face. Steel grey hair, that matched his moustache, poked out of his black Stetson. The girl, who Lane thought must be in her early twenties, had very short blonde hair and seemed relaxed by the man's side. He's banging her no doubt about that. She let her eyes drift back to the man. Dangerous, hmm now that might be a good candidate for me. Bet he gets in loads of trouble and Monty has to take care of it. "You spend a lot of time keeping him out of trouble?"

"That's why I get the big retainer," he said winking. "Here's our breakfast. Everything here is homemade and delicious."

Lane looked down at her plate of greasy eggs and bacon and fought back the urge to send it back and get her usual dry toast. "Yummy, it looks really good."

"So how much land does Garrett own now?" She reluctantly took a mouthful of scrambled eggs and was astonished at how good they tasted.

Monty noted the surprised look. "Told you it'd be good." Pleased with himself, he smiled broadly before his face went flat. "Not as much as he once had. He is what we call land poor. He sold off quite a bit to developers which didn't sit too well with his neighbors."

"Why?" she asked as she shoveled in another mouthful.

"Cattlemen don't take kindly to the land being used for anything else."

Lane nodded her head in understanding and they sat in companionable silence for several minutes as they ate. She discretely studied the group on the other side of the room. Although she was certain she knew the answer, she asked it anyway. "So, tell me, who is the richest?"

Monty put his fork down and looked at Lane intently. "Now that's an odd question. You fixin' to marry one of ‘em?" He studied her face looking for any reaction, when he received none he continued. "Well, it used to be Sam Clayton."

It was impossible for Lane to hide her shock. Something is wrong. I know that just last week I checked and Clayton was Monty's richest client. "He's not? I thought he was the richest rancher in these partsmaybe in the whole state for that matter."

"Well he ain't even close to his daughter."

"Daughter?" Lane mentally ticked off her notes on the Clayton family. Four kids two of each. Boys are Hank and Martin and the girlshmmMargarita and Bryce. "He has two girls right?"

"Yup." Monty picked up his coffee cup and smiling, motioned for the waitress to bring him another. "Thank you darlin'." He slowly stirred in sugar mulling over whether to say any more on the subject. "Bryce," he said in a whispered tone.

"Really? Is she here? I didn't see any other women in the group."

"She's there in the corner next to her father."

Lane cocked her head to one side trying to get a glimpse of the person next to Sam Clayton but the man was in her line of vision. Finally, she saw a profile of sorts – a nose and chin and also saw a burnt orange hat brim. Gotta be a UT cap. When the man moved forward, she saw a long, straight black ponytail hanging out of the back of the cap. "She doesn't look that old."

"She's a few years older than you."

"And, she's richer than her father? How can that be?" Lane held her breath. Even with all her research, she had no idea that the daughter was in her father's league or that she was an important client of Monty's.

Monty fingered his coffee cup then picked it up and drank slowly as he peered over the rim at his new partner. When he placed his cup back on the table he nodded. "Bryce was what they call a child prodigy. She graduated from high school when she was fourteen then went to A&M where she had a double major - business and finance. By sixteen, she had her degrees and took over at her father's small meat packing plant. In three years she turned a middling business into a large multi million dollar enterprise." He took another drink of his coffee and saw the disbelief in Lane's eyes. "It is all true."

"So that's how she got rich? That hardly seems possible."

"Nooo," he said exaggeratedly. "That was only a stepping stone. At twenty, she attended UT for her MBA and in eighteen months, she had two masters – one in business and the other in economics. Everyone thought she would become the CEO of some big corporation but her heart was with ranching so she came back to live with her parents. Ever since she worked for her father, she had discreetly been buying up small ranches but she was interested in more than ranches."

"Really? What was that?"

"Well, she had a pretty hefty inheritance from her grandmother and she put that money to work. At that time, many of the ranchers were sufferingprices for their cattle was low and we had a drought which meant the hay crop was practically non-existent making the price exorbitant. On her first ranch, Ascensión, she had planted hay using an organic mulching technique but didn't rely on only that - she dug a well for irrigation. The result was a crop that flourished during the hottest of seasons. Not too many around here at that time irrigated so everyone just shook their heads and figured she was young and inexperienced."

Ascensión. Damn, that's why I didn't know about the daughter. I saw that name somewherebut where? Monty laughed. "It was a big joke round these parts when she had a blue metal roof put on the house and outbuildings."

"Why?"

"Back then, if you had a metal roof it was silver. Once that operation was in full swing she went up north some and bought a feedlot."

"For what?"

"Ah, it was all part of her master plan, ‘cept no one knew it at the time." He looked over in the direction of the woman. "She's smart, very clever and a damn good business woman." He paused.

Lane waited for more of the story and, when it was obvious Monty was lost in his thoughts, she spoke. "So she had a ranch and a feedlot what did she do next?'

Monty smiled. "Why she started buying more ranches."

"That must have taken a great deal of money."

"She capitalized on ranches that were close to foreclosure. She'd approach the owner and made one hell of a sweet deal."

"What kind of deal?"

"She'd buy the ranch, remodel the housesput blue metal roofs everywherethe owners could stay there and continue as before. She had a few stipulations though."

"And those were?" There's always a catch to any sweet deal.

"First, if they needed feed they bought from her which they already did ‘cause she had the lowest prices, but she gave them additional discounts. Then, if they needed a feedlot, they had to use hers – again at a discount. Lastly, she was to be paid twenty-five percent of their earnings."

"If I understand this correctly, the people she bought out became nothing more than her chattel."

Monty cocked his head and furrowed his brow. "I don't know how you can think that. Most of them were close to losing everything she gave them back their dignity. They lived without a mortgage, property insurance or rent and she even has an affordable health plan they can buy in to. The ranch kept the name they had given it and in all respects, the land was theirs. She didn't own them she saved them. To have a ranch with a blue roof is a point of pride round these parts."

"It is all in how you look at it I guess," Lane said as she tried to get a glimpse of the woman. "So which is she?"

"I don't understand."

"Powerful, influential or dangerous."

Monty's face took on a serious look. "All three," he said in a hushed voice. "Most people around here tolerate her and some even like and respect her but I've seen her when she feels threatened or has been wronged. She's one person I never want to be on the wrong side of if you know what I mean."

Lane shook her head in agreement although she really didn't understand the mentality. The woman sounds like a bully to me.

+ + +

Bryce saw Monty enter the café and knew he must be on a mission. He rarely, if ever, was up that early unless it had to do with business. Once the strawberry blonde woman entered and joined him, she knew why he was there. When the woman came to town six weeks earlier, Bryce noticed her immediately. It was difficult not to take in a newcomer who looked that good. Once she found that the woman would be Monty's new partner, she guessed why he had taken her on. He has his eye-candy new partner out showin' her of todaywonder why. I'm glad he doesn't handle much of my business anymore. As her holdings grew, she gradually eased them away from Monty in favor of a more business orientated firm. She still retained Monty's firm for some of her contract work but that was limited at best. She watched, as the lawyer looked at his breakfast partner – his eyes seemed to be focused on one place – her breasts. Men are such sleazes. She was so intent on the events at the lawyer's table that she almost forgot her father's number one rule at breakfast. Always listen to everything. When she was five and her father brought her there to have breakfast with the boys for the first time, she had asked, Daddy, why don't you ever talk? His answer was simple. Because darlin', by listenin' you can learn so much more. As much as she grew to hate the ritual of breakfast with the boys, she always heeded her father's words - even if you don't like the man it is important to keep your friends close and your enemies even closer. He had been right, and she had honed her skills to the point that she could pick up on the most casual of comment and capitalize on it. She heard the tail end of Roger Briscoe's sentence. I'll be needin' to sell. She knew that the north pasture where Roger grazed some of his cattle was played out due to the lack of any measurable moisture. So he is going to sellhmm what? She took a chance.

"You know Roger, that pasture of mine that butts up to yours on the north hasn't been grazed in two years. You'd be doin' me a big favor if you were to let your stock graze there."

Roger's eyebrows narrowed. "Can't afford that Bryce, but thank ya kindly."

"Not askin' for money." A smile crossed her face. "You really would be helpin' me out." Always make sure you allow those you help out to have their dignity, her father's words echoed.

"Well if it will help you outI guess I can do that."

Bryce's father patted her on the arm and gave her a slight wink. "Need to be gettin' back home."

Bryce nodded. "I'll be along shortly." Pleased with her benevolent gesture towards Roger, she leaned back in her chair so that it rested on two legs. She hooked her booted foot into the rung of her dad's empty chair and listened intently to the other ranchers complain about the weather. As she listened, her eye wandered back to the lawyer's table and was a bit disappointed that they had left. She thought about Monty and his reluctance to share his clients with his last partner. The man is a fool. "Hey, girl you ignoring me?"

Her grey blue eyes leveled Preston Garrett with a look. He had an angry scowl on his face as his eyes bore into her. "Sorry, no, I would never ignore you. What's up?"

"You're in such a givin' mood what you say you sell me my hundred acres."

"It's not your land Prestonyour brother sold it to me. As I told you before, it's not for sale." Brett Garrett hated his older brother so when he needed cash to pay off gambling debts, he offered to sell his hundred acres of the family land to Bryce. The only condition was that she would never sell it to his brother. Ever since, Preston had been after Bryce to sell him land that he felt was his.

"I had an appraiser look it over and I'm willin' to pay you two hundred thousand which is five times more than what it is worth."

Bryce rocked before shaking her head. "You had someone go on my land to appraise it?"

"Everyone knows you stole the land from me by conning my brother into selling it to you just like you con everyone else," the man said belligerently. "Just tell me how much you want for it!"

"You can't afford it Preston."

"Try me."

She had done her homework and knew exactly how much he could afford. "If I tell you a price you will only have sixty seconds to give me an answer."

"Just tell me damn it!"

"The price is a hundred million." A satisfied look crossed her face as the man sputtered before he pounded the table. "Thirty seconds to answer," she taunted.

Preston's face turned red as he rose and lunged at Bryce. "You thiefit's my land."

He was almost upon her when she raised her leg letting her boot catch him in the middle of his stomach. Preston flew backwards and landed on his back on the floor. Instantly, Bryce was on her feet and placed the same boot on the man's chest. "Times up," she chided. "I guess that means you don't want the land." Her smile turned feral. "If you ever come at me like that again it will be the last thing you ever do." She removed her boot and held her hand out to help the man up.

Angrily, Preston slapped her hand away and struggled to his feet. Grabbing at the hat that Bryce was holding out for him, he shook his finger at her. "This isn't over. Your daddy is going to hear about this."

"Go ahead, tell him." She shrugged. "Won't make any difference - the deed is in my name."

"Bitch," he said angrily before taking his niece's arm roughly. "Let's get out of here the stench is overwhelming."

"Guess he will never get it," Bryce said to the stunned onlookers. "I'm not interested in selling." Sitting back down, she picked up her cup, took a sip and once again leaned back in her chair.

+ + +

When she returned to her office from breakfast, Lane went immediately to her computer. She was certain Bryce Clayton was not among Monty's client profiles and had to wonder why. If the woman is as rich as Monty has indicated why didn't I pick up on her name. She raised her eyebrows in thought. I guess she might not be his client but I find that hard to believe. She clicked on the Google search engine and typed in Sam Clayton, Texas. What came up was an extensive listing about the man, his ranch and his philanthropic deeds. But, there was no information regarding his family members other than their names. The she typed in Bryce Clayton, Texas, and came up empty. When she typed Ascensión, Texas, she came up with over three thousand sites. After an hour of searching through empty sites, she rubbed her eyes in frustration. Nothing. Damn what am I missing? Leaning back in her chair she thought for a moment then typed Ascensión. On the second page, she found what she was looking for – AscensiónEnterprises LLC. With her legal pad laid out next to the mouse, she jotted down every pertinent fact about Bryce and her corporation. She owned seven ranches between Dallas and Austin, five farms that grew cotton, wheat and sunflowers in the panhandle and three farms in the Rio Grande valley that produced maze, alfalfa and corn. Together the fifteen properties totaled almost seven hundred and fifty thousand acres. In addition, she owned two feed lots, several farm equipment dealerships and three small convince stores. From the few pictures that were available, the signature blue roof appeared in each one. She jotted down the locations of the nearby ranches then sat back in her chair. So why isn't her file available to me? I've seen all the others. Just then, Monty poked his head in the doorway.

"You ready for a client?"

Focusing her eyes on the man, Lane nodded her head. "Yes."

"Good. Pete Galloway is on his way in. He needs to amend his will to include his new grandson." Monty began to leave then leaned back in. "In the big picture, Galloway is just a little fish but he knows everyone and it won't hurt to have his endorsement. I'm countin' on you to do right by him."

"I won't let you down." She smiled but it wasn't sincere. Wills were mundane and she hated that.

"It'll be good to have him in your corner." He smiled knowingly. "Come Sunday you will meet the real players." With that comment, he left.

Lane tapped her computer to life and clicked on the icon that would allow her access to all the client files. She was tempted to see if she could find anything more about Bryce, but resisted and opened the Galloway account.

+ + +

Barbeques in Texas are events like no other. Lane pulled through the gates of Monty's estate and spotted the white tents and the huge covered smokers. The distinctive smell of burning mesquite filled the air and she was certain that briskets, pork shoulders, sausage and chicken had been smoking through the night. Dozens of men and women all decked out in western attire scurried about setting up tables and readying the area. Monty had told her Friday before she left to make sure she was early. Won't do for my other guests to be there before you darlin'. Smiling, she looked at her wrist watch noting that she was fifteen minutes early.

Monty greeted her with a big hug and pulled her towards a women dressed in a full skirt, cowgirl shirt, boots and hair as big as Texas. "Sarah, this is, Lane Cuthbert," he said with unabashed pride.

The woman's face beamed with a full bright smile. "Why Lane darlin' I have heard so much about you. Please forgive me for not having you to supper sooner."

"Mrs. Geiger it is so lovely to meet you at last."

"I'll have none of that Mrs. Geiger business, my name is Sarah."

Lane liked the woman. She was the personification of what the proper Texas matron should be. "Thank you Sarah. You have a lovely place here."

"Thank you dear. Oh, look the Clayton's have arrived." She beamed. "They are such a lovely couple. I can always count on them to be punctual."

Lane looked in the direction of the newcomers and saw Sam Clayton and a woman she recognized as his wife. "Don't see their daughter with them."

"Bryce? She won't be herenever comes to this sort of thing."

"Really why?"

"Social graces and all that," she whispered behind a cupped hand. Once again, the woman put on her brightest smile as she took Lane's arm and moved towards the couple. "Welcome Margarita and Clayton. It is so good to see you. And this is our guest of honor, Lane Cuthbert."

Lane smiled sweetly while her mind tried to work around the words social graces. Is the Clayton's daughter some sort of misfit? "It is so nice to meet you both," she said as she shook their hands. Margarita Clayton, who Lane knew was from Brazil, was a beauty who time had been extremely kind. Sam Clayton was a distinguished looking man who appeared to be unaware of his wealth and fame. He was tall, trim with dark hair that was streaked with gray that seem to accentuate the grey blue eyes that seemed to shine with merriment.

"Ms. Cuthbert, I do believe I have had the honor of meeting your father on several occasions." Sam smiled broadly. "We served on several committees together over the years."

Lane instantly liked the man. There was nothing pretentious about him. "Yes, he told me to tell you hello and that he looks forward to seeing you again when he comes here to visit."

"You tell him that he is welcome at my ranch anytimeas are you my dear."

It was then, that Lane decided to just ask what she wanted to know. "Will your daughter Bryce, be joining us today?"

Both the Claytons looked at each other and sighed. "Not today."

Margarita was about to elaborate when Sarah interrupted. "Lane darlin', there are other guest arrivin' and you must meet them too. You can chat with Sam and Margarita later." She took Lane's arm and guided her to what looked like a receiving line. "Don't worry, I will be right here by your side to introduce you to everyone."

Lane let out a small sigh before she smiled and held out her hand. Working the crowd was one of her strong points, so Lane visited each table and once again spoke with each potential client. The one person that surprised her was Preston Garrett. When she had seen him at the café, she considered him to be a disreputable character that was carrying on with his niece. What she found when she met him in person, was a very charming gentleman. If he was having relations with his niece, it wasn't evident - he seemed completely devoted to his wife, Marcia. She was a beautiful woman with a trim body and the grace that one gets from years of social gatherings.

She sat down at the table with Preston and his wife Marcia. "Hello again." She gave them her best smile. "I am so glad you came today. It gives me the opportunity to get to know you both better." Lane glanced around the tables. "I don't see Lydia. Did she go home?" She had only spoken to their niece briefly and wanted to spend more time with the girl. Lydia was the only one there close to her own age.

"Oh, she is over there with Margarita," Marcia said pointing to a table in the far corner. "They are probably hashing out Lydia's next menu."

"Menu? I don't understand." Lane thought the pairing of the young girl and older woman odd.

Marcia laughed. "You're new so you don't know." She laughed again as red tinged her cheeks. "I don't cooknever have. So when Lydia came to live with us she volunteered to do the cooking. Margarita spends time with her each Sunday morning showing her how to prepare various traditional dishes. I think they make up menus for the week too."

"Oh, I see. That certainly is very nice of Mrs. Clayton."

"Margarita ran a restaurant at one time and is an excellent cook."

"Enough talk about that sweetheart," Preston said patting his wife's hand. "What made you decide to practice law in these parts Lane?" He thought for a moment then added, "Is it okay if I call you Lane?"

"Of course. As to why I came herewell, I grew tired of the pace of life in Houston and the criminal element. I just love it here," she gushed as sincerely as she could.

"And, we are glad you are here too," Marcia added.

Eventually, as people were leaving, Lane made her way back to Sarah and collapsed in a chair next to her. "I had no idea being sociable was so much work." She laughed. "Thank you for all your help introducing me to everyone Sarah."

The look on the older woman's face was bright and happy and Lane suspected it was more from whiskey than her comment. "I am more than pleased you liked our little get together." Sarah patted Lane's hand and let out a small satisfied sigh. "I think everyone likes you just fine."

When no one else was around, Lane took the opportunity to ask the question that had been rattling around in her brain all day. "Why does Bryce Clayton lack social graces?"

If it was at all possible, Sarah's face lit up brighter. She leaned into Lane and held her hand alongside her mouth. "She doesn't have any people skills. Most people don't like her at all." She giggled softly as if she had just told a deep dark secret.

Lane had to back away fearing she might get drunk from the woman's breath. "Why?"

Sarah leaned in even closer. "She's not nice" The woman let out a small belch, laughed, then looked at Lane as if she had horns. "What were we talking about?"

Just then Monty appeared. "Darling, Jeb has just arrived and I need to introduce Lane." Lane stood up and he took Lane's arm and guided her away from the table. "Please forgive my wife she does like to gossip."

"She's a perfectly delightful woman Monty. She was telling me that Bryce Clayton doesn't come to any functions and I thought that was odd."

Monty stopped mid-stride. "Growing up as a child in an adult world makes it hard for the child to develop normal childhood friendships. Bryce is a wonderful business woman but lacks the experiences to mingle in large crowds. One on one she does okay but this would have overwhelmed her. It's my thinking that being a child prodigy isn't good for social development."

"Does she have any friends?"

Monty continued walking towards the newly arrived visitor. "Ah here we are." He leaned in so only Lane could hear. "You're going to really like this guy and he's not married."

Lane laughed and shook her head. If only you knew, he's not my type Monty. "Jeb Tenant, this is my new partner Lane Cuthbert."

Monty stood there as if he had just made the match of a lifetime. Jeb's face flushed and Lane's showed amusement as she cast her eyes in the direction of Lydia Peterson.

+ + +

As Lane lay in her bed, the events and conversations of the day rambled in her head. The day had certainly held surprises. Lane ticked off all the little secrets that flowed freely from the mouths of those who drank too much. The most surprising tidbit involved the sheriff and Sam Clayton. Apparently, for twenty years they had been at odds to the point that it became a running feud. It seemed that when Joe Don was running for office Sam, whom he had grown up with, refused to support him. Kin folk don't do that a tipsy Maude Santos told her. As it turned out, they really weren't kin but related by marriage.

She was also surprised to learn that the despite outward appearances, most people only tolerated the Claytons. They got more money than God, and don't care who knows it. They need a good takin' down and mark my words one of these days it will happen. Willy Buchanan, a small, but influential rancher told her. That train of thought confused Lane for out of all the people she had met at the barbeque, Sam and Margarita seemed to be the most down to earth. In her job at the Supreme Court, she had met many people who were full of themselves and to her way of thinking, the Clayton's weren't in the running.

It certainly was an odd assortment of people. She recalled Monty's wordswealth is the only thing they have in common. You will learn that some of them have power, some have influence and others are dangerous. As she recalled each person, she started to fit each person into a category. Not too long after that, she fell into a deep sleep.

+ + +

To the casual observer, Bryce Clayton gave the outward appearance of cool, detached confidence that sometimes seemed to border on callousness. Most people considered her to be standoffish which they assumed was the reason for her notable lack of friends. Because of her no nonsense business prowess, along with her, take no prisoners attitude, she was a force that intimidated many and angered the rest. Although those that dealt with her directly on a business or ranching level respected her astuteness, they only tolerated her as a person. In reality, most situations made her feel uncomfortable so she avoided any personal contact with people other than those she needed for successful business negotiations.

Watching the Clayton's attending Saturday afternoon Mass, most would figure she was the dutiful daughter. Although Bryce owned numerous ranches, she lived at her parent's ranch in their home. Out of the four Clayton children, she was the only one that wanted to make a career in ranching. Her sister lived in western Texas with her husband and two children. Both her brothers received MBAs and at a large financial institution in Dallas where they made their homes with their families. That left Bryce the sole child that remained on the home front - where she felt safe and loved.

As she usually did after going with her parents to confession and Mass, Bryce made her weekly inspection of her properties in the area by driving by them. As she drove by the acreage that shared a boundary with the Garrett ranch, she saw Preston standing along the fence line. Bryce could feel her anger grow when she saw the man with binoculars to his eyes apparently scanning her property. How dare he, she thought,I really need to do something about him and soon. When the man looked up and saw her truck stopped nearby he quickly mounted his horse and rode off. Glad that he was gone and satisfied that all her properties were being properly maintained, she headed towards Houston.

For Bryce, the week had been extremely stressful and she needed an outlet for her pent up frustrations. She knew just where to go to find relief. Saturday nights of anonymous, rough, impersonal sex were becoming a necessary part of her existence. The three hour drive to Houston gave Bryce an opportunity to concentrate on a plan to get Preston Garrett out of her life. His constant harassment about the hundred acres was becoming mundane and needed to be stopped. Just as she arrived at the motel where she would spend the night, her plan for his elimination from her life was completed.

As she walked the few short blocks to the bar on Westheimer Street, self loathing for what she was about to do, filled her mind. The beauty of going to Houston for a Saturday night of sex was that no one there would know her or want anything more than a chance encounter. Bryce stood at the door of the bar debating whether to go in or not. After her last visit, she had promised herself she would never go there again, but the need was greater than her resolve. Sighing in resignation, she opened the door and walked into the dark depths. The sound of Annie Lennox singing Here Comes the Rain with its rhythmic beat greeted her. How appropriate she thought as she walked towards the bar.

"What'll it be?" an overly pierced woman asked distractedly.

"Shiner." Once she had her drink she turned around, rested an elbow on the bar, took a long swallow and surveyed the crowd - she knew exactly the type she wanted. It didn't take long. Immediately, her grey blue eyes fixed on her target and held the gaze without breaking contact. The short spiky black hair told her all she needed to know. Yep that'll do. Abhorrence filled every fiber of her being as she watched the woman make her way through the crowd. God what are you doing Bryce? Get a grip and stop now! Yeah right, like that's going to happen. As her objective for the night drew closer, she half heartedly tried to smile seductively. A vacant expression crossed her face as her eyes surveyed the body hungrily. The breasts that heaved above a scoop neck shirt were full and inviting. Shorts that hovered around the woman's upper thighs invited her attention. As her eyes went to the woman's face, she offered a thin smile. Heavy eye make-up adorned hazel eyes, thick foundation and bright red lipstick did nothing to enhance the rather plain features of the woman. But, she wasn't there for looks. She wanted sex – lots of heart pounding hard sex - and the way the woman flaunted her body told Bryce that was exactly what she would get. "Let's get out of here."

Bryce grabbed the woman's hand and rapidly walked the short distance back to the motel - the need for release grew exponentially with each step she took. Unlocking the door then closing it hard behind them, she kissed the woman's lips hard as her hands roughly groped the ample breasts. She tore at the woman's shorts then plunged three fingers deep inside. Wanting control, she pumped the woman hard and when she felt the increased fluid, she pumped harder and deeper until the woman screamed out in release. "Get the rest of your clothes off and get on the bed," she ordered. As Bryce undressed, she scrutinized the naked body on the bed. In turn, the woman licked her lips and Bryce accepted the invitation by placing both knees on either side of the woman's head. They wouldn't exchange names, there would be no passion, love or gentleness only repeated encounters that Bryce hoped would fill the void of loneliness in her life.

Finally, around one in the morning, Bryce had her fill of the woman who was sleeping soundly in the bed. For a long moment, she stared at the door wondering if she would ever keep the promise and abstain from that type of sex. "I doubt it," she whispered as she put her clothes on. Fishing in her pocket for money, she peeled off three hundred dollar bills and put them on top of the woman's clothes. If it made the woman feel like a whore she really didn't care for, that was exactly how Bryce viewed the woman and herself.

Before leaving Houston, Bryce made one more stop - St. Michaels. She had stopped at that particular church every time she visited the city. There was no way she would confess her sin to the priest in her home parish. He would know her and that would be unacceptable. She knew the priest at St. Michaels would accommodate her by listening to her confession. In some small way she hoped that the confession would absolve her of what she had just done and what she was about to do.

Confessing her sins always left Bryce feeling numb and that was exactly how she felt as she drove home. She paid no attention to the speed limits and at times had her truck hovering close to one hundred. She needed to think, she needed to get a handle on her emotions and life – no amount of Hail Mary's or Our Father's would ever really absolve her.

As the sun began to lighten the sky, Bryce found her truck parked on the hundred acres that Preston Garrett so desperately wanted. The pond that was feed by a natural spring was what made the land so valuable and that was where she could find solitude a measure of peace. Out of the corner of her eye, through bushes she saw movement and instinctively turned her head in that direction. In the distance, she saw a horse and rider. Preston! I've had enough of him, she thought angrily as she started through the shrubbery in the direction of the rider.

To be continued...

You can read this story and all EO stories knowing that it is completed and all parts will be posted in a timely fashion. :o)

Constructive commments are always welcomed. Thank you. eorielly@yahoo.com

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