Part Two
© By E. O'Rielly June 2006 eorielly@yahoo.com
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.
At six in the morning, Bryce arrived home. Her initial intention was to be there earlier but the events at the hundred acres prevented that. With stealth-like determination, she turned the knob of the kitchen door. She prayed that this time her mother would be in the bathroom, bedroom or anywhere but on the other side.
Her mother frowned. “Isto é hora de chegar em casa?” She always spoke in Portuguese when she was angry with her daughter. “Não respeita nossa família ?” The disappointment was evident in her eyes and even if Bryce hadn’t known Portuguese the message was clear – her mother disapproved of her actions.
Bryce hung her head. "I'm sorry." The guilt she felt over the night of lust and her lack of judgment assured that no one was more disappointed in her than she was.
"Your father will be ready to go shortly. Go get yourself cleaned up."
"Yes ma'am."
"And don't let him see you looking like that." She waved the wooden spoon she held in her hand at Bryce's body. "One day it will catch up with you. Find yourself a good man and settle down before it is too late." She turned back to the stove and Bryce began to leave. "You better stop at the church for confession." Margarita shook her head and returned her attention to her meal preparation. Lydia will be arriving soon for our cooking session.
She needed to hurry if she was to be ready in time. Bryce's room was on the opposite side of the house, which assured her that she would not run into her father. If it was up to her, she wouldn't go to the café for the little informal meetings but her father insisted that she attend therefore she did. She loathed the small talk, the food and most of all the men who always seemed to be puffed up with self-importance. Today, she would go with her father and sit there, listen for a short time then excuse herself.
+ + +
She walked next to her father out to the parked vehicles. When he opened the Expedition's door and she went to her own truck he frowned. "I'll drive myself in Daddy. I need to take care of some business before I come back here." Bryce knew that if she said the word business her father would understand and not make a fuss about not going into town together. She walked into the familiar section of the café and noticed the usual crowd sitting around the tables making small talk. As everyone greeted them she thought, God I hate this and diverted her gaze to the floor. Her greatest fear at that moment was that if anyone looked in her eyes they would see the sins that she had committed. With a silent, sullen expression and vigilant attention, she listened for any innuendo that might indicate that everyone there knew her secret. She jerked her head up when the conversation turned to Preston Garrett and why he wasn't there yet. She didn't know who it was, but someone asked, "Anyone seen Pres? It's not like him to be late." Her eyes shifted erratically from one person to the next as she searched each face for any hint that any of them really cared where the man was. His sins were more reprehensible than hers were and everyone there needed to know that. "We're better off without him here. The man is an idiot who gets off banging his niece." Every set of eyes looked at Bryce in disbelief. She heard a sharp intake of a breath from her father and knew he was upset. She lowered her head and focused on the plate of eggs. She wasn't sorry for her words for it was her opinion that the world was better off with Preston Garrett out of the picture. She abhorred the man and he made her skin crawl whenever he was around. On one of her trips to Houston, he had spotted her going into a bar and mentioned it anytime he thought she needed goading. A look in the man's eye that told her he knew her secret and for Bryce, that was unsettling and unacceptable. She had spent the better part of her life hiding who she was. To most folks she was the whiz kid who made it big. A majority of people liked her, or so she thought, but she often wondered if it was the name they liked and not the person. She had never gone out of her way to seek out people as friends so she had no real way of gauging what anyone thought. She kept to herself and that was exactly how she wanted it to be. Her first lesbian encounter was when she was in graduate school and decided to take a course on women's issues. She had never had any interest in men but found women to be fascinating. Often she would spend time sitting on a bench in Zilker Park and watch as women jogged by. She loved the way women's bodies moved and often became so aroused by them that she would have to hurry back to her apartment and masturbate. The course instructor, Colleen Goodson, took a special interest in her and once the course was completed, took Bryce to her bed. For the professor, it was nothing more than a one-night stand. However, for Bryce, it was love. Her pursuit of the woman bordered on fanatical - she sent flowers, called or just dropped by Colleen's residence. At last, Bryce's persistence seemed to pay off when she received a call to attend to a private meeting with her former teacher.
+
"You have been stalking and harassing me for a month now and it must stop." Bryce didn't understand. "Why? I love you I want to be with you." "What do you think your parents would say if they knew?" "How would they find out?" "The Clayton name is legend around these parts. I wonder what would happen if I went to the police and filed a complaint against you." It then became clear to Bryce what the implications of her actions were. "Are you blackmailing me?" For a long moment, Colleen just stared at the younger woman. "I guess in a way I am. I want you to leave me alone." "What if I can't?" Bryce's heart was breaking. She wanted Colleen in her life forever and didn't know why she didn't feel the same. "For someone so smart you certainly are dense. I want you out of my life" "But, we made love." "It was a one nighter. It was nothing more than a good roll in the hay." No event in her life had prepared Bryce for an emotional discussion with a person she loved. Most of her relationship revolved around work or school and the professor was her first real friend. "But" "But nothing. Now here's the deal, you pay me fifty thousand dollars and I won't call the police or go to your parents. In addition, you will never contact me again." Colleen saw at the confused look on Bryce's face. "Do you understand?" She understood and fished her checkbook out of her bag. Never again would she allow anyone into her heart.
+
That had been fifteen years earlier and the check remained uncashed. Bryce figured the woman was using it as proof of her guilt. Guilt that was what it was all about and now she needed to seek out a priest for absolution. The priest at St. Michaels was a tired old man who only gave her Hail Mary's and Our Father's for her sins. He only listened because he knew she would leave a big donation. Other than that, he wanted to be done with her so he could go back to bed. What she needed was to have absolution for all her sins; most of which, in all likelihood she would do again. The ten prayers she rattled off were, to her mind, not enough of a penance. She had done the unthinkable and needed someone to tell her she was okay and that she wasn't sick or a deviant but would find salvation. Who am I kidding? The priest will tell me how evil I am. Nevertheless, she would drive the ninety minutes to the Killeen parish and confess her sins there. Perhaps by telling someone else, some of the burden of what I've done might lift from my soul.It won't take that long and I'll be back to the house in time for dinner. She closed the curtain and slid open the small door, waited then said, "Forgive me Father for I have sinned"
+ + +
It was a little after one and she was late for Sunday dinner. She jumped out of her truck and picked up her pace by walking quickly towards the house. When she opened the door and entered the kitchen her mother frowned. "You're late." "I know I'm sorryI had to wait for confession." She knew if she said church, her mother would forgive her lateness. When her father came into the kitchen, he looked at her with anger. "I see you're finally here." Bryce looked downward and was ready to explain her lateness when her mother interrupted. "It is fine Sam she was at church." Sam growled, "Come with me." He walked away without looking to see if she was following him – he knew she would. Once they were in the living room, Sam turned and said, "How could you have embarrassed me and this family?" Taken aback for a moment, Bryce wondered, does he know? "I'm sorry I don't know what you mean." Sam's face reddened. "This morning in the café and that crack you made about Garrett. Do you know how hard I have worked to keep our family's reputation above reproach?" His eyes bore into her. "Do you have any idea what the others thought?" Relieved that her comments at the café were all that her father was upset about, Bryce sighed. "I'm sorry. He has been on my case ever since I bought Brett's land." "Then be done with it, sell him the land." "Can't do that I promised Brett I wouldn't." Sam pointed in Bryce's direction. "I better not hear that kind of talk out of your mouth again girl. Do I make myself clear?" "Yes, perfectly." Margarita stood in the doorway and decided it was time to resolve the tension between her husband and daughter. "Come on you two, the food is getting cold." Without protest, Sam and Bryce followed her. Once seated at the table, they all crossed themselves and joined hands as Margarita asked a blessing.
+ + +
The sound of the buzzer indicating someone was at the front gate had everyone at the kitchen table turning towards the sound. "What now!" Sam barked as he scrapped his chair across the tile floor. "Is anyone expecting company?" Both women replied no before Sam went into the other room and pushed the intercom button. "Yes." "It's the sheriff and I need to speak with you." Sam pressed the button to open the gates and went back into the kitchen. "Sheriff said he needs to see me." "Sit, finish your meal it will take him five minutes to get here," Margarita said. The sheriff made his way up the long winding driveway to the Clayton house. I've been waiting for twenty years to pin something on Clayton and my chance has arrived at last.Maybe it won't be Sam but his daughter is close enough. Pulling his vehicle to a halt, he turned off the ignition, opened his door and allowed his long frame to slide out of the truck. A smile played around his lips as he anticipated the look on Sam Clayton's face when he arrested his precious daughter Bryce. His gut told him that she had murdered Preston Garrett and now he just needed to find the proverbial nail. Sam heard the slamming of a truck door. He got up, went to the front door, pushed open the screen and walked out onto the front porch. "Joe Don, what brings you out this way?" Sam asked as he stepped off his front porch and headed in the direction of the sheriff. "Need to see Bryce." "Bryce thought you said you wanted to see me." The sheriff let out a sarcastic snicker. "Had I said your daughter's name would you have let me in?" Anger flared in Sam's eyes. "You already know the answer to that. What do you want with her?" "Just need to ask her some questions." "About what?" "Will you please get her for me?" "First, I want to know what this is about," Clayton demanded. The sheriff removed his sunglasses and leveled his eyes. "I need to speak with Bryce now." Sam turned and started for the house then, for a moment, hesitated before turning again. "This better be good Joe Don. I won't have you harassing my family over something that you and I started a long time ago." Joe Don nodded. "Oh it's good. I promise you that." He knew half the town would be slapping him on the back for bringing down the mighty Claytons. "You better come on in then." He held the screen door open and once the sheriff was inside, he directed him to the study. "Wait here, she'll be right with you." "Thank you kindly, Sam. It's been a while since I've been here." Margarita appeared in the study's doorway. "Can I get you a cold drink?" She didn't like the man but he was a guest in her home and she would treat him as such. "Why that would be might nice of you. The sun is brutal today." Once Margarita left the room, Joe Don let out a small, silent whoop. Ever since Sam had refused to back him in his run for sheriff, he had always been looking for a way to get revenge. And, thanks to Sam's daughter, my big chance has arrived at last.
+ + +
Bryce entered the room, sized up the man looking out the window then spoke. "Sheriff, what can I do for you?" "Answer a few questions," the man said over his shoulder before turning around. She eyed the man cautiously. "Okay," "Can you tell me your whereabouts last night?" Self-satisfaction filled him as he saw Sam standing behind his daughter. "I don't see that is any of your business." Bryce's back stiffened. She didn't like the man – never had. For a fleeting second she wondered if he knew about what she had done. How could he? "What does this pertain to?" Sam asked trying to defuse the tension in his daughter. " Preston Garrett. We found him dead in his pasture this morning. You know the one right next to that property Bryce bought from Brett." The sheriff noted that Sam appeared visibly shaken while Bryce, looking at her feet, didn't seem surprised by the news. "Did he have a heart attack?" "No, looks like foul play." He watched as Sam realized why he was there. "I understand that your daughter and Preston had some sort of altercation last week." "More than just last week," Bryce said tersely as she gave the sheriff her full attention. "That man's been after me ever since his brother sold me that parcel of land." "Made you pretty angry did it?" Cold, grey blue eyes pointed in the direction of the sheriff. "Not particularly." "Where were you last night?" "Out of town." "Do you have someone that can substantiate that?" "My word is good enough." There was no way she going to tell the sheriff or anyone where she was and what she was doing. "Mind if I take a look around?" Sam, realizing that the sheriff suspected his daughter answered. "Do you have a warrant?" "No." "Then I suggest you get one." The sheriff sputtered as anger towards Sam's arrogance tried to get the best of him. "I haven't finished yet." "Yes you have." Sam stepped towards the man. "Unless you have something other than vague innuendoes you need to leave now." "Fine, I'll get a warrant and be back. Meanwhile, I'll station my deputies around the property to make sure nothing gets moved or changed." "You'll have to do that from the road Sheriff. Right now you are trespassing on my property." The sheriff's face grew red. "I'll be back before you know it." Once the man had left the room, Sam turned towards his daughter standing at the window. "Anything you need to tell me girl?" "Nope. Guess Monty is the one I should call to come out heremy other lawyers couldn't get here in time. I'm sure Joe Don will have no problem getting a warrant from his good friend Judge Martinez."
+ + +
Bryce had listened to the man's excuse and smiled. "You know Monty I really don't care where you are I need you here now." "My new partner is very well qualified to handle this Bryce." "Listen, I don't want your piece of fluff I want you." "Fluff? Bryce I'm surprised you would say that. If you checked Lane out at all you would know she had a ninety percent conviction rate as an ADA in Houston." Bryce took a moment to collect her thoughts. Although she had expected the sheriff's visit, it had rattled her just the same. There was no way she wanted anyone to know where she had been or did the night before and that meant she needed a lawyer. It was her good fortune that Monty was in the DC airport and had no way of getting back in time. With an exaggerated sigh of conciliation, she said, "Send her out here right away." A smile curled around Bryce's lips. She knew all about Lane Cuthbert – she had checked her out the day she arrived in town. She knew where the lawyer lived and had lived, how much money she had and owed. It took several days of digging but in the end, she was able to find out all of Lane Cuthbert's likes, dislikes and just about everything else about her. It is funny how much information people will give up without asking to see any credentials.Even the woman's mother rambled on and on about her 'little girl'.She is ten times the lawyer that Monty is. This is working out fantastically. Monty's new partner is precisely who I'll need. She let out a small laugh. And she's far better to look at.Yep, she will be perfect.
+ + +
While she passed by the high fences that lined the Clayton Ranch, Lane still reeled from her conversation with Monty. When she turned into the drive for the ranch, she was surprised at the rather plain unpretentious entrance. A wrought iron gate with a C in the middle blocked access and on an arch above the gate in intricate scrollwork appeared the name Clayton with a wooden sign proclaiming, Tierra de Espíritu, below it. I wonder which spirits are here she thought as she stopped, lowered her window and reached out to a gooseneck panel. She pressed the call button.
Monty was unclear as to why she should drop everything and git your butt out to the Clayton Ranch. All she knew was that someone on the ranch needed legal advice and it couldn't wait until the next day. Her guess was Sam Clayton since she doubted his wife or the other ranch employees could have convinced Monty to send one of his lawyers out on such short notice. Besides, he called me and not the others, which tells me the person is a major client. A sheriff's car sitting at the nearside of the gate had her wondering just what was going on. Maybe this will be the big case I'm hoping for more likely its just some rich guy wanting his way. But, there is that police car. Hmm, maybe some important dignitary is visiting and needs protectionand a lawyer.
She looked down at her attire and laughed. Well at least he will know I dropped everything to be here. She had been painting the living room in her new home when the call came. Her clothes consisted of baggy old sweats and an old worn out Colombia tee shirt that had paint splatters all over it.
Lane blinked when a pleasant voice said, "Yes."
"I'm Lane Cuthbert and I have an appointment with Mr. Clayton."
No sooner had Lane completed her sentence than the black gates began to part. She engaged the gears of her BMW and as it crept through the opening, she got a better look at the man sitting in the patrol car. The gates closed behind her and she proceeded down the long winding dirt road of the large, rambling ranch. The pastures on either side had several horses grazing lazily on the lush green grass. As she approached the main house, she was again surprised at the lack of grandeur that one might expect from one of the richest families in the state. The white shingled house, not unlike numerous other ranch houses she had seen, was a sprawling single level structure.
Margarita Clayton greeted her. "Why Ms. Cuthbert it is so nice to see you again. Follow me please." She led Lane into the study and said, "Please wait here."
It's obvious that the wife doesn't need my help. Lane's eyes took in the room as she walked further inside. Pictures of Sam Clayton and various people adorned one wall. Upon further inspection, she saw that he stood with pride along side every president since Johnson. She also noted several photos in which he appeared with several recognizable past and present world leaders. On another wall hung a diploma from A&M along with many honorary degrees and various civic commendations.
She leaned in to get a closer look at one of the plaques when she heard someone clear her throat. When she turned, she saw the most incredible woman who oozed money, power and sexuality standing in the doorway. This must be the infamous Bryce. There was no denying that the woman was beautiful and Lane felt her knees weaken at the sight of her. The woman was tall and if one didn't know, she was of Spanish heritage they would think she had a perpetual tan. The skin, along with the jet-black hair set off the icy, grey blue eyes that spoke of hidden anger and danger. Hmm, I wonder if Sam Clayton's daughter needs my help.
"Do you make it a practice to invade people's privacy by snooping?" Bryce took in the woman noting that her attire indicated that she must have dropped everything when Monty called.
In Lane's experiences as a prosecutor, she had met many dangerous individuals so the woman's posture and words hadn't fazed her. She held out her hand. "Lane Cuthbert. Monty Geiger sent me. Are you the one that needs legal advice?"
Bryce walked towards the smaller woman, took the small warm hand and firmly shook. "I want you to know you aren't my choice but since Monty is out of town and I'm in need of immediate legal services, you will have to do."
Nope she isn't going to intimidate me. "Why have you called me out here?"
"The sheriff was here inquiring about the murder of Preston Garrett and wanted to search the property. My father told him he needed a warrant so he went to get one. You're here to protect my interests."
Preston Garrett was murdered! Lane's heart sped up. Maybe I am going to get that big break after all. "That's easy enough to do. Tell me exactly what he said."
Bryce related the conversation and when she finished waited for the inevitable question.
"Where were you in Houston?"
"That is none of your business."
"It is if you want me to help you," Lane countered.
Her eyes became dark and menacing and her jaw clenched as Bryce stood up. "Look, I was in Houston that's all you need to know."
For a moment, the woman's posture took Lane by surprise. She certainly looks threatening. There was no doubt that the woman was hiding something and the possibility that it was her compliance in the murder loomed heavy. It was at that moment that Lane decided against asking whether the woman was guilty or not. In spite of the woman's antagonism, Lane's tone remained calm. "Is there someone in Houston who can vouch for you?"
I don't even know the name much less how to find her. "No."
"Well, let's wait and see what the warrant says. If we know what they are searching for it will give us a better idea of what they think they have."
When the sheriff arrived, Lane read the warrant that allowed the police to search the stables, tack rooms and any bedroom that Bryce occupied. She lives here. Now that's a surprise.
Bryce stalked the investigators as they rifled through her belongings. When they removed and placed her prize whip in a paper bag, she glowered. "Hey you can't take that!"
"Counselor you should remind your client that the warrant says we can take anything we consider evidence," the sheriff said.
"He's right Bryce."
"But my granddaddy made that for me."
"You'll get it back," Lane assured.
The sheriff smiled with confidence as he continued his search. He was going to nail Bryce if it was the last thing he did. The Clayton's are going down.
The search was completed an hour later and several officers left with several paper bags in their possession. The deputies collected items from the tack room, the mudroom and Bryce's bedroom.
"We are all done here."
"Where is my inventory?"
"Inventory, why it's right here ma'am." Joe Don's smile was insincere as he looked past Lane to Bryce. "I need to ask you a few questions."
"I already told you all I'm going to." Fire burned in Bryce's eyes as they bore into the man.
"Now Bryce, you didn't really answer any of my questions. Why don't we sit down and have a little chat."
Bryce rose up to her full height and started towards the sheriff. Lane reached out and took the woman's arm preventing her from going further. "Of course we will speak with you Sheriff." Her eyes focused on her client. "Won't we?"
With reluctance, Bryce nodded her head and sat down.
Pleased with what could only be termed a victory, the sheriff gave both women his most condescending look. "Where were ya last night Bryce?"
With teeth clenched, Bryce stared at the man with a snarl. "I already told you I was out of town." Lane bent in and whispered then Bryce added, "I was in Houston."
"Where in Houston."
"A bar."
"What's the name of the bar?"
"Don't remember."
Joe Don looked at Bryce and raised an eyebrow. "Anyone there that can confirm your whereabouts?"
A low growl emanated from the dark haired woman whose eyes blazed with anger. Lane felt the rage and tried to diffuse the situation. "She has told you she doesn't know Sheriff either move on or this interview is over."
The sheriff shrugged. "Fine, where were you early this morning?"
Trying to squelch the growing fury, Bryce took a deep breath. "Home, I was home."
"You don't like Preston Garrett much do ya?"
"The man is a sleaze."
"I hear tell that you said everyone was better off without him just this morning."
Bryce's eyes fixed on the man. "Who told you that?"
Baffled by the look, the sheriff made a notation in his small notebook then continued. "I seem to recall you are real good with a whip Bryce. When was the last time you used yours?"
Bryce's brow creased. "I want my granddaddy's whip back."
"When did you last use it?"
"I said," Bryce's voice lowered and her eyes narrowed to slits. "I want my granddaddy's whip back." Bryce was on her feet.
Lane wasted no time in standing up next to her client and placing a strong hand on a clenched hand. "Unless you are arresting my client Sheriff this interview is over." To her ears, the sheriff's tone had taken on the sound of accusations rather than questions. From her stint as an assistant district attorney, she could tell he hadn't done many interviews.
Knowing that he would get nothing more, the sheriff stood up and tipped his hat. "I'll see myself out. Ya'll have a good day now."
Sam met the sheriff as he was leaving the study. "Joe Don, you and I have had our differences I hope you don't plan on expanding that to include my daughter."
"Wouldn't think of it Sam. I'm just following procedure in tryin' to find out who killed Preston." A sly smile crossed his face as he eyed his sworn enemy. "You didn't kill him did you Sam?"
Joe Don tried to bait Sam on every occasion and this was no exception. Sam pushed open the screen door. "Let me get the door for you Sheriff,"
Once the Sheriff had left, Sam made his way back to the study. His eyes did a quick survey of the room. The lawyer that Monty had sent was bent over a yellow legal pad scribbling notes and his daughter was standing at the window. "Has he left?" His voice disrupted the silence.
Startled, Lane looked up. "As far as I know."
With an ironic smile Sam said, "Sorry little lady, I was askin' Bryce."
Without turning, Bryce answered absently. "Yeah, I can't see his taillights anymore." She stood at the window for a few more minutes then turned towards Lane. "You're the hotshot DA, what do you think will happen next."
Lane put down her pen, drew in a deep breath and rubbed her hand across her face. "Actually, I was an assistant not the DA. If it was me, I would sit on the medical examiner and the crime team until they had preliminary results." She gave a slight tug to her lower lip. "It is likely they already have a cursory report from the medical examiner's initial examination. That's probably why he was asking about the whip, one must have been used."
"Not mine!" Bryce folded her arms akimbo much as a bad-tempered child might.
Lane could feel the deep seated anger bubbling just beneath the surface of her client. "No one said it was yours."
With the mention of the whip her grandfather had given her, Bryce felt her anger begin to flare again. "They took my granddaddy's whip seems to me they were saying just that."
Sam moved to his daughter and put an arm around her shoulders. "What else?"
Glad that the man had taken control of his daughter's emotional state, Lane continued. "If I were the DA in this, once I had any evidence of guilt I would convene a Grand Jury, present them with the evidence and request an indictment."
"How long?" Sam asked.
"Could be weeks or months it all depends on if they find any substantial evidence. If all they have is the antagonism that Bryce and this Garrett fellow had for each other it will be a stretch to prove she killed him."
Sam's face filled with worry. "What should we do in the meantime?"
Lane began gathering up her notes and placed them in her briefcase. "Nothing. Go on about your business. I will keep in touch." She saw the deep concern etched on Sam's face. "Don't go worrin' just yet." She stood up and held out her hand and Sam shook it. Her voice softened. "I won't let anything happen to her," Then she focused on Bryce, and offered her hand.
Bryce looked at the hand as if no one had ever done that to her before. When she reached out and took it, her hold was gentle and warm. "Thanks." She let go and offered a business card. "You can call me at this number if you need to contact me."
Lane hid her surprise. The woman is a Jekyll and Hyde. "I'll be in touch," she said again as she left the room.
Sam gathered his daughter in a loving bear hug. "It is all going to be ok I promise."
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