~ Deception ~  

Part Three

© 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. Special Thank You: To my friends T and Kay for giving me invaluable feedback

True to Lane's prediction, a Grand Jury convened the following week. Since all proceedings in a Grand Jury are secret and witnesses cannot have representation, Lane advised Bryce to decline testifying. The last thing she wanted her client to do was go into the inquisition and be blindsided by the DA. On more than one occasion during her stint as an ADA, Lane had found the use of a Grand Jury a useful tool for cases that were sometimes weak.

Three weeks later, the Grand Jury handed down an indictment for Bryce Clayton, charging her with second-degree murder. Armed with the indictment, the sheriff and six deputies arrived at the Clayton ranch. "Bryce Clayton, you are under arrest for the murder of Preston Garrett. You have the right to remain" The sheriff rattled off the mandatory Miranda reading before placing her wrists behind her back, handcuffing her and leading her away from her home to the waiting patrol car.

Lane received a frantic call from Bryce's mother, informing her of the events. "Sam and I will be in town shortly. Where should we meet you?"

The news hadn't surprised Lane for she knew something was imminent when, earlier that morning, she saw a myriad of television camera jockeying for positions outside the courthouse. "I'm on my way to the sheriff's office now. Reporters are all over the place so this will probably be a circus. Use the back entrance to the sheriff's office and I'll meet you there."

"Ok," Margarita's voice had a slight tremor.

Lane's voice softened. "I will take good care of her."

"Thank you."

Once Lane had hung up the phone, she gathered her briefcase and went out the door towards what she knew would be her rising star.

The convening of the Grand Jury to hear evidence that might lead to the arrest of a prominent Texas rancher, was big news. The tall antennas of news trucks from Dallas, Austin and San Antonio's local stations along with major news outlets lined the streets. As she arrived at the sheriff's office, Lane felt the tingle of excitement knowing that this was her big break. A smile crossed her face as she saw a reporter she knew from Court TV and nodded confidently. Her attention then turned to the patrol car, with lights whirling, pulling up in front of the sheriff's office. Joe Don Wilkins exited and quickly moved around the vehicle and opened the back door. He grabbed Bryce by the arm and unceremoniously guided her out of the vehicle and took her inside. It was a feeding frenzy for the media as questions shouted in Bryce's direction while the cameras filmed her humiliation.

Elbowing her way through the crowd, Lane arrived at Bryce's side. "Don't say anything. Did you tell them you wanted your lawyer?"

"Yes."

"Good."

"Sheriff, I am Lane Cuthbert, Ms. Clayton's lawyer. Once you've booked her I will need to speak with her."

"No need for all that formality missy. You'll get your chance once she's been fingerprinted and booked." Joe Don's face held a satisfied look as he waited to hand his prisoner over to another officer.

For the first time, Bryce looked directly at Lane sighed and gave her a partial smile of thanks.

"Miss Cuthbert you haven't been here that long. You're gonna find we are pretty relaxed around here most of the time but we take the murder of one of our own seriously." Joe Don lifted off his hat, scratched his head and looked around. "Who the hell called all those vultures out there?"

Bryce grinned broadly. "Like you don't know Joe Don."

The sheriff scowled. "Git her to booking," he said smugly before turning to Lane. "You can wait over there." He pointed to a small room with a table and several chairs.

"Where's the DA? I would like to speak to him."

A satisfied smile crossed Joe Don's face. "He's not available right nowout of town I think."

Lane knew it was a stalling tactic on the DA's part. This was a big case and the DA's supposedly not being there was a curious move.  

+ + +

The time finally came for Lane to meet with her client. "Sit down and tell me what you said to the sheriff."

"I didn't tell him anything," Bryce said defensively. "The man came to my home to arrest me so I wasn't going to say a word."

"Good. Obviously, they had enough evidence that they could convince the Grand Jury you are guilty." Lane looked at her client with pleading eyes. "Will you tell me where you were that Saturday night?"

"It isn't relevant."

"It damn well is - your life depends on it. At some point you are going to have to tell me where you were and if anyone can corroborate that." The icy gaze that Lane received surprised her. "I will file a motion for discovery but first we need to get you out of here. How much bail money are you willing to put up?"

Bryce nodded. "As much as is needed." Quietly she inwardly smiled. She's definitely the lawyer I want on my side. The DA will be way out of his league.

Lane opened the door and saw a short round man with a balding head in his early forties speaking casually with the sheriff. The sheriff nodded towards her and the man turned around and gave her a once over. When his eyes finally tracked to her face, he smiled warmly, walked towards her and held out his hand. "Danny Kunkle."

Once the Grand Jury was convened, Lane had checked the DA out and she knew instantly who the man was. Lane gripped the hand - it was limp and wet. "Nice to meet you. I would like to discuss what evidence you have."

"Now I don't have all the information with me but I will share what I remember." His relaxed smile didn't reach his eyes.

Liar. For now, I'll take whatever he gives me. "Thank you," she said as she motioned for him to join her in the room.

The sheriff asked, "You done with your client?

Lane leaned into Bryce and whispered, "You need to be held until the bail hearingI'll see to it that it won't be long. Go with the sheriff and be goodremember, they are watching your every move hoping you'll make a mistake so they will have more against you."

Bryce closed her eyes in agreement and stood up. "Let's go," she said to the sheriff not flinching when the man took her arm.

Lane followed them, patted Bryce on the shoulder, closed the door and turned back to the DA. "Ok, let's talk."

The DA rubbed his head as if he was trying to recall information Lane was sure he had. "The coroner's report indicated that Preston died as a result of a broken neck that was precipitated by a whip being wrapped around his neck. We think that when the whip was pulled he fell off his horse which caused his neck to snap." An arrogant, satisfied smile crossed the man's face as his eyes sized up Lane's reaction had to the information. When he saw no reaction he continued. "From what I remember, the coroner put the time of death between three and seven AM." He smiled in satisfaction. "I don't believe your client has an alibi."

"That doesn't mean she killed him."

"I might not be a big city DA but your client can't account for where she was at the time of murder. That fact, along with a history of animosity she had with the victim, the only conclusion I can come to is she killed him." His eyes narrowed. "If she pleads guilty now I can go for man one."

Lane shook her head in disbelief. "You're kidding right?" When the man lifted one shoulder and slightly moved his head, she let out a sound of disgust. "Have you questioned anyone else?"

"The sheriff conducted extensive interviews."

"How many and with who?" Lane raised an eyebrow. "Do you have a witness?"

The DA refused to answer as he looked directly at Lane and let out a self-satisfied laugh. "Bet Monty is glad he's out of town for this one." He continued to chuckle. "You got the short end of the stick for your first case around these parts."

"I didn't get the short end of anything. I want all the evidence you have against my client. Surely you have more than an acrimonious relationship with Garrett."

Kunkle went silent. "I know all about your track record in Houston and you probably think that out here in the hill country we don't know what we are doing but I can assure you that isn't the case. I am a very good attorney and the case I have against your client is solid."

"How solid?"

"Solid enough for the Grand Jury."

"I will be requesting bail."

Danny laughed. "You can try but you won't get it."

Land looked puzzled. "Why?"

"Flight risk."

"Flight riskhardly. My client has family here, property and businesses, she isn't going anywhere."

"I doubt that the judge will see it that way."

Lane decided to change tactics. "Is the crime scene still secured?"

"Of course, we aren't idiots."

"Will you please give me directions so I can do my own investigation?"

Danny looked long and hard at Lane. "You city folks are all the same aren't you? Think the rest of the world is ten paces behind you. Sure I'll give you directions after the arraignment."

"When will that be?"

The DA looked at his watch. "I'd say in an hour or so." He smiled condescendingly. "Have you spoken with her daddy yet? Bet he's hoppin' mad that she has embarrassed the family like this."

Lane stood up, picked up her briefcase and smiled. "I'll expect discovery as soon as I file the motionnot one second later." With her demeanor and voice in business mode, she said, "I will see you in court." Then she turned and walked out of the room leaving a sputtering DA behind her. If he wants to play it that way, I am more than happy to accommodate him. She pulled out her cell and dialed Sam Clayton's number. She had lost touch with them when she met with their daughter. And, so it begins. She raised an eyebrow as the thought made her smile for she knew this was going to be her time. And, it didn't take long to find the perfect platform.

+ + +

Lane sat in the courtroom with Bryce's parents while they waited for her arraignment.

When Bryce entered, Lane approached her and stood by her side at the defendant's table.

The bailiff said, "Case sixteen thirty-six the State of Texas v Bryce Clayton for murder in the second degree.

The judge asked, "How do you plead?"

"Not guilty your Honor," Lane replied.

"Mr. Kunkle bail?"

"The people request remand."

"Your Honor, Ms. Clayton has no priors - not even a parking ticket. She is an upstanding member of the community with strong family and business ties."

"Your Honor the defendant has her own airplane and a pilot's license. We consider her a flight risk."

Lane was mildly surprised but covered with, "my client will be more than happy to have her plane impounded until the trial is over."

"The defendant is more than capable of buying another plane."

The judge pondered the situation for a moment then made his ruling. "Considering the heinousness of this crime and the means at the disposal of the defendant bail is two million dollars cash, the defendant's plane will be impounded and she will be required to wear a monitor."

An audible gasp filled the courtroom.

Lane was shocked but not because of the amount of bail but because it was granted at all. She wondered if Sam Clayton had any influence over the judge's decision. I didn't think she had a snowball's chance in hell of getting bail. She had participated in enough trials to know that the bail hearing was the first in a long line of skirmishes. Normally, she would have argued that two million dollars was excessive, for it was, but Bryce could more than afford the amount. She would take the victory of getting bail for her client and move on. "Your Honor, we request our right to a speedy trial."

"You sure you want that?"

"Yes your Honor."

The judge consulted at his calendar then looked up. "We will start jury selection on the twenty-third of September. I trust that is speedy enough for you counselor."

"Yes, your Honor, thank you."

"Anything further?" The judge looked first to the DA then to Lane. "Then I will see you both on September twenty-third. Court is adjourned."

Lane turned to Bryce. "We need to post bail before you will be released."

"I don't want to spend the night in jail - do something." Bryce demanded.

"I will do my best, but you will have to spend at least one night in the jail. Two million is a lot of money and unless you have that amount tucked away under your mattress it will take time. "

"Can't we put up Ascensión? It is easily worth that. My father has my power of attorney so he can sign it over.

"They want cash not land," Lane said dryly. The guards were approaching to take Bryce to the jail and Lane took Bryce's arm. "You have a lot more to worry about right now."

"Like what?"

Shaking her head, Lane let out a derisive laugh. "If you can't come up with an alibi for where you were on that Sunday morning you are going to spend a lot more than a night in jail." Lane nodded in the direction of the gallery. "Do you see the media circus you've caused?"

Bryce looked around the courtroom and noticed the various local television personalities. "Why are they all here?"

Lane raised an eyebrow. "Why do you think? You're big news."

"Not more than one night," Bryce's voice threatened.

Bryce's posture and the coldness of her tone caused Lane to pause for a moment. I definitely will never ask her if she did it. She might say yes and then what will I do? A female guard's hand wrapped around Bryce's arm. "Let's go."

Lane watched, as her client was lead out of the courtroom then turned to Sam and Margarita Clayton.

"How long will it take for you to come up with the bail?"

Sam leaned over and whispered in Lane's ear, "I can try to get it together today but I doubt that will happentomorrow for certain." He leaned his head to the left. "We need to watch what we say the guy behind me is a local reporter."

Lane nodded. She was used to the in your face press and knew exactly how to handle them. I'll try the case in the court of public opinion before the judge can issue a gag order. Walking out of the courthouse, Lane heard the DA speaking to the press "Clearly there is a different set of rules for the haves and the have nots. Had the defendant in this case been anyone other than Bryce Clayton, bail would have been denied and they would be spending the next six to eight months in jail. Not only did Ms. Clayton get bail but her trial starts in a relatively short time after the indictmentthe whole scenario smacks of pandering to the rich."

Lane suspected the DA was correct in his assessment of preferential treatment for Bryce, but she would take it as a win for their side. She made her way through the middle of the crowd and it didn't take long before a microphone was shoved in her face. "Ms. Cuthbert did your client do it?"

Lane recognized the man from an interview she had done in Houston. "It seems to me Jeff that the prosecution is in a big hurry to pin the murder of Preston Garrett on my client. Once the evidence comes out I think you will see there was a rush to judgment."

"You didn't answer my question. Did she murder him?"

Lane's brow furrowed and she cocked her head. "Of course she didn'twhat would she gain?" she said with as much conviction as she could. "The question you should be asking is, who else had motive for the murder." Her eyes scanned the multitude of hands all jamming foamy mics in her face. "Now, I really must go." The reporters fired more questions but Lane only waved her hand as she walked quickly towards her office - her point had been made.  

+ + +

Lane parked her car at the edge of the road and looked around for a police car or at least an officer on the scene. There was none. "Real secure crime scene," she muttered as she made her way through a maze of cactus and scrub. Outstretched fingers shaded her eyes as she looked towards David Garcia, the firm's investigator, who was waiting for her about fifty yards ahead. The hot sun, along with the humidity, made standing in the pasture unbearable but she traipsed along towards the man.

"Hey Dave, have you looked around?"

"On this side." He pointed to the left of where he was standing. "Over there is the land that Garrett's brother sold to Clayton."

Lane noted the proximity to Bryce's property and wondered if it was a coincidence that Garrett's murder happened so close to it. If, and that's a big if, Bryce is innocent then maybe someone is trying to frame her. Well I'll know more once I see what evidence the DA has. She put her bag down, fished out a digital camera and snapped several pictures. Ducking under the crime scene tape with David, she stopped and took several other shots. Her eyes scanned the area noticing the outline where the body had fallen. "Will you look around the area and tell me what your take is Dave?"

Carefully the man walked the grid of the crime scene taking pictures of everything. Waving Lane over, he said, "Follow my steps and come over here."

Arriving at the area, Lane saw a boot print and places where one or maybe two horses had been. She took out her camera and snapped pictures from every angle. "Looks like they took castings."

"Yeah, they made it easy for us to see what they were collecting." David laughed and shook his head as he inspected the boot print. "Look at this, they didn't even get the entire impression half the compound was left here."

Lane crouched down and looked at the imprints left by the horses. "Can they trace a horseshoe Dave?" Something was telling her that she needed to check and recheck all the information that the sheriff and DA had.

"Sure can. Do you want me to take impressions?"

"Yeah good idea." She stood up and watched as the man headed for his truck. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught movement and whipped her head around. She saw a large black horse and rider quickly approaching the area. Lifting her camera, she rapidly snapped several shots. David was a hundred yards away at his truck with his back turned to her. Shit!I was safer in downtown Houston with all the people around than out here practically alone. When the rider became clearer and stopped in front of the tape she smiled.

"Hi, I'm sorry about your uncle."

Lydia Peterson smiled and glided off her horse. "Thanks."

"What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to see where it happened. We buried Uncle Pres today and well I guess I was trying to make some sense of it all so I came here." Sounds logicalwhat other reason would she have for being here.

Lane smiled. She certainly appears as though she cared about her uncle - "I'm sure he will be missed by many."

Lydia's eyes looked at the truck and the man walking towards them. "Who's that?"

"That's my investigator David Garcia."

Shaking her head in understanding, Lydia frowned. "I heard you are defending Bryce."

"Yes I am." Lane watched as the girl started in the direction of the crime scene. Holding up a hand Lane cautioned, "Can you wait a minute? We're still investigating the area."

"Oh, sorry." Lydia's face appeared to pale when she saw the outline of the body. "She did it you know."

Lane kept her voice steady. "What makes you think that?"

"She hated my uncle. He told me she wanted all his land and would stop at nothing to get it."

"I see." Lane doubted the truth of the statement. Why would she want his land?Bryce has more land and money than she knows what to do with. "How well do you know Bryce?"

"Not at all. I'd see her when I went to the ranch. I tried to talk with her because her mom said she needed friends but Bryce just blew me off."

"Did you feel bad about that?"

 Lydia touched her chest. "Me, feel bad 'cause she didn't want to be my friend? Hardly, I have plenty of friends."

"Hmm." Lane looked over at the horse then back at Lydia. "You ride out here often?"

"Uncle Pres and I used to ride all over the place." A tear trickled down her cheek. "Sure, I guess we rode here sometimes."

Lane saw the tear and wondered if it was genuine or for appearances. "Can you tell me which way is Bryce's propertythe hundred acres?" she asked wanting to confirm what she already knew.

"Yeah, it is right over there on the other side of the barbwire."

Looking again at the younger woman, she noticed her striking good looks. Boldly, Lane took in the woman's body. The short blonde hair sticking raggedly out of her baseball cap gave her a boyish appearance. But, that was the only part of her body that resembled a male – nipples, on breasts that seemed to be just a bit fuller than what would be the right size for her proportions, stood at attention. Implants? Even under the jeans, Lane could tell that her legs were shapely. Amused green eyes seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. When their eyes met, Lane saw what she had hoped for – desire. She had seen enough I want you eyes. Hmm things are looking up. "I'm heading back to town in a little bit would you care to join me there for supper later on?"

It was Lydia's turn to give Lane's body a once over. She smiled and nodded, "I'd like that."

"Good." Lane smiled fully. "Shall we meet around seven at the Trail Head?"

 Lydia smiled shyly as she back stepped towards her horse. "I'll see you then." She mounted the mare, gently kicked the flanks before waving goodbye.

As Lane watched Lydia ride away, she grinned. The day is looking up. She walked back towards the investigator who had squatted to get an eyelevel view of the various tracks.

"What's your take Dave?"

"Looks to me like there were two horses that came from that direction." He pointed to the east. "Looks like they were galloping then came to a sudden stop here." His fingers indicated the shoe prints Lane had looked at earlier.

"Then what?"

"Somehow the one in front found themselves on the ground."

"Did he get up after the fall?"

"Don't see any evidence of that Lane."

Lane looked around at the myriad of footprints around the area. "Did the other rider get off their horse?" She scratched her head. "Guess that will be hard to determine with all the other prints."

"Once again they helped us with that Lane." He pointed to a lone boot print that still held some of the compound used to make an impression. "This one is right next to the horse. Looks like they started to get off then decided against it." He shrugged. "Maybe they saw he was dead." His fingers circled around the impression. "See how deep the imprint is right here?"

"Yes. What does that mean?"

"All the weight was on one foot. I suppose the person could have covered their tracks and didn't get the one from mounting the horse but I kinda doubt that."

"Why?"

"Mainly because the rest of the prints are undisturbed."

"Which foot?"

"The left."

Lane sucked in her cheek in and bit it slightly. "Ok, will you drop off your findings and report at my office when you're finished?" She saw the man nod his head. "Thanks Dave." She walked towards her vehicle then stopped. "Dave?"

"Yeah."

"Will you search beyond the area to the east and see if you can find something they might have missed?"

"Sure."

"And, check over there on Bryce's land too." Satisfied she had covered everything; she started her car.  

+ + +

Lane returned home and saw that she had two phone messages. Pressing play, she heard the familiar voice of her father. "Lanie, it sounds like you have a big one. I saw you on the news you looked good. Call me later." Lane smiled. Her dad would be a good resource at trial time.

The next message was from Sam Clayton. "Ms. Cuthbert, I'll have all the money by nine tomorrow morning. What should I do when I get it?" Glancing at the time, she realized she needed to get ready for her date. Date - hmm I wonder if that is what Lydia thinks it is? Pleased with what the night might hold, she gave the doorjamb a high-five as she went into her bedroom. I'll call Sam Clayton once I've had my shower. The conversation with Sam had taken much longer than she had anticipated and time was running out - Lane still hadn't decided on what to wear. Monty's words, if you're going to make it here you have to fit in, kept running through her head with each outfit she chose. "SHIT!" she screamed. "Okay I can do this." I don't know why I am so nervous she thought as she pulled out a tight fitting black leather skirt and white shirt. Oh yeah, its been a while since I spent time in the company of a gorgeous woman. Rummaging through a drawer, she found a black tank top to complete the outfit. This is probably too dressy but I haven't time to find anything else. Hmm, maybe I can ask Lydia what would be a more suitable wardrobe.Get a grip Lane. You've only met the girl don't be hooking up the U-Haul just yet. Like I would do that. Lydia will just to be a lovely diversion for a while. Laughing, she finished dressing then splashed on just a hint of perfume. She looked in the mirror. "Perfect."  

+ + +

Lydia was already sitting at a table when Lane arrived at the Trail Head Bar and Grill. The place was typical – a large dimly lit room with tables made of dark wood crowded together and the smells of various foods wafting through the air. Lane gave the girl a once over as she approached the table. She looks hot! Lydia stood up. Her face beaming as her eyes lazily took in Lane's body. "Hi. I hope you don't mind that I got us a table. This place fills up fast." Lydia shrugged. "You look amazing in that outfit."

In spite of the dimness of the room, Lane was sure Lydia blushed with her comment. She openly appraised the girl's body. "You look pretty good yourself." Lydia had on jeans that left nothing to the imagination and a crème colored cashmere sweater that clung to the ample breasts with erect nipples.

Once they sat down, the waiter approached the table. "Would you care for anything from the bar?"

"Yes, I'll have a scotch on the rocks." Lane looked at Lydia. "Do you want something?"

"Yeah I'll have the same." Lydia's green eyes twinkled as they reflected the flickering candle on the table.

"I'll need to see some ID," the waiter said.

Annoyed, Lydia pulled her license out of her pocket and handed it to the man. "Here." The man looked at the date, handed it back to her and left. "I hate that! It makes me feel like a little kid." She felt her face heat up as she focused on her napkin. "I'm not that young you know."

Lane bit her tongue to prevent her mouth from saying, do you think I'd be here if you were. She coughed slightly. A change of subject is needed. "I'm so glad we ran into each other today." Lane tilted her head. "This is my first night out since I arrived."

"And you wanted to spend it with me – that is awesome." Lydia tried hard to curb her excitement but couldn't. "I'm really glad you asked me out. It's been a long time since I've been on a date."

She said date. Yep, this night holds promise. Lane couldn't stifle the smile that forced its way onto her face. She eyed the blonde over her glass as she sipped. Wonder what she's like in bed. Chasing the thought from her head she said, "Tell me about yourself Lydia."

"Not much to tell really."

It seemed to Lane that Lydia was deciding whether to continue or not. "I bet it isn't as boring as you think," she said brightly. "Why not just start and if it bores me I'll stop you."

"Okay, but I bet you'll stop me real fast." Lydia opened her mouth, closed it then spoke. "Well, my parents died when the plane my mom was piloting crashed near Dallas. I was an only child so the question of where I was to go came up. My Aunt Marcia was my mom's sister so she said she'd take me."

"That was nice of them."

"Yeah I guess so," Lydia said with an exaggerated sigh.

"You're not happy there?"

For a moment, Lydia had a far away look. "Oh I'm happy there. They treat me like a daughter it's just that"

Lane reached across the table, patted the younger woman's hand and felt the need to cross her legs in reaction to the sensations she felt. "What is it?" Her lawyer instincts told her that this story was anything but boring.

 Lydia looked down at the hand over hers and smiled. "My parents were great friends of Margarita and Sam Clayton. Apparently, my folks were in the process of making them my guardian if anything happened to them. There were a lot of hard feelings over that."

"Where did you want to live?"

"Don't get me wrong, I cared about my aunt and uncle but at the time I really didn't know them that well." She shook her head and wiped a lone tear off her cheek. "Some of my fondest memories of my childhood with my parents were at the Clayton Ranch."

"Did you know Bryce then?"

"She was there but rarely joined in. I remember asking her to play once and she said get lost so I did."

"Did that hurt your feelings?"

"At the time, yes but my mom explained that Bryce was fifteen years older than me and she didn't play anymore." Again, she shrugged and sadness filled her face. "I really needed a friend and she was so cold and unfeeling. I don't think she's a very nice person." Green eyes held Lane's hazel ones until she spoke in a low ominous voice. "Be very careful for she is not what she seems."

Lane's eyebrows scrunched together. "Why do you say that?"

"You know I go over there for cooking lessons don't you?"

Lane nodded.

"I really don't need lessons, but I love spending time with Aunt Margarita."

"Aunt?"

 Lydia laughed. "She isn't really my aunt but I've called her that ever since forever. Anyway, I was over there oh about six, seven months ago and Bryce came storming into the kitchen. I've never seen anyone so angry. She ranted on and on about someone outbidding her on a ranch. It wasn't until Uncle Sam came in the room that she stopped long enough to listen to him. He told her you can't win every bid. She yelled the hell I can't, and then she left slamming the door behind her."

"So why should I be careful around her?"

"She's a mean woman who will do whatever she has to so she can win. She gets herself in jams and then expects to walk away because she is the high and mighty Bryce Clayton." Lydia took a sip of her drink. "You know don't you, that if you don't get her acquitted there will be hell to pay." Emotion colored Lydia's cheeks. "She did it - I know she did."

"What kind of jams?"

"I'm not sure. My uncle told me her dad bailed her out of lots of stuff."

Lane shook her head. Nothing substantial.

Just then, the waiter brought their meals. Each woman dug into the food and sat quietly until Lane said, "Thanks for telling me your story." She reached out and touched the girl's hand again and sucked in a deep breath. "I found it to be fascinating and far from boring."

 Lydia's face lit up. "So, what about you"  

+ + +

Later, the walk out to the parking lot found the two women standing beside Lydia's truck. "You want to come back to my house with me?" She tilted her head to one side and timidly reached out and took Lane's hand. "By now my aunt will be in bed. She's a sound sleeper so we'd be alone."

Lane could feel her desire rising along with the need to satisfy the tightness she was experiencing. "That certainly is tempting."