~ Deception ~ Part Nine
© By E. O’Rielly June 2006
eorielly@yahoo.com
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
PLEASE NOTE: In part 2 I had Bryce's mother speaking to her in Spanish that was in error. The language of Brazil is Portuguese. I have corrected my error. My apologies to any of my readers who are from Brazil and may have been offended.
Author's Comment: This is my first attempt at a novel length story since Emma's Journey. If it hadn't been for the wonderful emails of support and comments the story would never have been. Thanks to everyone who has read this story and took the time to give me invaluable feedback not only about my writing but in pointing out inconsistencies and the occasional grammatical error. It is for the readers that I write for without you there would be no stories. Thank you one and all.
“It’s your fault Joe Don,” Sam Clayton shouted angrily. “If you had bothered to find the murderer instead of falsely accusing my daughter she wouldn’t be lying in a hospital with a bullet wound.”
The sheriff’s face grew red. “All the evidence pointed to her!” He reached out to the irate man only to have his hand slapped away. “Listen, we will find out who did this.”
“You’re damn right you will!”
“I don’t know if it will help, but Bryce wasn’t the target – her lawyer was.”
Sam knew the truth in the words for there had only been one shot and from all accounts, Bryce stepped in front of the lawyer. The bullet traveled through the upper right part of Bryce’s body through her lung, exited and entered the left chest of the lawyer. To all intents and purposes, she saved Lane’s life - the bullet’s trajectory was for lawyer’s heart. The slug nicked Lane’s carotid artery resulting in profuse internal bleeding, which caused her heart to stop. The quick action by the paramedics and a top notch surgical team repaired the damage and although in ICU, she was in stable but serious condition. Bryce suffered a collapsed lung, which required the insertion of a tube to help with her breathing until the lung healed.
“We are on the same side here Sam. I am on my way to meet with my detectives who tell me they have a break in the case. Why not come along with me and you can hear it when I do.”
Sam scowled. “This better be good.”
“From the preliminaries, I understand that one of the camera crew didn’t duck but turned his camera in the direction of the gunshot. We have a specialist digitizing the still shot so we can get a better look at the shooter.” Joe Don ushered Sam through the door to the criminalist’s lab. “I hope you have good news for me Ned.”
“Sure do Sheriff. I have a clear picture of the shooter. First let me show you the tape.” The man pressed play and a picture came into view that quickly panned the terrified people then focused in the direction of the shot. There clearly was a person crouching behind a car with a rifle resting on the trunk. When the person stood up to walk rapidly towards an alley between two buildings a clear image of a man was visible. “There was only a brief second of the guy’s face but that was enough to zoom in on him.” Ned made a few more mouse clicks and a picture appeared. “Do you know who it is?”
Both Sam and Joe Don’s mouth opened in shock.
“Isn’t that…,” Sam said.
“Randall Huggins,” Joe Don said. The sheriff scratched his head. “Why would he want to kill his law partner?” He turned to Lisa Gibson the lead detective on the case. “Have you located him?”
“He isn’t at his home or office. We have an APB out for him. Someone spotted his car at the Hill Country Motor Lodge but by the time we got there, he was gone. It is just a matter of time before we pick him up.”
“Keep me informed.” Joe Don looked at Sam. “I’ll give you a call as soon as we hear anything. Right now, I need to get Monty on the phone.”
Sam’s eyes fixed on his long time adversary. “Make sure that you do. I don’t think anymore screw ups will appeal to the voters Joe Don.”
+ + +
Bryce stood by Lane’s bedside and watched the woman sleep. Except for the machine she had to carry around, she was ready to go home. Lane looked so vulnerable and small that Bryce wanted nothing more than to scoop her up in her arms and protect her.
“Are you going to stand there just looking at me or sit down?” Lane’s hoarse voice asked.
A smile filled Bryce’s face for the first time since the shooting. She pulled a chair closer to the bed. “How are you feeling?”
“Like shit…how about you?”
“I’m doing okay.” She gently took Lane’s hand. “We’ve all been worried about you.”
“We?”
“Your folks, my parents and Monty.”
“My mom and dad are here?”
“Yep, they went back to your house to shower and freshen up. They didn’t want to leave but my mother persuaded them it would be for the best.”
Lane’s mind was trying to remember something important that was just out of reach. “How long?”
“Three days.”
Lane’s eyes fluttered shut then opened wide. “That caller followed through on his treat didn’t he?” She saw the faint nod of Bryce’s head. “You saved my life.”
“I think it is the other way around,” Bryce said gently.
“No, you saved me from…a gunshot.” Her eyes widened. “That madman really wanted me dead.” Panic and fear colored her words. “Did they catch them?”
Bryce gently ran her fingers along Lane’s cheek. “Why don’t you get some rest and we can talk about this later.”
Moving and grimacing, Lane croaked out, “No! We will talk about this now! Who tried to kill me?”
“That’s not important. What’s important is that they didn’t kill you. You have been through a major ordeal and right now you need to relax and not get upset.” Bryce couldn’t believe the words that were coming out her mouth. This is so unlike me.
“I will be a lot less upset if you will just answer my question. I’m not a child that needs to be protected just tell me who shot me!”
Ronald Cuthbert entered the room and beamed at his now awake daughter. “Now darlin’ you know better than to demand an answer. You need to cajole the witness into thinkin’ that they are safe then they will tell you everything.”
“Daddy!” Lane’s face lit up when she saw her father. “Where’s mom?”
“She’s outside talking to Bryce’s mother.” He approached the bed and bent to kiss his daughter lightly on the cheek.
Lane cast a disparaging look at Bryce. “Maybe you will tell me who shot me.”
“Now don’t go gittin’ all riled up at Bryce, she is only following the doctor’s orders.”
“I don’t give a damn about the doctor or his orders I want to know who shot me!”
Ron turned to Bryce. “You know, even as a child she was single minded. Once she got her mind set on somethin’ there was no changin’ it until she got answers.”
Bryce shook her head knowingly. “Hey, that’s what makes her the great lawyer who won me my freedom.”
“That’s my girl.”
“Hey, you two, I’m here in the room.” Lane chuckled for it was her standard line when she lived at home and her parents were discussing her schooling.
Just then, the doctor entered the room. “Would you excuse me while I examine my patient?”
Ron and Bryce smiled knowingly at each other – they had dodged telling Lane the answer to her question. Once out in the hall, Ron said, “When the doctor comes out we will ask him if we can answer her.”
“Your daughter certainly reminds me of dog with a bone.” Bryce laughed as Ron put his arm around her shoulder and she fought the urge to recoil from the touch.
“I know I have said this before, but my wife and I are so grateful for what you did to protect her.”
Bryce moved away from the embrace and looked reflectively at the older man. There was never a question of whether to save just myself - Lane came first. The emotional tug to protect Lane felt strange to her. We haven’t known each other all that long, but I know I want to watch over and protect her. “I would do it again.”
Marissa Cuthbert engulfed Bryce in a hug. “Thank you, thank you, thank you for saving my little girl.”
Bryce was so far out of her element she didn’t know how to handle the situation. She had never been a touchy feely type of person and in the last few days, it seemed that someone is always hugging me. She gently disengaged herself from the arms of the older woman. “You’re welcome.” Her eyes turned towards her mother and pleaded for help.
True to form, Margarita came to the rescue. “I’m going to take my daughter down to the cafeteria for some coffee. Can I bring either of you something back?”
“You don’t want to wait for the doctor?” Ron asked.
Bryce wanted nothing more than to be there when Lane found out that Randall Huggins shot her. It is something that her parents need to do without me there. “No, I think it needs to come from you.”
Ron and Marissa Cuthbert just stared at Bryce. I would have to be blind not to see the connection she has with my daughter, Marissa thought. The older woman reached out and touched Bryce’s hand. “She will want you there too.”
Life had taught Bryce to remain in control of every situation and she didn’t know what to do with the woman’s touch. The feeling I have of protectiveness towards Lane is so strange to me…but, it is something I want to explore further. How can that be? She looked in the woman’s eyes and thought she saw sincerity. I’ve learned never to reveal how I feel so others wouldn’t have the upper hand and yet I want to know Lane on a level I have never explored before. I need to think. “I’ll be back.”
“We won’t be long.” Margarita smiled and took her daughter’s arm and led her away. Inwardly she sighed. I wonder if my daughter will ever get used to another’s touch.
A few minutes later, Dr. Moran came out of the room. “How’s she doing?” Ron asked anxiously.
“Right now she seems very agitated.”
“She wanted to know who shot her.”
“Tell her. That wound doesn’t need the increase in her blood pressure.”
Once the doctor left, Ron and Marissa took several deep breaths before entering their daughter’s room.
+ + +
Lane rested the newspaper on the hospital table. She was still reeling from the news as she read local attorney Randall Huggins arraigned for attempted murder. Until the moment that the bullet penetrated her body, she thought the world was hers for it was. She was exactly where she had planned to be. All the major television outlets were clambering for interviews and several had even made overtures about an audition. The attempt on her life was a life altering experience and she needed time to reevaluate her priorities. Added to the mix, was Bryce Clayton who proved to be more of a surprise than the shooting. She didn’t know the exact moment when she started thinking of Bryce in terms other than lawyer/client, but she had. Now I’m sitting here like a school girl waiting anxiously for the Bryce’s visits each day. Then when I see her, I feel all giddy and awkward. I’m a lawyer for god’s sake how can I be so tongue tied when she’s around.
The long hours of alone time in the hospital gave Lane plenty of time to reflect on her life and she didn’t like what she had become. Up until the shooting, Lane’s life was all about her master life plan. With my goals, coming so close to fruition I wonder if that plan was such a smart idea. I wish I had taken more time to know some of the women that I bedded over the years. I bet many of them could have been lifelong friends. She had always considered friendships a necessary evil to an end in achieving her ambitions. Is there anyone other than my parents, I could call and know they will drop everything to be with me?NO! Solitude had always been her way of keeping the world at arms length. I certainly have accomplished that. For the first time, she was lonely and craving the company of something other than her law books. Is Bryce what I crave or am I transferring a need I have for someone in my life on to her? She sighed. Guess I need t start somewhere. Who better than someone who appears to want, no needs the same thing that I do. In the bargain, I get to spend time with a beautiful woman.
As if on cue she heard, “How’s my girl doing this morning?”
She felt her heart skip a beat as she looked into the grey blue eyes. “Am I your girl?”
Bryce shrugged, “I hope you will be.”
Lane smiled and shook her head. “I would like that very much.” She patted the bed. “Come sit by me and tell me what’s happening outside of these four walls. Did you go to the arraignment?”
Bryce took Lane’s hand as she sat carefully on the edge of the bed. “He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.”
The lawyer narrowed her eyes. “Insanity? I worked with the guy and there is no way he is insane.”
“Yeah I know.”
Lane was seething. “I spoke with Monty yesterday and he said that Randall was outraged when I was made partner. He had worked for the firm for fifteen years and thought that the position should have been his.” She swiped a hand across her cheek pushing back her hair. “According to Monty, he called me the rich bitch that had no business in the law firm. Apparently, he had been conducting an ongoing campaign to discredit me from the beginning of your arraignment. He was on the phone with Monty daily telling him what he thought I was doing wrong.” Lane flexed her jaw. “Never once did he mention anything about Randall being mentally unstable so how is this plea possible.”
“According to what was said in court, he has a long history of psychosis that he was taking medication for. Sometime in the last six months or so he stopped taking them and his lawyer is saying that the shooting was a result of that.”
“That’s bullshit.” A memory invaded her consciousness. “You know I had a similar case when I was in Houston. Insanity is so subjective that they will end up with,” she held up her fingers in a quote motion, “two experts divergently opposed in their opinions.” She tapped her lips with her finger. “Hmm, I will have to give the DA a call…” She felt the warmth of the hand holding hers squeeze slightly as hazel captured blue grey. “I’m sorry. It’s the legal mind I can’t seem to turn it off.”
“Which is why you’re a great lawyer?”
“Not a very good one if I couldn’t see that the man I trusted to be my second hated me.”
There was a light tap on the door and both women turned to see who it was. Lydia Peterson stood in the doorway holding a balloon. “Is this a bad time? Margarita said you were allowed visitors.”
Lane smiled at the young woman. “Please come on in Lydia.”
Bryce awkwardly got up from her resting place on the bed. “I…I guess I should leave.”
Hazel eyes flashed and grabbed Bryce’s wrist. “No.” She noticed Lydia looking at her curiously and added, “We still have some legal matters to discuss.”
Bryce’s eyes focused on Lane as she pulled her hand loose. “It’s okay I’ll come back later.” The hazel eyes were pleading with her to stay and she was helpless to refuse. “Well, I guess I could wait right outside the door and read a magazine while you visit with Lydia.
Lane smiled happily. “Good, I’m glad that is settled.” She held her hand out to the young woman. “Please come sit in the chair and tell me how you’re doing.”
Cautiously, Lydia walked to the chair while her eyes never left the retreating Bryce. Lane scowled slightly noticing the satisfied smile cross the young woman’s face. What’s up with that?
Lydia took the offered chair as she smiled and winked. “I am doing great. My aunt and I are thinking about remodeling the house and a general upgrade to the out buildings. We’d like to eventually purchase several new stallions and go into horse breeding. Aunt Marcia thinks we might want to start some sort of horse training facility too. Of course, that is all in the future. First, there are problems with my uncle’s will – some sort of legal stuff about a codicil he attached that has the bulk of his estate tied up for now. Fortunately, my aunt saved wisely over the years so she will be fine until it is all figured out.” Lydia blushed. “Oh. I’m sorry to be rattling on about me when you are the one lying there in a hospital bed.”
“Trust me, it is good to hear conversation other than what my urine output is or if I’ve had a bowl movement.” Lane laughed then held her hand over the incision in her chest.
“Are you okay?” an alarmed Lydia asked.
Lane saw Bryce nervously pacing outside her door and smiled. “I forget every so often that things that we take for granted like laughs, coughs and sneezes are painful if you’ve had surgery. I’ll be fine. I read somewhere that laughing helps people heal faster.” Her eyes tracked to the young woman and smiled fondly. “I’m glad that you are doing so well Lydia, I was worried about you.”
Lydia leaned in close and whispered, “You said we couldn’t go out because of the trial. Now that it is over would you have dinner with me once you are up and about.”
Lane scratched her head. I really do need someone to wash my hair before something sets up house in there. “Why don’t we see how things go once I get home.” She hoped that would placate the girl until she could think of a good reason not to have dinner with her. Her eyes diverted back to the woman outside her door. Lydia is nice but young and I’d rather spend time with Bryce.
Fifteen minutes later Lane yawned widely and closed her eyes.
“You look like you need a nap and I should be going,” Lydia announced as she got up. “I don’t want to be the cause of a relapse.”
Both women looked towards the door when a young man in a short lab coat entered. “Time for another blood sample,” he said cheerfully.
Lane frowned. “Haven’t you taken enough from me already?” She turned her attention to Lydia and smiled. “Thanks for visiting and we will talk as soon as I am back on my feet.”
Lydia shrugged then bent over and kissed Lane on the cheek. “Get better real soon now ya hear,” she drawled as she turned and left the room.
As Lydia left, the man approached the bed with his plastic carrier filled with blood testing materials. Lane held her arm out and made a fist then noticed Lydia and Bryce talking outside her door. Her attention, intent on the two women, completely masked the feeling of the needle pricking her skin and drawing blood from her vein. “That’s it,” the man said.
Still concentrating on the hallway, Lane absently said, “Thanks see you later.” The exiting man blocked her line of sight and when she could see the women again, they were embracing. A shot of jealousy raged through Lane’s mind. Why are they hugging?Bryce is interested in me and so is Lydia not each other. Her analytical mind began piecing together the puzzle pieces she had gathered but hadn’t put together. Was it Bryce Lydia was looking at in the courtroom and not me? Lydia’s distain for Bryce seemed genuine but her client tried to protect the woman from a brutal cross examination. Are they friends? Maybe more than friends…what is going on between them? Her mind was whirling with so many scenarios that when Bryce re-entered the room she didn’t notice.
“Hey, are you ok?” Bryce asked.
Lane shook her head and looked at the woman with suspicion. “What’s going on?”
Bryce’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“You and Lydia out there in the hall.” Lane’s eyes never left Bryce’s face. If she is lying to me, I will know it.
For her entire life, Bryce had been practicing for this one moment. “Lydia?” she asked frowning. “I heard about the problems with her uncle’s will and wanted her to know if she or her aunt needed anything. I told her whatever they needed I would provide.”
“What have you heard about the will?” Lane asked coolly. Why would Bryce be so eager to help them out - they hate her. Don’t they?
“The story goes that Preston was in the process of changing his will the week before his death.”
“And?”
“Apparently, he was in the process of disinheriting everyone and setting up an endowment at UT.”
Lane’s eyes widened. “Why?”
“Don’t know. The man was crazy so anything he did wouldn’t surprise anyone…especially me.”
“What else.”
“It seems he had only initialed the first page of the document and never signed it.”
“He was a client of Monty’s how come I never knew about this?” Something stinks in this story. “Had we known this information during your trial...there never would have been one.” Lane thought for a minute. “Monty was out of town so who…”
Bryce’s grey blue eyes hardened. “Huggins.”
The room became deathly silent. Lane focused her eyes on a piece of thread from the blanket. Bryce’s revelations had brought to the forefront a thought that was swirling around in her head for days. “Randall,” she said softly.”
Bryce noticed the sudden change in mood, sat back down on bed and held Lane’s hand. “What about him?”
“Did he Randall kill Preston so he could set me up?” she whispered. If I’m responsible for the man’s death, I need to know. “He withheld the information about the will from me and he had to have known it would have stopped the sheriff’s investigation into you completely.”
“No, no he didn’t kill Preston,” Bryce said in a hushed tone as she breathed a sigh of relief. Good, this has put her onto another train of thought away from asking about Lydia.
“How do you know that? Wouldn’t he have killed Garrett to set up the trial and ultimately me if he is truly deranged? Look, at all he did to sabotage your trial. I bet I can come up with a half a dozen interviews he took and never gave me all the details.” Lane laughed. “I went home at night going over my notes wondering why I was surprised by a witness’s testimony.” She shook her head and added, “They were my witnesses!” She pursed her lips before blowing out a long breath. “Add to that the issue of the will and it seems to me that he could have killed the man.”
“Look at me please.” Bryce lowered her head so Lane’s hazel eyes had to look directly into the grey blue ones. “Preston got exactly what he deserved. Now, Lydia and her aunt don’t have to live in fear. Once they get the issue of the will cleared up they will have the lives they should have always had.”
Lane knew the answer before she asked the question. “You know don’t you?” She shook her head. “You know who killed him.” In an almost imperceptible voice Lane added, “You?”
A long tapered finger touched Lane’s lips. “Some questions are better left unanswered.”
A myriad of scenarios whirled in Lane’s mind. It is clear to me that Bryce had a hand in the man’s death either directly or indirectly. I’m certain she didn’t kill him but I can’t be sure. Did she concoct an elaborate ruse to get the police to focus on her only? The timing of the revelation about her whip couldn’t have come at a better time. The jury found her not guilty, the trail to the real murderer is cold and the case is dropped. I wonder who she’s protecting. It was in that instant that Lane knew she wanted to know the answer but at the same time feared what it would be. All the testimony pointed to the fact that Preston Garrett was an egomaniac who did unspeakable things to Lydia. I imagine his wife had her share of his abuse too. For now, I will go along with Bryce…some questions need to go unanswered but not forever.
“Hey,” Bryce said. “What’s going on in there?”
Lane shook her head and smiled. “Nothing really. You’re right I don’t need to know the answer.” As she had done numerous times during the trial, Lane searched Bryce’s eyes for hints of deception. She saw none but wondered if the woman was a master of illusion. Did she orchestrate everything? Am I just one violin in the symphony’s strings section? She closed her eyes knowing that she would never know the answer to her questions unless she met them head on. Now, isn’t the time, she thought exhaling. She couldn’t help herself as the words flowed out of her mouth, “Are you playing me Bryce?”
The same fingers that touched her lips caressed her face. “No,” Bryce said gently as she lifted Lane’s face. “Right now you need to focus on getting better.”
Maybe it was the medication or the stress of the situation that caused tears to well in Lane’s eyes before they tracked down her cheeks. “You know I’m not as strong as I make out and this has really scared me,” she admitted tremulously. “How can I ever trust anyone in my profession again?”
Gently, Bryce brushed her fingers across the tear stained cheeks. “I won’t ever let anyone harm you again.” She moved closer to the woman before engulfing her gently in a hug.
Lane felt the arms around her and knew the truth of Bryce’s words. Just as she had protected her during the shooting, she would always keep her safe. “I’ve been so lonely and never knew it,” she whispered.
Bryce hugged Lane even closer. “Me too. You want to know my greatest fear?’
“What?”
Bryce released the hug then placed her strong calloused hand on each of Lane’s cheeks. “Did you know I am falling in love with you and that is something I have never felt before?” She watched as Lane smiled and briefly close her eyes. “My greatest fear is waking up and finding you’re gone.”
Lane’s hands mirrored the larger ones. “I am falling in love with you too. Like you, it is a new and very scary emotion. My greatest fear is that if you knew my life’s plan and what I have done to achieve it you would walk out the door.”
Bryce breathed in deeply. I worry one day you will find out the truth about me and be gone. Bryce cocked her head and smiled. “Tell me your plan you might be surprised by my reaction.”
Lane lowered her hands and waited for Bryce to do the same. Her eyes diverted back to the thread on the blanket. “I don’t want to take the chance of losing you,” she said barely above a whisper.
A large hand rested on Lane’s head as Bryce bent her neck to look into the woman’s face. “Trust me.”
After a long pause, Lane began telling of her plan and all the choices she made to achieve it. All the while, she had her head lowered refusing to make any eye contact with Bryce. “Your arrest was exactly what I wanted. I used you to attain notoriety so I could become the next legal darling of the airwaves.” Her words sounded so cold and heartless that she could hardly believe her ears. When she finished, she held her breath and waited for Bryce to get up and leave.
When Bryce had researched Lane Cuthbert, she realized it was more than a coincidence that Lane had attended Monty’s alma mater. Dickenson School of Law was an excellent institution but Lane was too good not to go to the very best law school. At the time, she knew there was more to the story and now she knew the answer. Lane had cleverly calculated every move so she would end up as Monty’s partner. “It must have seemed like a gift when you were presented with my case.”
Lane sniffled. “At the time, I couldn’t believe my good luck.”
“And now?”
She lifted her head and looked squarely at Bryce. “Now, I can’t believe my good fortune to have you in my life.” Once again, she held her breath.
Bryce stood up. “I’ll be back later,” she announced over her shoulder as she left the room.
Lane was shocked as confusion filled her mind while she watched the retreating Bryce. I’ve made such a mess of everything. I should have said nothing and taken her as my lover until I grew weary of her as I have all the others. Her heart ached at the thought. She wanted Bryce in her life. Tears fell and her nose filled. “Damn it, where are the tissues?” She bent over, opened the drawer of the bedside table and rummaged around until she found the small box of hospital tissues. When she looked up through tear drenched eyelashes she saw Bryce standing in the threshold holding several bouquets of red roses. She furrowed her brow. “You came back. I thought you had walked out of my life.”
“These are all they had in the gift shop so I called the florist and they will be delivering more.”
“I don’t understand.”
Bryce laid the flowers on the bed and smiled down at the teary eyed woman. “My girl deserves flowers lots of flowers so she can shame them with her beauty.” Her eyes narrowed. “Isn’t that what people who are in love do…buy flowers?”
“But you left?”
“The lady in the gift shop told me earlier that fresh flowers would be delivered at ten and I didn’t want to take a chance that they would be gone.” Bryce looked at the stricken look on Lane’s face and suddenly realized what she had done. “I’m sorry…I didn’t think…I just wanted to get you the flowers.” She didn’t know what to do. Her mind clicked through all the scenarios of her life and she realized she had no frame of reference for tears. She looked at the rivers that continued to course down Lane’s cheeks. “Please don’t cry. I will never leave you. I already guessed most of what you told me, and it doesn’t matter. If you want to become the next television legal goddess, I’ll support you completely. Hell, I’ll buy you a network if that’s what you want.” She didn’t understand why Lane hadn’t stopped weeping. This is all so new to me. Shit, what have I done?How do I fix it? She kissed Lane and tasted the salty liquid. “Please don’t cry. I’m sorry.”
Lane wrapped her arms around Bryce’s neck and pulled her in for a deeper kiss before whispering through her lips, “They’re happy tears.” Several minutes later, the two women were smiling happily at each other as they quietly whispered words of love.
+ + +
Much to Lane’s protestations, she did her recuperating at the Clayton Ranch under the watchful eyes of Bryce and Margarita. On the plus side, she could spend the majority of her day with Bryce, but even that had its drawbacks.
After a week of cold showers and stolen moments of intimacy, Lane felt her body scream for satisfaction. Once their kisses turned passionate Bryce would pull back in fear of one of her parents discovering them. Somehow, I need to figure a way to get her alone, she thought as she sat at the kitchen table chatting with Margarita while the older woman did preliminary preparations for supper. “Mrs. Clayton?”
Margarita stopped tearing lettuce and looked up. “Yes, dear.”
“Do you think Bryce would show me her ranch…I mean do you think I would be up to something like that?”
Margarita beamed. “I am glad my daughter has finally found a friend.” The older woman shook her head. “I have worried over her for so long.” She reached over and patted Lane’s arm. “I am sure she would love to take you.” She eyed the woman curiously as Lane’s face lit up when Bryce entered the kitchen. “Ah, there you are. Would you take Lane out to Ascensión? She wants to see what’s out there.”
Confused, Bryce looked first at her mother than at Lane. “Sure, no problem. When do you want to go?”
Just the sight of Bryce made Lane’s body tremble. “The sooner the better.”
“Are you sure you are well enough?” Bryce said with concern.
“Trust me I am more than ready.”
Bryce frowned slightly. What’s going on? Then she saw the smoldering look in Lane’s eyes and winked. “Then let’s get going.”
“Supper is at six don’t be late.” Margarita watched as to women went out the door. She hadn’t been blind to the way they looked at each other. Although, the thought of her daughter in a relationship that the church strictly forbids upset her, she was glad that Bryce had someone in her life. I have never seen Bryce smile or laugh in the way she has since meeting Lane. She shrugged as she went back to preparing the night’s meal. “Love is love.”
“For who?” Sam asked as he snatched up a slice of green pepper.
Margarita slapped her husband hand. “Stop that is for supper.” Then she smiled brightly at the man who had been at her side for nearly forty-six years. “Don’t you think that love is love in whatever form it comes in?”
Knowingly, Sam shook his head. “Yes, I do.” He eyed his wife. “Is it okay with you?”
Margarita sighed. “Yes and no. I have never seen her so happy and relaxed. Lane is good for her but…”
“The church.”
“Yes. How can I resolve that?”
Sam wrapped his arms around his wife. “You said it all. Love is love and isn’t that what God teaches us.”
“God may teach that but the church takes an entirely different view.”
Sam laughed. “Yes, it does but from my point of view, Bryce is happy and that is what is most important to me.”
Margarita wasn’t as convinced. “It is important to me too but… We shall see.”
Sam hugged his wife close. “It will all work out. By the way, where are they?”
“Oh, they took a ride out to Ascensión. Lane said she wanted to see what it was like.”
Sam eyed his wife. “And you don’t think that was the truth?”
“No, I think she wanted to see it, but wanted to see it alone with Bryce.”
Wiggling his eyebrows, Sam’s eyes took in his wife’s body. “We’re alone and we should make the most of it.”
Margarita smiled, put down her paring knife and fell into the loving arms of Sam. “I’m all yours.”
+ + +
After they drove up the dirt road and were out of sight of the house, Bryce applied the brakes. “You want to tell me exactly what you want?”
With a rakish smile, Lane leaned over and caressed Bryce’s face. “I want you.” Her thumb made slow circles on the woman’s cheek. “I don’t want to wait any longer Bryce.” Her other hand found its way to Bryce’s thigh. “Will we be alone at your ranch?”
“My ranch hands will be there.”
“In the house?” Lane asked as her voice took on a seductive growl as her fingers rubbed the thigh.
Bryce sucked in a breath. “No,” she said with a tremble. “Lane…”
A lone finger touched her lips. “We will take it slow.”
“But…” she said around the finger.
“Why don’t we go to Ascensión and just take it from there.”
Bryce engaged the gear and sped off towards her ranch with a mixture of trepidation and excitement spinning in her mind.
In sharp contrast to the outside temperature, Bryce’s home was cool and comfortable. Sausalito tiles seemed to cool the room more and Lane shivered in reaction. “Do you want me to turn up the heat?” Bryce asked as she put an arm around Lane’s shoulders.
“No,” Lane purred. “I think you can warm me up just fine.”
Apprehension filled Bryce. I’ve only taken…I don’t know if I can be tender and loving. “I can try,” she said softly.
Standing on her tiptoes, Lane’s lips caressed the full red ones. Stepping back, she smiled. “This is new to me too. What do you say we just take it slow and see what happens?”
Lane’s answer was to be swept off her feet and carried into the bedroom. Trembling naked bodies lay huddled in the security of each other’s arms. At first, their lips gave small chaste kisses but soon insistent passionate ones demanded more.
Pulling out of an embrace and with trembling hands, Lane stroked Bryce’s face. “I’ve never made love before,” she whispered.
Bryce frowned, “You’re a virgin?”
Lane chuckled. “No, I have had my share of bedmates, but none that I have ever been in love with. Until you are with someone in that way it cannot be called making love.” She shrugged. “So I guess in a way I am a virgin.”
Strong arms immediately encircled the strawberry blonde woman. “So am I.” Bryce closed her eyes relishing in the feel of her body rubbing against the bare skin of Lane. “I want to make love with you…I want you.” Her lips kissed the woman with a tenderness and love that she had never experienced. Her only desire was to show Lane all the love she felt. “I love you Lane. I’ve never loved anyone before…you are my first.” Her eyes never left Lane’s as she tenderly let her fingers trail over the taut, yet supple body. She saw the delight in Lane’s eyes when she let her fingertips skim over the erect nipples sending a warm sense of pleasure through her body. Then, a hand reached out and encompassed her small breasts and Bryce felt an eruption of desire.
It seemed to Lane, that where she left off Bryce would begin - time has no meaning here only our love. Mutual touches elicited a sense of pure joy in and around her. I want nothing more than to love Bryce. Maybe then all those years of loneliness I’ve experience will be erased. Repeatedly, she whispered tender words of love as she delved deep inside touching the very core of the woman she loved. “I love you,” she mouthed as she felt Bryce tighten. Their bodies sang in one voice with the ecstasy of the moment when their bodies and spirits came together.
For an hour, they lay cuddled in each other’s arms. Words were not needed for each woman knew she was loved above all else. Finally, Bryce whispered, “It is almost four thirty. We have an hour to get a shower before we need to start home for dinner.”
“Hmm,” Lane purred. “I would rather stay right here, but I know how your folks are about meals.” She smiled seductively. “Have you ever taken a shower and made love?”
Bryce pulled back the sheet. “Another first,” she said before scooping Lane up and heading for the shower.
+ + +
In Lane’s honor, Sam and Margarita held a barbeque. It seemed as though the whole town turned out to welcome her as one of their own. Although Lane and Bryce made a conscious effort not to be together constantly, it was difficult. For the week proceeding the barbeque, they had found ever excuse imaginable to leave the ranch and go to Ascensión where they would hole up, make love and delight in each other.
Bryce saw Lane standing near a fence chatting amicably with Maria Garrett. “Hi, are you two are you enjoying yourselves.”
The look that Lane and Bryce exchanged was not lost on Marcia who said, “I’m having a most enjoyable time, thank you. No one puts on a barbeque like your parents.” She smiled at Bryce. “Lane here tells me she will be going back to work on Monday. I bet your family will miss not having her around.”
Bryce drew in a breath. “Yeah, it’s been like having my sister living here again.”
Lane began coughing to disguise her laugh. Immediately, Marcia began patting her back. “Are you okay child?”
“Yeah,” Lane said breathlessly. “I think I swallowed a bug.”
“That’s gross,” the voice of Lydia said as she joined the group.
Laughing Lane smiled fondly at the younger woman. “Yes it is.”
“I’ll go get you something to drink,” Bryce said with a wink.
“Thank you.”
Marcia gently put her hand on her niece’s arm. “If you don’t mind, I see Ruth Hopkins over there and need to speak with her.”
Lydia nodded then smiled at Lane. “How are you feeling?” Lydia asked as she moved closer to the woman.
“Really good. How about yourself? Your aunt said that they start remodeling the house next week.”
“Yes, we decided to go ahead thanks to a generous loan from a friend.”
Bryce? Lane wondered.
Lydia hesitated then said, “May I ask you something?”
Lane’s attention focused on scanning the crowd for Bryce so she wouldn’t see the longing in Lydia’s eyes. “Sure ask away.” When she finally looked at Lydia, she felt her stomach churn. I know what she’s going to say.
“Why haven’t you ever called me back? I thought we had plans for dinner after you got out of the hospital.”
The stricken look on the girl’s face made Lane feel like she was about one inch tall. “Lydia, I’m sorry…it’s just that I…I’ve been out here recuperating…” Lane felt like the biggest jerk on the planet. I like Lydia but I’m not romantically interested in her. I guess in a way I led her on but that was before Bryce. Looking past Lydia, Lane spotted Bryce and her face filled with a glorious smile.
The look was not lost to Lydia nor was the companion smile beaming in Lane’s direction when Bryce arrived. “No problem,” she said with her eyes fixed on Bryce. “I understand.” Bryce wins again. "Bryce did keep her word to me and my aunt," she said absently. We are safe and out of the clutches of that evil man. To me that is more important than any relationship I might of had with Lane. Besides, the look of love is unmistakable.
Lane’s ears perked up. What promise? She felt Bryce’s fingers touch hers and all thoughts of anything else left her mind.
“Here you go,” Bryce said as she handed Lane a cup of ice tea. The touch of Lane’s fingers set off instant eruptions of pleasure. “Can’t have you relapsing…you would have to stay with us for another two weeks then.”
“We certainly wouldn’t want that would we.” Lane and Bryce locked eyes and held the gaze.
Lydia laughed and said, “I’ll leave you two alone…bet you don’t get much of that around here.” She winked then went in search of her aunt.
In the late hours of that night, Bryce quietly opened the door to Lane’s room. She peeled off her shorts and t-shirt and slid in next to Lane. A soft warm mouth assaulted her neck. “I thought you’d never come,” Lane cooed.
“I’ll always come for you,” Bryce said engulfing the woman in her arms.
+ + +
For the next three months, Bryce and Lane spent as much time together as their schedules would allow. Lane’s notoriety brought many new clients to the firm and that kept her very busy. Nevertheless, she always made time to spend supper and the evenings with Bryce. She had turned down the offers of several news stations opting to stay put and settle down. For her part, Bryce hired a management company that took over most of the duties that she shouldered alone. Daytime would find her at Ascensión working shoulder to shoulder with her employees in the day to day ranch activities.
Lane was amazed that Bryce seemed to be so at ease with her wealth and power. There were times that she wondered if the woman had any clue as to her importance in the community. She continued the practice of breakfast with the ranchers but never asked Lane to join her. In fact, Bryce never spent the night and that bothered her. She would ask her, why won’t you spend the night, and the answer was always the same – gotta to be up for breakfast with the boys.
It was Valentine’s Day and Lane stood in her living room with her hands on her hips amazed. Bryce must have bought every rose from miles around and they were now covering the room. She heard the door open and smiled. I’ll have to show her just how much I appreciate the gesture.
“Do you like them?” Bryce engulfed Lane.
“Oh yes,” Lane purred. “Want me to show you how much?”
“Just what do you plan on showing me?”
“This.” Lane kissed her cheek. “This.” Her lips traveled to Bryce’s mouth. “And, this.” Her fingers slipped up Bryce’s shirt and under her bra to capture a taut nipple. Her lips again captured her lover’s as her tongue sought entry. Nimble fingers undid the button of the jeans and slid the zipper down then pushed the garment towards the floor. “Hmm no underwear - you know just what I like.”
Bryce was lost in the feelings of Lane’s exploration. Every time they made love, it was as if it were the first time. Her experiences with woman and tenderness were limited at best. The professor was never gentle she only took. From that experience, Bryce learned to take what she wanted and never give anything in return. With Lane, she wanted only to give but had no point of reference for those feelings. She truly felt that until she made love with Lane she had never experienced lovemaking. I’ve never had any experience where love was involved.
They lay spent amidst rose petals. Bryce had surprised Lane when she pulled out a bag of rose petals and spread them on the bed. Breathlessly Bryce said, “I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone.”
“Its amazing isn’t it? I don’t think there will ever be adequate words.” Lane smiled. “I love you is so lame when I feel so much for you.”
Bryce rested her head on Lane’s belly and looked up at her lover. “There is so much I want to give you.”
“I know one thing you can give me and it won’t cost you anything.”
Arching an eyebrow, Bryce asked cautiously, “And that would be?”
“Spend all your nights with me forever. Be my partner in all things and in all ways.”
There was a deep intake of breath before Bryce spoke. “I can’t do that?”
Although she tried to disguise it, a quizzical and disappointed look blazed in Lane’s eyes. “Why not…and don’t give me that stupid breakfast with the boys shit.” A thought that she had long ago surpressed forced its way to the top. “It’s about the trial and who killed Preston isn’t it?”
Bryce lifted her head and furrowed her brow. “No, why would you say that?”
“Why? Don’t you know why Bryce?” She saw the seemingly puzzled look and let out a small breath of reproach. “I’m not stupid Bryce I know you and Lydia have a secret about the murder…she as much told me so.”
“It’s news to me.”
“If we are to have any sort of relationship you have to trust me Bryce.”
“I do trust you.” Bryce moved so she was sitting up and looking down at Lane. “I…my…they don’t know and it would break their hearts…my parents…”
“Bryce, you are thirty eight years old and have never had a relationship with a man. Over the last several months, you’ve spent all you time with me. Do you realize just how many times I’ve had supper with you at your parent’s?”
“Oh, I guess about a dozen.”
“Try three times a week times three months.”
“That many?”
“Yes. How many other people have you brought home to supper?”
Bryce’s face reddened. “None.”
Lane widened her eyes. “Dah! I rest my case. You think your parents are stupid?”
“They aren’t stupid but…” Bryce sighed. “As long as it isn’t spoken of it isn’t real to them.”
Lane leaned forward and looked up into Bryce’s downcast face. “I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and maybe, if it isn’t too late, have children with you. We can’t do that if you stay hidden in a closet can we?”
Bryce looked away. “Can’t we just keep things like they are?”
“Is that what you want?” She grabbed Bryce’s jaw and forced her to look at her. “It isn’t what I want.”
“I don’t want to break their hearts.”
“But you will mine?” she asked in frustration. “If we have children there’s no way they won’t want to be involved. Isn’t that a given, especially with your mother?”
Bryce shook her head. “I never want to hurt you.”
“Well I have news for you - every night when you leave me it hurts.”
For the first time Bryce felt apprehension enter her heart at the fear of losing the woman she loved. “I don’t want to hurt you but what can I do?”
“Tell them. You want to know what happened when I came out to my folks?”
“Should I be afraid?”
Lane playfully slapped Bryce’s arm. “No silly. It is rather humorous.”
“Then by all means tell me.”
“Well, it was the final months of law school and I came back to San Antonio for my dad’s birthday. After the cake and presents my dad said he wanted to see me in his study.” Lane scrunched up her face. “Yikes, I thought, I must be in big trouble. So, I went into his study, which for some reason always frightened me. You’ve met my dad so you know how imposing he can be and he was on that day…”
+
“Lane I want to talk with you about a very delicate matter. Both your mother and I think the time has come for a frank discussion,” He said in his deep southern voice.
“Daddy, if this is about the birds and the bees I hate to tell you that you are too late for that.”
“No it is not about that. Don’t you have a secret you have been keeping that we should know about?”
Lane raised her eyebrows and rolled her eyes upward in deep thought. “No, no I can’t think of anything,” she said with a shrug.
“Are you certain of that because we have been hearing rumors?”
“Yeah, I’m sure.”
Ron Cuthbert looked at his daughter squarely and sighed. “I guess you don’t think you can trust me.”
Lane walked up to her father and put her arms around his waist. “Of course I trust you Daddy. There just isn’t anything I can think of that you don’t know.”
Ron hugged his daughter then released her. “Git goin’ then, your mama will be wonderin’ where you are.”
Lane started to leave when she turned around. “I guess I could tell you I’m gay.”
Her father only shook his head. “We’ve known that for years. I was talkin’ about you takin’ a position with the supreme court and not goin’ into practice with me.”
+
“You see Bryce, they already knew and my not going into practice with my dad was more important to them. I think if you tell your parents they won’t be surprised.”
“I don’t have the words.”
“I will be with you and we will find the words together.”
Bryce’s face brightened. “You would do that?”
“Of course, I’ll admit this is all new to me but I think it is part of love…being there for each other and being honest with our thoughts and emotions.” Lane had put one matter on the back burner for long enough. If we are going to commit completely I need to know the answer. “Will you ever tell me who killed Preston Garrett?”
“No.”
“Do you know who did?”
Bryce’s mind scrambled for a diversion. “You could always marry me and then it really wouldn’t matter what I told you would it?”
Lane’s mind was in turmoil this was like a dream with an added twist. “Are you asking me to marry you?”
Bryce grinned. “I can then whisper all my secrets to you and only you. Especially the ones about how much I love you and can’t live without you, what do you say?” She chuckled. “Besides, maybe then you’ll not ask me about Garrett again… for the record, I didn’t kill him.”
“But you know who did don’t you?”
“No.”
“No? Please Bryce its important do you know who killed the man?”
“I’m telling you the truth, I didn’t kill him and I don’t know who did.” Technically, I don’t know exactly who killed him. A name given to an anonymous person who used it for their own nefarious reasons can’t fall on my head.
There was no more doubt in Lane’s mind. Bryce didn’t kill Preston Garrett and doesn’t know who did. “Well in that case I have no other choice but to accept your proposal.” She fell into Bryce’s arms. “I love you. Tomorrow we will tell your parents and then,” she kissed her lover, “you can buy me a really big diamond.”
+ + +
Early the next morning Bryce held Lane’s hand as they entered the empty kitchen. “I don’t think I can do this,” she said.
“Sure you can. I’ve got your back.” Lane turned her neck and looked down Bryce’s backside then wiggled her eyebrows. “Hmm nice.”
Bryce dropped Lane’s hand and went rigged when she heard her father’s voice. Instincts took over and she turned towards the door only to have Lane’s firm hand take her arm. At that moment, Sam and Margarita entered the kitchen and Bryce gulped back the bile that had risen in her throat.
“Well it’s about time you two showed up,” Sam said gruffly. “We waited for over an hour to have dinner and why weren’t you at breakfast this morning?”
Bryce’s eyes found the floor. “Hmm, I didn’t know you were waiting and I had something else to do this morning.”
“What do you have to say for yourself girl?”
Margarita stepped in. “Lane I’m so glad to see you. I’ve made that tortilla soup you like,” she said as she gave the woman a hug. “Did Bryce give you flowers for Valentine’s Day?”
Bryce’s eyes flew open and her head jerked up. “What makes you think I gave her flowers?”
It was Bryce’s turn for a hug. “Don’t tell me you didn’t give her flowers…your father gave me two dozen of the most glorious red roses.” Margarita’s eyes turned to her husband and she smiled.
Sam nodded. “That is what you do on Valentine’s Day for the one you love Bryce. Don’t you know that by now?”
Her feet seemed to be rooted in one place and her mouth refused to shut. Did I hear right? “Of course I know that,” she said defensively.
“So did you give her flowers on not?” Sam asked with a twinkle in his eye.
What the hell do I say now? Her eyes locked with hazel and she knew the answer. “Did you have any trouble buying those flowers Daddy?”
“Yeah, I had to go clear to Austin for them.”
“You know why that was?”
Sam shook his head then laughed. “You gonna tell me you bought them all?”
“Yep, every single rose in town went to the woman I love.” Her arm went around Lane’s shoulders and pulled her close. “Please be happy for us.”
Margarita clapped her hands and laughed. “See Sam, I told you she bought all the flowers for Lane.”
Sam eyed his daughter and Lane. “I can see that you are happy therefore I am happy for you.” He closed his eyes and shook his head slightly. “It won’t be easy you know.”
Lane spoke up. “We know but our families support and love will get us through the rough spots.” An impish smile crossed her face. “You know your daughter doesn’t cook and I’m not that good in the kitchen either, know any good teachers?”
The expression on Margarita’s face was priceless. “You won’t have to learn to cook for you shall have supper here.”
Lane grinned. “That is just the answer I hoped for,” she said as she approached the older woman and hugged her. “Otherwise I think we would have both starved.”
Margarita released the embrace as her face became serious. “I can’t lie to you and tell you both that this has been an easy decision for me. I have struggled with the obvious love you have for each other and the teachings of the church.”
Lane took a step back and found Bryce’s arms wrapping around her. Her head turned and hazel locked with grey blue and spoke of love. Bryce then leveled her eyes on her mother. “I love her and I won’t give her up.” She felt Lane pat her hand in support and swallowed deeply before she spoke again in a trembling voice. “For years I have lived in the shadows hiding who I am and how I feel. I’ve seen how you and Daddy and my brothers and sisters act with their families and long to have that same relationship with someone. Lane is that someone.” She gently kissed the strawberry blonde head. “Is it in your heart to accept me for who I am? Can you welcome us into the family just like anyone else?”
Sam moved close to his wife and put a comforting arm around her shoulder. For a long while, Margarita remained silent as tears rolled unchecked down her cheeks. “I love you Bryce.”
“But.”
“Don’t let Father Mark see you?”
Bryce let go of Lane as her eyes deepened in color. “And what? Live in the shadows some more? No, I don’t think that is going to happen. I love Lane and want the world to know. If that is a problem then we will move to a place where people appreciate love for love’s sake.”
Lane touched Bryce’s face. “I think we can come to an agreement here that will be suitable for us all.” She looked at Margarita. “I don’t believe for one moment you want Bryce to move away.”
“I do not want her to leave us, we love her. At the same time how can I ignore what Father Mark and the others will say and think behind our backs.”
Bryce’s face softened. “Is what others may think more important to you than I am?”
Margarita's eyes dropped a fraction to the stone floor and then she sighed heavily, “I love you Bryce and you are as dear to me as my husband.” Turning to Lane, she appealed for help. "You said you may have a solution?”
Lane rubbed her eyes and sighed. This isn’t going to be easy. “Do you think that you can allow Bryce to live her life with me?”
Margarita looked up at Sam, who smiled tenderly at his wife, women who ever understood them! “Bryce has always lived how she wanted. We would never stand in her way. Besides, I'm no baby sitter to a thirty-eight year old. I can't recall the last time she allowed her mother or me to bully her into anything…oh yeah she was three and wanted to keep that damn comforter she loved.” He winked in Bryce's direction.
Lane smiled. Ok we are making headway. “Bryce, do you think that we can be a couple and not flaunt it all over town…especially in front of the good father?” She raised her eyebrows in question. “They probably already are speculating about us so don’t you think it is better to let them guess than come right out and tell them?”
Bryce felt irritated at the compromise. She wanted this to be a fresh start with everything in the open.” We’ve had enough deception in our lives. “Is that what you want to do? Will it mean we can't live together as a couple?”
Damn is she stubborn. “NO. We are a couple and will live as one we just won’t be in people’s faces about it.” Lane shrugged and looked at Bryce tenderly. "We can do that can't we?"
Bryce took a deep breath and clenched her jaw. "I don't want to pretend I've done that all my life!"
Sam listened to the conversation and thought back to their early beginnings. We had to work so hard at dispelling any intolerance people felt towards us. When he heard his daughter challenge Lane’s compromise he knew that Bryce’s stubbornness and unwillingness to bend would soon turn to anger. He cleared his throat and saw three tense, yet astonished faces look in his direction. “Our family has weathered the storm of prejudice before so we are old timers at that.” He looked at Margarita. “Isn’t that right darlin’?” He noticed her face soften. “We were the only interracial inter-religious family around these parts and paid the price didn’t we?”
For the first time, Margarita realized that she was being as bad as the people who had scorned her and Sam over forty years earlier. I didn’t realize I had become just like them. I remember how much it hurt. Gazing at Bryce and Lane, she saw what was most important – love. It shines out of their eyes for each other. “You know your father and I can tell you some mean stories about prejudice around these parts, anyone for supper?”
The two women had met the first challenge to their relationship and won and that brought a smile to Bryce's face. She hugged Lane close to her and whispered, "I love you." And they kissed before they sat at the table for their first true family dinner.
No longer would either woman live in the shadows of deceptions and half truths. They had found what they had been searching for all their lives – love and acceptance.
The End
To be continued...
You can read this story and all EO stories knowing that it is completed but is still being revised - all parts will be posted in a timely fashion. :o)
Constructive commments are always welcomed. Thank you. eorielly@yahoo.com