Since I may not get to post anymore until after the holiday's. Here's 2 chapters.
Chapter 13
Katie rolled down the taxi window and could smell the ocean several miles before reaching the condo. The minute she saw the water, she knew she had picked the perfect spot for a vacation. The condo was right on the ocean and was beautiful. She unpacked and went for a nice long walk on the beach.
Katie loved waking up and watching the sunrise on the ocean. That is when she would go for her morning walks. During the day she would swim, sunbathe, and even tired wind surfing. The time was so relaxing and peaceful. She had left everything behind. No worries. After dinner, she would sit with a nice cup of herbal tea and watch the sunset.
After three days, Katie realized that there was no way for Mark to contact her if she was needed. She had left her cell phone at the ranch and there was no phone in the condo. So she decided to find a phone and check in.
Mark answered the phone.
“Well, I am just checking in. How are things?”
“Everything on the ranch is fine. How’s the beach?”
“Wonderful as always. Anything going on?”
“Well, yes. Actually I was hoping you would call. Your father called yesterday.”
“He did? What did he want?”
“I am not sure. He didn’t say much but said that it was really important that he talk to you, soon.”
“I guess I better call him. Thanks Mark. Take care and I’ll call in a few days.
“Okay. Have a great time. Bye.”
Katie immediately called father. “Hey Daddy.”
“Hello Katherine. It’s about time.”
Katie knew something was wrong, her dad never called her Katherine. “What’s wrong Daddy?”
“I think you should come home right away.”
“Why, what’s wrong?”
“I can’t tell you now, just get home!”
“Okay. It will take a few days, I am in South Carolina.”
“JUST GET HOME!” With that he hung up.
Katie called the airport to get a flight the next morning, then called Mark and told him about what her dad said. Mark agreed to pick her up at the airport. They chatted a bit then said goodbye.
The next morning, Katie was on the plane headed home. Her vacation was great but way too short. So many thoughts ran through her head about what was wrong with her father; the worst one being that he was dying. She tired not to think about that one.
It was dinnertime when Katie and Mark pulled in the driveway. Everyone welcomed back Katie. She was so tired that she ate and immediately went to bed. She would have to drive to her father’s house tomorrow, and she wanted to be well rested.
The next morning it was raining. Katie woke up the same time she always did. As she began packing some things for the trip, she realized that she was dreading it. Her father was usually great, but since Katie’s move, he has changed. She didn’t like the way her father had changed. It seemed as if he wasn’t her father anymore. He no longer seemed to care how Katie felt, where she was, or what she was doing. Finally, she decided that she would confront her father about this and hopefully get to the root of the problem.
The drive was a good one despite all the rain. As she pulled into the drive she noticed that her father wasn’t the only thing that had changed. The place seemed run down. The grass hadn’t been mowed in several weeks. The house needed numerous repairs, and the entire place wasn’t the one she left several months earlier.
Her father stepped out on the porch dressed in old raggedy clothes, looking as if he hadn’t shaved in over a month. Katie had never seen her father like that. He was always in a suit and tie or slacks and a sport coat and defiantly always clean shaven.
“Hello Daddy. How are you?”
“Never mind that Katherine. Get in the house.”
Katie felt a sudden fear as she walked in. She had no idea what was going on and was afraid to find out. As they sat down, for the first time in her life Katie saw a strong pain and fear in her father’s eyes.
Tears came to his eyes as he started to speak. “Katie, this is hard for me to say and is probably hard to hear, but I am going to give it to you straight. Don’t say anything. Please just listen until I am finished. I know you saw how I was changing before you left and how much things have changed now. So many things have happened in the last several months. I took on a case that I knew was a tough battle. It was very controversial and one that no one thought I should take. However, I felt like I was the only one that could and would handle it. The case became very stressful on me. My client was obviously guilty of the crime and it was a very serious one. I did everything I could to help my client find a way out. There were even some things that weren’t quite kosher with the law. I did things that I shouldn’t have done to the records and case and I was convicted of several charges. My client was found guilty and so was I. They immediately disbarred me and convicted me on several counts. I never regret what I did but am now bankrupt and might even face jail. I am sorry only because I feel I have hurt you and let you down. Please forgive me Princess.” As he finished he began sobbing.
Chapter 14
Katie started to cry too. She went over to console her father. After a few minutes, she finally began to speak. “Daddy, there is no reason to apologize to me. You are the one that is hurting. I can understand why you did what you did. Even though I don’t know the details, I know that it was what you felt you had to do. I am here for you and will help you however I can. Daddy, I will love you no matter what. I promise.”
Her father looked at her and smiled through his tears. “Katie, you are exactly like your mother.”
They hugged and then decided to get something to drink to settle themselves down. Katie began telling her father everything that had happened since she left. He seemed very interested and excited. As she spoke, Katie could see him swelled up with pride at all she had done.
He later asked her how things were going with the situation of Billy’s death. She told him how everything was going and that she felt she was getting closer. Then she told him about Brian and him going to jail. She said that it had slowed things down and really hindered her finding the truth. Her father told her that he would help anyway he could. Katie thanked him with a smile.
They talked the rest of the evening and late into the night. Finally, Katie fell asleep on the couch. Her father covered her up and kissed her goodnight. The next morning, Katie woke to the smell of sausage and eggs, a smell she loved and could not resist.
Over breakfast they finished talking about her father’s case. He still wouldn’t give her details on what he did and she didn’t push it. She did ask when he would know his sentence. He told her that his hearing was the next week and that the possibilities were having his license taken away permanently, up to $150,000 in fines, three months to three years in prison or any combination of those.
Katie told him she would stay until the hearing but he refused to let her. He told her that for her sake, he didn’t want her there and for her to get the things she wanted and return to the ranch. She never disobeyed her father so she did exactly that. He promised to call and let her know the outcome. They said their good-byes, hugged, and Katie left with both having tears in their eyes.
Katie stopped down the road because she couldn’t see to drive through the tears. She sat on the side of the road crying for over an hour. Katie realized she had become bitter and angry with her father over his recent actions and that he was really the one struggling. She asked God to forgive her and to help her be a better daughter. She also prayed for her father and for God’s mercy on him. Katie continued to pray the rest of the drive back to the ranch.
As she pulled in the driveway to the ranch, she saw a beautiful rainbow that seemed as if it was directly over her house. She realized that God was showing her that He had heard her prayer and was reminding her of His promises. She was overcome with joy and peace.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Chapter 12
The next morning after giving her lessons, Katie immediately went back down to the river. When she got there, she realized that the ribbon was gone. She looked around on the ground but didn’t see it. Katie just knew that some of the guys were playing a trick and thought nothing more of it. She found Billy’s hiding place, went in, looked around, but found nothing. Another dead-end. Katie returned home for lunch.
Mark greeted her on the porch. “Find anything?”
“No, but I will.”
“That’s what I love ‘bout you K. You never give up.”
They walked in for lunch, as everyone was just finishing.
“Well, I see how important I am to have everyone wait for me.”
“Ma’am,” started one for the ranch hands, “Mark waited on you but told us to eat.”
“Oh, he did? Well thank you Mark. I hate eating alone.”
“Welcome, I hate eating without having your beautiful face across the table.”
Katie loved the way Mark flirted with her. He was so sweet and really made her feel good. There were times he made her forget about Billy. She wasn’t sure if that was good or bad, but she certainly enjoyed it.
A few days passed, and finally Brian called. Katie was out giving lessons when one of the house staff yelled for her.
“Hello?”
“Katie, it’s Brian.”
“Hey, how are things?”
“Well, not so good.”
“What’s wrong Brian?”
“Well, Katie, I am afraid that I won’t be able to contact you anymore for sometime.”
“Why Brian? What’s wrong?”
“Katie, I was court marshaled and found guilty.”
“Guilty? Guilty of what?”
“Interfering with a US Army investigation. I have to serve 1 ½ - 5 years.”
“Brian, I am sorry. It’s all my fault.”
“No, Katie, it’s not. I never used your name so they don’t know you were involved. I didn’t want you to be arrested too. Anyway, my sentence hearing is tomorrow, so I thought I would call and let you know. I’ll contact you if I can but don’t count on it.”
“Well, Brian, thanks for everything. Let me know when you get out. Again, I am very sorry.”
“Don’t worry Katie. You’ll figure it out. I’ll let you know when I am released. Bye.”
Katie couldn’t believe it. The only link she had was gone. She was now on her own. Katie wanted so bad to figure all this out but in the back of her mind knew that she might never do so. She immediately went outside and told Mark. He couldn’t believe it either.
“Well, that defiantly throws a monkey in the ring, but don’t worry K, we’ll find the truth.”
She smiled at his words and knew that the we meant that he would help her every step of the way. Katie thanked him with a hug and a peck on the cheek.
It wasn’t long before Mark and Katie began spending more and more time together. She would give her lessons in the morning while he worked with some new horses. After lunch, they would stay pretty much together until bedtime. The only time they were apart was when there was a problem on the ranch Mark had to take care of.
Mark soon realized that he had fallen in love with Katie. He also knew that he could never let her know until she had put Billy’s death and Billy to rest. Little did he know that Katie knew how he felt and even found herself wondering if Billy’s death was keeping herself from falling in love with such a wonderful man.
Everyone on the ranch saw what was happening. The guys all kidded Mark, who denied everything. There were some that saw the sparkle in Katie’s eyes when she looked at Mark. He was a very handsome man. About six foot two inches tall, light brown hair, soft baby blue eyes, nicely tanned skin, a perfect loving smile that just made you melt, and was pretty well built from all the work. Katie would sometimes catch herself staring on really hot days when he would remove his shirt and dip his head in the water trough. She also loved the way his tight Wranglers fit him oh so perfectly.
It wasn’t long before Katie began to realize that she was indeed falling in love with Mark, in spite of the love she still had for Billy. As more and more time went by, it became more realistic that she would never find the truth behind Billy’s death. This saddened her because Billy was such a great part of her life, but she knew that she would eventually have to move on with her life.
Katie decided that she needed to get away from everything and figure stuff out. She decided to take a vacation. Katie loved the mountains and countryside but also loved the ocean. She decided the best vacation would be on the beach. She called and rented a condo near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The beach in this area was fairly private so she would have it pretty much to herself.
She informed Mark of her plans and told him he was in charge. Katie didn’t know how long she would be gone. Just however long it took. Mark drove her to the airport. Katie hugged him goodbye and off she went.
Mark greeted her on the porch. “Find anything?”
“No, but I will.”
“That’s what I love ‘bout you K. You never give up.”
They walked in for lunch, as everyone was just finishing.
“Well, I see how important I am to have everyone wait for me.”
“Ma’am,” started one for the ranch hands, “Mark waited on you but told us to eat.”
“Oh, he did? Well thank you Mark. I hate eating alone.”
“Welcome, I hate eating without having your beautiful face across the table.”
Katie loved the way Mark flirted with her. He was so sweet and really made her feel good. There were times he made her forget about Billy. She wasn’t sure if that was good or bad, but she certainly enjoyed it.
A few days passed, and finally Brian called. Katie was out giving lessons when one of the house staff yelled for her.
“Hello?”
“Katie, it’s Brian.”
“Hey, how are things?”
“Well, not so good.”
“What’s wrong Brian?”
“Well, Katie, I am afraid that I won’t be able to contact you anymore for sometime.”
“Why Brian? What’s wrong?”
“Katie, I was court marshaled and found guilty.”
“Guilty? Guilty of what?”
“Interfering with a US Army investigation. I have to serve 1 ½ - 5 years.”
“Brian, I am sorry. It’s all my fault.”
“No, Katie, it’s not. I never used your name so they don’t know you were involved. I didn’t want you to be arrested too. Anyway, my sentence hearing is tomorrow, so I thought I would call and let you know. I’ll contact you if I can but don’t count on it.”
“Well, Brian, thanks for everything. Let me know when you get out. Again, I am very sorry.”
“Don’t worry Katie. You’ll figure it out. I’ll let you know when I am released. Bye.”
Katie couldn’t believe it. The only link she had was gone. She was now on her own. Katie wanted so bad to figure all this out but in the back of her mind knew that she might never do so. She immediately went outside and told Mark. He couldn’t believe it either.
“Well, that defiantly throws a monkey in the ring, but don’t worry K, we’ll find the truth.”
She smiled at his words and knew that the we meant that he would help her every step of the way. Katie thanked him with a hug and a peck on the cheek.
It wasn’t long before Mark and Katie began spending more and more time together. She would give her lessons in the morning while he worked with some new horses. After lunch, they would stay pretty much together until bedtime. The only time they were apart was when there was a problem on the ranch Mark had to take care of.
Mark soon realized that he had fallen in love with Katie. He also knew that he could never let her know until she had put Billy’s death and Billy to rest. Little did he know that Katie knew how he felt and even found herself wondering if Billy’s death was keeping herself from falling in love with such a wonderful man.
Everyone on the ranch saw what was happening. The guys all kidded Mark, who denied everything. There were some that saw the sparkle in Katie’s eyes when she looked at Mark. He was a very handsome man. About six foot two inches tall, light brown hair, soft baby blue eyes, nicely tanned skin, a perfect loving smile that just made you melt, and was pretty well built from all the work. Katie would sometimes catch herself staring on really hot days when he would remove his shirt and dip his head in the water trough. She also loved the way his tight Wranglers fit him oh so perfectly.
It wasn’t long before Katie began to realize that she was indeed falling in love with Mark, in spite of the love she still had for Billy. As more and more time went by, it became more realistic that she would never find the truth behind Billy’s death. This saddened her because Billy was such a great part of her life, but she knew that she would eventually have to move on with her life.
Katie decided that she needed to get away from everything and figure stuff out. She decided to take a vacation. Katie loved the mountains and countryside but also loved the ocean. She decided the best vacation would be on the beach. She called and rented a condo near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The beach in this area was fairly private so she would have it pretty much to herself.
She informed Mark of her plans and told him he was in charge. Katie didn’t know how long she would be gone. Just however long it took. Mark drove her to the airport. Katie hugged him goodbye and off she went.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Chapter 11
Katie gave her riding lessons and then went in for lunch. It wasn’t long before the rest of the crew joined her. All day Katie pondered where to look and what to search for. Finally, she decided to start in the attic.
Katie had never been in the attic before. It was filled with boxes and old trunks. She went and opened all the trunks but all she found was old quilts. The boxes were all labeled, and she was glad. Katie went through every box that had Billy’s name or anything to do with the Army but found nothing.
By the time she finished in the attic, it was almost time for supper. Katie couldn’t believe she had spent that much time up there. After dinner, the crew went out to finish their work. Katie asked Mark to stay in. She told him that she was going to go through all the information and papers she had collected on Billy’s death so far, and she wanted him to help. Katie thought that maybe Mark might see something she had missed.
They spent hours looking at papers, sharing thoughts, and just chatting. Mark looked over and noticed that Katie had fallen asleep. He gently pulled off her boots and covered her with a blanket. It wasn’t long before Mark also fell asleep.
They both awoke the next morning surprised to find themselves sleeping side by side in front of the fireplace. They just looked at each other for a few moments, smiled, said good morning, and then went off to get ready for the day.
After her riding lessons, Katie went to gather up all her papers. As she was doing so, she saw the deed. She decided to look over it very careful once more and see if maybe she had over- looked something. Katie realized she had never read the part that stated what all was included. It read: Included is 250 acres of pasture and land, 2 story ranch house, workers’ quarters, 5 storage barns, 10 horse stables, 5 tractors and various farm equipment, 10 deluxe horse trailers, 3 full size trucks, 3 old full size work trucks, and $100,000 in savings at the First Country Bank to be used to buy horses, equipment and/or whatever is needed. She had no idea all of this was included. Katie just sat there is amazement.
She later found all the tractors, equipment, trailers, and trucks in the big barn on the hill behind the house, that Mark and his crew had not gotten to yer. Katie informed Mark of this and he was delighted to look them all over and to make sure they were in running order. It wasn’t long before the crew began putting it all to good use.
Katie was still no closer to finding a clue to Billy’s death. She decided to ask Mark where the best place to go and think was. He told her that when he worked for Mr. Jones, he would take a horse ride over to the river that runs at the back of the property and had a place fixed up out there. Katie told Mark to saddle her horse and not to let anyone disturb her.
She took a nice, quite ride back to the river. It was beautiful. This place seemed familiar to her, then she realized that she and Billy had been there before. Billy told her that he went out there to think and get away from everything. She remembered him telling her something about a special place that no one knew of where he would go. It was like a secret hide out. Katie had a feeling that maybe there would be a clue there to help her, but she couldn’t remember where it was.
She stayed there until dusk then decided to head back to the house before everyone came looking for her. As she got on her horse, something across the way caught her eye. Katie realized it was a ribbon tied to a tree. It was a tree that had Billy’s name carved in it and an arrow. She looked to where the arrow pointed and recognized Billy’s hiding place.
Somehow she felt Billy was showing her the way. The ribbon couldn’t be more than a month or so old, but who would tie a blue ribbon around a tree? Katie decided it was too dark to look in Billy’s secret hiding place tonight so she would come back tomorrow. She jumped on her horse and arrived back at the house just in time for dinner.
At dinner, she asked if anyone had been back to the river and tied a blue ribbon on a tree. No one had. Then one of the stable boys said he took a ride back there the other day and saw the tree with Billy’s name and an arrow carved in it, but there was no ribbon on it. Somehow Katie knew that someone was helping her find the clues to Billy’s death, but this time she didn’t think it was Brian.
Katie gave her riding lessons and then went in for lunch. It wasn’t long before the rest of the crew joined her. All day Katie pondered where to look and what to search for. Finally, she decided to start in the attic.
Katie had never been in the attic before. It was filled with boxes and old trunks. She went and opened all the trunks but all she found was old quilts. The boxes were all labeled, and she was glad. Katie went through every box that had Billy’s name or anything to do with the Army but found nothing.
By the time she finished in the attic, it was almost time for supper. Katie couldn’t believe she had spent that much time up there. After dinner, the crew went out to finish their work. Katie asked Mark to stay in. She told him that she was going to go through all the information and papers she had collected on Billy’s death so far, and she wanted him to help. Katie thought that maybe Mark might see something she had missed.
They spent hours looking at papers, sharing thoughts, and just chatting. Mark looked over and noticed that Katie had fallen asleep. He gently pulled off her boots and covered her with a blanket. It wasn’t long before Mark also fell asleep.
They both awoke the next morning surprised to find themselves sleeping side by side in front of the fireplace. They just looked at each other for a few moments, smiled, said good morning, and then went off to get ready for the day.
After her riding lessons, Katie went to gather up all her papers. As she was doing so, she saw the deed. She decided to look over it very careful once more and see if maybe she had over- looked something. Katie realized she had never read the part that stated what all was included. It read: Included is 250 acres of pasture and land, 2 story ranch house, workers’ quarters, 5 storage barns, 10 horse stables, 5 tractors and various farm equipment, 10 deluxe horse trailers, 3 full size trucks, 3 old full size work trucks, and $100,000 in savings at the First Country Bank to be used to buy horses, equipment and/or whatever is needed. She had no idea all of this was included. Katie just sat there is amazement.
She later found all the tractors, equipment, trailers, and trucks in the big barn on the hill behind the house, that Mark and his crew had not gotten to yer. Katie informed Mark of this and he was delighted to look them all over and to make sure they were in running order. It wasn’t long before the crew began putting it all to good use.
Katie was still no closer to finding a clue to Billy’s death. She decided to ask Mark where the best place to go and think was. He told her that when he worked for Mr. Jones, he would take a horse ride over to the river that runs at the back of the property and had a place fixed up out there. Katie told Mark to saddle her horse and not to let anyone disturb her.
She took a nice, quite ride back to the river. It was beautiful. This place seemed familiar to her, then she realized that she and Billy had been there before. Billy told her that he went out there to think and get away from everything. She remembered him telling her something about a special place that no one knew of where he would go. It was like a secret hide out. Katie had a feeling that maybe there would be a clue there to help her, but she couldn’t remember where it was.
She stayed there until dusk then decided to head back to the house before everyone came looking for her. As she got on her horse, something across the way caught her eye. Katie realized it was a ribbon tied to a tree. It was a tree that had Billy’s name carved in it and an arrow. She looked to where the arrow pointed and recognized Billy’s hiding place.
Somehow she felt Billy was showing her the way. The ribbon couldn’t be more than a month or so old, but who would tie a blue ribbon around a tree? Katie decided it was too dark to look in Billy’s secret hiding place tonight so she would come back tomorrow. She jumped on her horse and arrived back at the house just in time for dinner.
At dinner, she asked if anyone had been back to the river and tied a blue ribbon on a tree. No one had. Then one of the stable boys said he took a ride back there the other day and saw the tree with Billy’s name and an arrow carved in it, but there was no ribbon on it. Somehow Katie knew that someone was helping her find the clues to Billy’s death, but this time she didn’t think it was Brian.
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