Page 63 of Seized by the Lawman

Chapter 22

MELLY FOLLOWED THE path from the house to the stables. Two days had gone by since she spoke with Nix and her father. She needed time to get over the hurt, but eventually she’d forgive her father, but Nix…well, she wasn’t sure what would happen. His betrayal had hurt her the most. They’d shared in many conversations, she’d told him how trust wasn’t easy, how her dad had controlled her life, and yet he hadn’t come clean. A part of her understood he’d been placed in a difficult position, but he’d had ample opportunity to tell her the that her father only had six months, or less, to live.

Tears filled her eyes. She loved her father, and what would she do when he was gone?

Stepping into the open door, she called out, “Randy?”

He didn’t answer.

The space was dimly lit and it appeared empty. The horses in the stalls were grunting and clawing at the dirt. “What’s wrong, Jewels?” Melly thought the mare seemed unusually apprehensive. A storm was brewing, but normally the horse didn’t behave like this. Curious, Melly carefully rounded the stall and stopped dead. Randy was sprawled on the floor with blood on his temple. She raced to his side, dropped to her knees, and gave him a shake. “Randy? Are you okay?” He didn’t move. She checked for his pulse and was relieved to find that he had one. Reaching for her phone, she started to call 9-1-1…

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

Hearing the soft female voice behind her, Melly looked up into the barrel of a gun. The woman took a step forward, and although her appearance had changed, Melly recognized Claire. Her hair was black and straight and she wore all black. She motioned for Melly to stand. “What are you doing?”

“I’m sorry. I really am, but I have to do this.” Claire’s shaking voice spoke volumes about the woman’s inner turmoil.

“Why?” Melly needed to know.

“Get your hands up so I can see them,” Claire demanded.

Lifting her hands halfway, Melly knew she needed to keep her talking. “I don’t understand.”

“You’re not an idiot. You know good and well why. I’m sure by now your man has filled you in.” The woman looked like she hadn’t slept in days. “Spider was the first person to ever love me, really love me, and you and Nix took that away from me. I don’t have anything left.”

“Claire…Spider did this to himself. He made bad choices that led him down this path. Don’t let his bad choices ruin you like it did him. I understand you must have loved him, but he’s gone.”

“He was wrongly charged. He wanted a different life. He planned on marrying me and now I’m alone again.” The gun shook.

“Why are you doing this?” Melly attempted to keep her voice from shaking. “It’s over.”

“No. I promised him that if things went sour I would see that he got what he wanted. Revenge against Nix.”

“You don’t have to do this, Claire. You’re not like this. I know you. My father knows you.” Melly hoped to talk some sense into the woman. “Please let me call for help for Randy. He looks like he has a bad gash on his head and cheek.”

“He’ll be fine. But you and me, we’re going to take a road trip.” Claire waved the gun, motioning for Melly to pass through the door to the outside.

The last thing she wanted was to leave the ranch. Her chances of survival would drop drastically once she left with Claire. But what choice did she have? No doubt the disgruntled woman was hurt enough to seek her own justice. “Where are we going?”

“Shut up. Just follow my directions. Now start walking.” Claire gave Melly a hard push.

Claire forced her behind the wheel of the Lexus and Claire took the passenger seat, still holding the gun aimed directly at Melly’s head.

“Drive,” Claire mumbled.

“I need to know where I’m driving to.”

“You’ll know when we get there.”

~~~**~~~

Nix was sitting at his desk staring at the screen of his computer. Claire had left a trail of debit purchases all the way into Virginia. From what it appeared, she’d left town, but it didn’t settle well with him. Although he wouldn’t stop searching for her. She deserved to pay too.

He pulled up a picture of Melly and sweat beaded his forehead.

He wished he could speak to her, but she’d thwarted all his attempts to contact her. She’d even made Riddle, who had been watching the house, leave. She disabled the new cameras, and Nix knew she did that to keep him from watching.

His phone rang. “Cade here.”

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