Chapter 2

Edward rode Majesty up to the porch later that afternoon. Debra was sitting on the chair on the porch. "Let's go for a ride."

"No thanks."

Edward dismounted and walked up onto the porch. "Yes, Debra, you are going for a ride with me. I can and will pick you up and throw you up there if I have to." He said with a determined look on his face.

"Would you really do that?"

"Do you really want to find out?" Edward said as he stepped closer to her.

Debra stood up. "No, not really."

"Then let’s go." He said as he walked back to Majesty. He mounted then waited for Debra to walk around the horse. He instructed her on what to do and helped her get on behind him. Mrs. Gardner came out the front door with a bag. She threw it up at Edward. "Thanks, Mrs. Gardner. Just put your arms around me and hold on." He said then slowly rode off. Debra tightened her rip around Edward. as he rode away from the house. He rode up onto a hill overlooking a pasture below. "We'll stop here for a while." He said. He helped Debra off Majesty. She hurried away. Edward dismounted and walked over to a clearing. He opened the bag and pulled out a small blanket which he laid on the ground. He sat down on the edge of it. "Come sit with me."

"What if I don't want to?"

"Do you want to find out?"

Debra slowly walked over to him. She sat down on the opposite side of the blanket. "I thought you said you would never hurt me."

"I won't hurt you. In fact, I am trying to help you." Edward said as he took some sandwiches out of the bag. He tossed one at Debra. "I know you didn't eat your dinner last night or breakfast this morning. Then I was informed you refused lunch. You need to eat."

"I don't have an appetite," Debra said as she put the sandwich on the blanket.

"Well, we aren't going back until you eat something." He said as he opened his sandwich and took a bite. "So, what did you do in New York?"

"I was an accountant."

"Why were you going to LA? Did you get fired or something?"

"Yes, I was fired for my own stupidity," Debra said as she picked up her sandwich.

"Would you care to elaborate?"

Debra took a bite of the sandwich and chewed slowly. After a few minutes, she looked at Edward. "I was having an affair with one of the bosses."

"So, the relationship went south, and he fired you?"

"Yes, something like that," Debra said then took another bite. "Tell me about yourself. Is this your family ranch?"

"My family died when I was twelve. I was put into foster care and turned into a delinquent. Me and a couple of foster brothers stole a truck one night. The owner decided to make us work here for community service instead of pressing charges on us."

"Well, that was nice of him, I guess."

"Yes. He didn't have children of his own, so he took us in. We helped him build up the ranch into what it is today." Edward said.

"So, he helped you, and then you helped him. Where is he now?"

"He died several years ago, and he willed this place to me."

"What about your foster brothers?"

"They moved away and went into law enforcement. I was the only one who realized that this is where I belonged." Edward said. "They still come by from time to time and stay for a weekend."

"It’s nice to have family around I guess."

"Yes, it is. I have kept up with the tradition that he had. We give second chances to people and animals. I have been told that I help lost causes. I just try to put them on the right track. I give people a job until they decide what they want to do and help animals over trauma or other problems."

"Aren't you just a saint?" Debra said sarcastically.

"No, I'm not. I am far from a saint, but I see good in a lot of things. I rescue horses and work with them. Some say I have a gift for that kind of thing, but I know it is something more than that. I am the one people come to for help because I help lost causes."

"So, do you consider me a lost cause?"

"No. You were hurt and I took you in so you can get better. I could have sent you to the hospital, but I didn’t want you to wake up alone and scared. You were never alone while you were unconscious. I always had someone there with you."

"Thank you. I appreciate that."

"But now I am being told that if you don't start eating, the doc will put you in the hospital to make you eat."

"Would you really let him do that?"

"I don't want to, but you need to eat to get your strength back. He says you are looking good, but if you don't start eating, I won't have a choice."

"Like I told him, every time I eat, it makes me feel sick. I keep it down, but it feels like it won't stay there." She said then took another bite of her sandwich. "He took some blood to run some tests."

"Yes, he is giving me until the tests come back to get you to start eating." Edward said. "I can tame the wildest of horses, but I really have trouble reading how people feel."

"I should have said something." Debra said. "So, how far does your land go?" She finished her sandwich.

"As far as you can see," Edward said. He pulled a couple of bottles of water out of the bag. "After we get done here, I can show you more. I would really like you at least try to eat a little so the doc can stay off my case." He handed her a bottle of water.

"Thank you," Debra said then smiled.

"You have a beautiful smile," Edward said smiling back. Debra looked away and opened her water. She took a long drink. Edward took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. That was a little out of line."

"It's fine. You don't have to apologize." Debra said then got up. She walked over by the tree and stood there looking across the land.

Edward got up after a few minutes, folded the blanket, and replaced it into the bag. He walked over to Majesty and stroked him. He walked around and mounted him. "Are you ready to see more before we head back?"

Debra turned around. "Yes." She walked over to Majesty and Edward helped her mount up. He turned and started riding slowly down the other side of the hill. "So, you have horses and cows."

"Actually, they are cattle."

"Oh, there's a difference?"

"Yes. Around here we consider cows for milking. We raise ours for beef." Edward said. "We also have chickens, a couple of hogs and a couple of sheep."

"Do you use all of them for food?"

"Yes, actually. Except for the horses of course." He said. "Do you know much about animals?"

"Only what I have read about. Since we moved so often, I wasn't allowed to have any pets."

"We really don't have any pets here. Scout thinks he is, and I only allow him in the house on occasion, but he is a working dog."

"What about wild animals? Do they come around often?"

"Not too much. Usually, Scout keeps then away from the house." Edward said. "They are more scared of you than you are of them."

"I don't think so. That one didn't seem so scared the other night."

Edward rode across a creek and through some trees to a clearing overlooking a field of cattle. "It is amazing to look at, isn't it?"

"Yes. Are there males and females in there?"

"Yes, for now. They are breeding. When the females go out of season, we usually separate them. It reduces the stress of males dominating the females."

"How long after that do they give birth?"

"It’s about ten months." Edward said. It is a full-time job here, but I wouldn't change it for the world."

"So, even though you own the place, you still work all the time?"

"Yes. I have a head person for each aspect of the ranch, the cattle, the horses, the farming, and the living quarters. I help out wherever I am needed, but I work on the horses that need me." He said. "That’s what I was doing yesterday when you saw me in the corral."

"You saw me?"

"Yes. I knew you were there before I looked over. Why didn't you come closer?"

"I didn't want to disturb you." Debra said.

"I wouldn't have minded." Edward said "Hey, boss, where are you at?" Someone called over the radio.

Edward pulled a radio off his belt. "I am at the south fork. What's up, Buck?"

"I just got a report that a pack of wild dogs were spotted in the hills. They could be headed this way."

"Get a couple of crews together to keep an eye on the herds tonight."

"Will do, boss."

Edward put the radio back on his belt. "We should head back."

"Will they attack us?"

"You are safe at the ranch. They usually don't come too close."

"That's good to know."

Edward turned Majesty around and rode slowly back to the house. He stopped at the bottom of the porch steps and helped Debra down. "I hope you had a good time."

"Yes, thank you. It felt good to be out."

"Maybe we can do it again sometime."

"Maybe." Debra said then walked up onto the porch. Edward rode off towards the barn.

Edward sat at his desk after dinner working when Debra brought in coffee. She set it down in front of him. He looked up. "Thank you."

"Any word about the wild dogs?"

"No, not yet."

"That's good." She said as she walked over to a bookshelf. "Do you mind if I borrow one of these?"

"No, help yourself."

Debra looked at the books and pulled one off the shelf. "I will return it when I am finished."

"There's no hurry."

"Is there anything I can do around here to help?" Debra asked. "You have been nice enough to open your house to me and I wish I could give back a little."

Edward stopped what he was doing and sat back in his chair. He sipped his coffee. "I don't expect anything from you in return for me helping you." He said. "Your top priority is getting yourself stronger."

"I know, but I feel like I should be doing something than just sitting around the house." Debra said. "Mrs. Gardner seems always busy but doesn't want me to help her."

"She has her own ways of doing things."

"I can do a lot of things if I am given a chance and shown how."

"I can talk to Mrs. Gardner about it and see if she can think of anything."

"Thank you." Debra said. "I'll let you get back to work." She walked over to the door.

"You don't owe me anything. I enjoy helping people and animals." Edward said then took a deep breath. "Just to let you know, I contacted the authorities about what happened to you."

Debra turned back towards him. "I wish you hadn't."

"I couldn't let it go after what he did to you. If he did it to you, he could have done it to other women. Who knows if he could have killed someone.”?

"And what has come of it?"

"Nothing yet. I am sure they will want to get your side of the story and to see if it checks out. The day I found you, I took pictures of you and sent them along with what you told me. When I hear anything from it, I will let you know."

"It's not like I would have been missed by anyone. Nobody knew where I was going, and I don't talk to my parents. I don't even know if they are alive anymore."

"I'm sorry. I should have talked to you about it first."

"What is done is done." Debra said then walked out of the door of the office.

Debra got out of bed round eight the next morning. She changed her clothes and went downstairs. She poured herself a cup of coffee, found some bread and put them in the toaster. Mrs. Gardner came in the back door. "Good morning, Mrs. Gardner."

"Good morning, Debra. How are you feeling this morning?"

"Better, thank you." She said as she took her toast out of the toaster. She sat down at the counter.

"I sent Raul to my place to get some things that you might like to keep yourself busy." She said. "I'm not sure you are into crafting, but you said you like to sew."

"I haven't tried anything, so I can give it a shot."

"Great. Edward left early before I got here. He is tracking the pack of dogs."

"I heard gun shots early this morning. Then Edward got up shortly after it started getting light out. I didn't sleep very well last night."

"You get use to sound like that around here."

"Do you think Edward likes me?"

"Edward likes anyone, but if you mean really likes you, you better open your eyes a little wider. He wouldn't do anything to hurt you in any way."

"Sometimes it seems like he wants to say something to me, then backs down or changes the subject."

"He might think it is too soon to broach that subject after what has happened to you. I am sure he will come around."

"I feel safe when he is around."

"That's good. I have work to tend to. I will have Raul put the stuff up in your room. Help yourself to anything. I don't want any of it anymore."

"Thank you, Mrs. Gardner." Debra said. Mrs. Gardner walked out. Debra finished her breakfast then walked out onto the front porch. She sat down for a few minutes then went back inside. She went upstairs and into her room. A box sat on the bed. She sat down and looked in the box. She pulled out a crafting project and started working on it.

Edward came up to Debra's room shortly after lunch carrying a plate. He slowly went inside. "Are you busy?"

"No, come on in."

Edward walked further into the room. "I brought you lunch."

"I must have lost track of time. I got busy doing this."

"I know the feeling. If my stomach wouldn't growl so loud, I would skip meals." He said as he sat down at the foot of the bed. He handed her the plate. "How are you feeling?"

"I think I am starting to get my appetite back." She said as she took a bite of the sandwich.

"That's good."

"Did you track the dogs?"

"Yes. We had to kill a couple of them that attacked, but we chased the rest of them away. We brought two young pups back with us. We accidentally shot the mother dog."

"Were they sick?"

"No, just hungry we think. I have the vet coming to check out the pups."

"Did anyone get hurt?"

"No. Everyone is safe."

"That's good."

"I got word about your situation. I don't know any details, but Ace, my brother is coming tomorrow to talk to you." He said. "Are you up to talk about it? If not, I can postpone it."

"No, it's fine. I have to deal with it sooner or later." Debra said as she finished her sandwich.

"I'm sorry I went behind your back and asked him. I originally sent him your photo and asked him to check missing persons."

"It's fine Edward. You did what you thought was right. And it is, but maybe I just don't want to deal with the demons that follow."

"I will be here with you through all this. We can deal with the demons together if you want."

"Thank you."

"I want you to know that whatever happens, you are more than welcome to stay here."

"We will see what happens."

"I should get back to work." He said then got up. "I guess I will see you at dinner."

"I'm sure you will."

Edward smiled then walked out of the room. Debra got back to work on her crafting project.

Debra walked into the dining room, but nobody was there. She walked into the kitchen and saw Mrs. Gardner in front of the stove. "Is there anything I can help with?"

"No. It is almost done. Edward called and said he would be late, so it is just you tonight. I will put his in the microwave"

"Did he say how late?"

"No. I will be leaving after I get this done. Just leave the dirty dishes in the sink. I will get to them in the morning."

"I can do them. I don't mind."

"It is Friday night. My husband always takes me to the diner Friday night and then we either go to the movies or a drive or a walk."

"That's nice."

"I am sure if you would like to go into town, one of the workers would be more than happy to take you."

"I don't think I am ready for that."

"All right."

"Thank you for the box of stuff. I started doing one already."

"I am glad you are getting use out of it. I used to do a lot of it, but my arthritis has been acting up and it is too difficult to do any of it anymore."

"Well, I appreciate it."

"I have more at my place if you would like them."

"I'm not sure how long I am going to be here."

"All right. If you want them, you are more than happy to have them." Mrs. Gardner said. "Dinner is done." She said as she turned off the stove. She dished out Debra's food and handed it to her. Debra took it to the dining room.

Debra was in the kitchen doing the dishes when Edward walked in. "Sorry I missed dinner. I had to take care of something."

"That's all right. I will heat it up while you wash up."

"Thank you." Edward said as he left the kitchen. Debra turned on the microwave and continued to dry the dishes. Edward came back and sat down at the counter. Debra took his plate out of the microwave and set it in front of him. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." She said as she handed him a fork.

"You do know you didn't have to do the dishes.Mrs. Garner would have done them in the morning."

"Yes, I know, but I wanted to help."

"Did she leave something in the oven?"

"No. I made dessert."

"If you wanted something, Mrs. Gardner could have made it for you."

"I didn't think of it until after she left. I don't mind at all." She said as she turned around. "I know I am your guest and you have been nice enough to let me stay, but I have been living on my own since going off to college. The last few days have been nice to just sit around, but frankly, I am starting to get bored."

"Well, just don't overdue yourself. The doc hasn't said you were back to being one hundred percent."

"I won't overdue myself. It didn't take me long to make it." Debra turned back to the dishes. She finished drying them and put them away. She poured coffee for herself and Edward. She placed his in front of him. "Mrs. Gardner said the crew goes into town. Do you ever go in with them?"

"I usually don't go in with the crew. I go into town a couple of times to check the mail and to run errands, but I don't go in to socialize."

"So, you don't feel the need to go in to have a drink or a date?"

"I am not that kind of guy." He got up, scraped his plate in the trash and put it in the sink. Debra started to wash it. "I don't do one-night stands. I am looking and want much more than just a companion." He took the plate from her and dried it. He put it in the cabinet. He turned to Debra and touched her arm. "I want to know that I'm not the type of person to jump into bed with just anyone."

"I didn't mean to imply that you should. I just think everyone needs to unwind every now and then."

"I can find other ways to unwind." He said then took a step towards Debra.

Debra stepped back breaking the contact between then. "Edward, I am not ready for anything."

"I apologize, Debra. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." He said then walked around the counter. He gulped down his coffee and walked out of the kitchen.