Chapter 24 — Coyote Attack

Tess felt broken and knew if she didn’t stay busy, she would start crying all over again. She grabbed a bucket and headed for the blackberry patch even though it was dusk. 

 Tess heard the howls of the coyotes as she neared the cabin carrying a bucket of blackberries. She prayed they wouldn’t approach and picked up a tree limb on the ground to fend them off.

“Come on, Buddy,” she cried out, dropping the pail of berries as she broke into a run towards the house.

But it was too late. Buddy was facing off with two coyotes—his hackles were up, and he was baring his teeth with a low throaty growl. Two coyotes were yipping and nipping at him. Buddy let out a howl of pain as one coyote latched on to him. The other moved in for the kill.

Tess screamed a blood-curdling scream, raised her stick, and ran towards the coyotes. It was then she heard the man’s voice call out gruffly, “Stay back.”

 Tess stopped abruptly. A shot rang out, and she watched as a coyote fell to the ground. The other coyote ran, but dropped when another shot rang out.

The sound of the gunshot echoed in her ears over and over. Dazed, she looked at the figure, all in black carrying a rifle running toward her.

Sawyer had come back.

Tess dared look at Buddy; his lifeless body stretched out on the ground. “They’ve killed Buddy,” her pained voice shrill. She ran to Buddy and fell to the ground in a heap next to him. She grabbed his head in her hands.

 Sawyer dropped to his knees next to her and examined the whipped dog who had just put up the fight of his life. “Come on, boy. Come on,” Sawyer said, rubbing Buddy’s thick fur as if he could rub life into him.

Buddy whimpered. It was a weak sound, but enough to let them know he was alive. And then his legs moved, and Buddy turned over and rose, looking as if a train had run him over.

“I think he’s okay, Tess,” Sawyer said. “He’s missing part of his ear, but he’s okay.”

Laughing and crying, Tess threw her arms around Buddy. Thank God, I thought I’d lost you. You saved my life, boy.” He was bloody, and his ear was mangled, but he was alive. “Thank God you came when you did, Sawyer.” 

Sawyer picked Buddy up and carried him into the house, and Tess followed.

They had just stepped up on the porch when Tess said, “The kitten?” she asked, her voice scared. “Do you see it? I remember it followed me out.”

“No. I think the coyotes got the kitten, Tess.” Sawyer said sadly.

Tess’s heart sank. Tears glazed her eyes. She had to stay strong for Buddy.

Sawyer took Buddy into the screened porch and wrapped Buddy in towels. Then he called the vet. The vet was at a nearby farm and was there in minutes. He was able to sew Buddy’s ear back on—part of it was missing. It would never look the same, but he had an ear.

It was a cause for celebration. Sawyer popped two beers, and they sat on the porch swing with the breeze on their face, and Buddy at their feet. “Sounds like the swing needs some oil,” Sawyer said when he heard a squeak.

“You know Sawyer—I don’t think that was the swing,” Tess said, jumping up and peering under the porch. She began to laugh. “The kitten’s alive, Sawyer. She’s scared, but she’s alive.” Sawyer reached under the porch and came up with the little ball of fur.

Tess sat in the swing, the kitten snuggled into her chest, and she snuggled into Sawyer’s chest. “I’m sorry, Sawyer. I feel like an idiot. I overreacted. I know you’re a good man. Whatever you’ve done, I’m sure you had a reason.”

“There’s never a good reason for killing a man,” Sawyer said, looking up into the sky. “It’s a horrible thing what I did. It’s hard to live with yourself after you do such a thing.”

“I’ll help you get through it,” Tess said, gazing up at him. “I know you’re suffering.”

“I don’t want your pity, Tess,” Sawyer said through clenched teeth. “There’s nothing you can do. It’s between our maker and me, not the judge—not the jury. They wouldn’t convict me. But I’m guilty as sin, and I’ll never forgive myself. All I can do is wake up every day and do as much good as I can until I take my last breath.”

Tess interlaced her fingers with his. “Sawyer, you’re the best man I’ve ever met. You have to forgive yourself.”

“It’s getting late,” Sawyer said, ignoring her pleas. “I need to check on the colt.”

“You can come back,” Tess said, squeezing his hand. Hopeful.

“Naw,” Sawyer said, biting his lip. “Somehow, it doesn’t seem the same.”

“Sawyer, please. We can try again.”

“Something doesn’t feel right, Tess.”

Tess began to sob quietly into Sawyer’s shoulder. “Oh God, Sawyer, don’t do this,” she said in a choked voice. “I was wrong to doubt you. We have something really good.”

“We do,” Sawyer said. “But I get the feeling I want to break away when things get serious. I thought it would be different with you. Stephanie called me a rogue. And I guess that’s what I am, Tess. I don’t deserve a woman like you, Tess.”

It broke her heart when Sawyer walked away. Tess held the kitten close and wept silently, his fur wet with her tears. She had a sinking feeling in her gut, as if she’d just lost her best friend.

Buddy whined. They went inside and Tess bathed him. She was drying him when she heard a loud knock on the door. She ran down the steps with Buddy at her heels, hoping beyond hope it was Sawyer coming back to say he was sorry.

Tess turned on the porch light surprised to the sheriff. “Is everything okay?” Tess asked, opening the door cautiously.

The sheriff looked concerned. “There’s a pack of coyotes running wild. Your vet reported the attack on your dog, and there was another attack on a herd of sheep a few miles down the road. I know you’re alone. Can you leave? Go into town for a while until we can get this under control? Your dog isn’t safe. They don’t typically attack humans, but they have.”

Tess’s eyes grew wide. “I’ll start packing now. I have a place in town.”

“I’ll stand watch while you pack. The coyotes have a den close. Mind if I ask where you’re going?”

“I’m going to the Nettle Rose Bed and Breakfast on Hollow Lane. It used to be my Aunt Nettie’s. I’ve taken it over.”

“Oh, yes. I know the place,” the sheriff said. “It’s gated and fenced. Your dog will be safe there.”

“Yes,” Tess said. “I’m fortunate to have someplace to go.”

Tess hurriedly packed two bags of clothing and boxed up all the perishable food, as well as dog and cat food. The sheriff helped her load the truck. Then she threw her Remington in the truck, and roared away. She had mixed feelings. She loved that the cabin was isolated, but now it seemed threatening. Besides, it would be hard knowing Sawyer was so close.

She bounced around in her old truck, following behind the sheriff. She turned crimson, feeling like an idiot when the sheriff turned on the red light of his car. Passersby turned and starred, causing her to scoot down as far as was safely possible in the seat. 

She ignored the ringing of her cell phone, and after they hit the city limits, she noticed a sleek, black SUV following behind her. She looked closely in her rear-view mirror. It was Richard. She’d been ignoring his calls. He’d left messages saying he would be in Columbus meeting with a client.

They all pulled up in the circular drive at Nettle Rose at the same time. Richard’s door flew open. “What the hell is going on, Steve?” he blared.

“Just escorting the lady into town,” the sheriff said. “Coyote attacked her dog. There’s a pack of them on the run. Killed a bunch of sheep.”

Tess stood in her dirty blue jeans, brushing her tousled hair away from her face, wishing she’d had time to shower. Richard had only seen her perfectly groomed. She was right to be concerned. He appeared shocked as he examined her with scrutiny. She couldn’t tell if it was because of her appearance or because he was worried.

“What happened to you?” he asked. “Are you okay? Where’s Buddy?”

“I’m okay,” she answered. “Buddy’s in the truck. We couldn’t stay in the cabin. It wasn’t safe.”

“I’ve got it from here, Steve,” Richard said dismissively.

Steve nodded. “I’ll check your house when I make my rounds, Miss,” Steve said, tipping his hat. “Both of them.”

“Thank you,” Tess said. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

Tess walked over and opened the door of the truck, and Buddy jumped out, running in circles around the spacious lawn. “His ear looks bad,” Richard said, shaking his head.

“He looks good. You should have seen him before the vet sewed him up.” That’s when she lost it, choking back tears.

Richard gathered her in his arms. “I’m here now. Everything is going to be okay.”

“I’m dirty,” she said, embarrassed. “I gave Buddy a bath, then the sheriff came, and I had to pack up everything and get out.”

Richard kissed her tenderly on the lips. “I missed you, baby,” he said. “I was worried when you didn’t answer my calls, and I came back early. I was heading over to your cabin when I saw you. It scared the hell out of me.”

“I’m sorry,” Tess said. “Everything happened so fast. I didn’t have time to call you.”

“Let’s get you unpacked; you can get a bath. How about I order a pizza?”

“That would be great—I’m starved.” She started when she heard a ‘mew’ and ran to the truck. “I almost forgot kitty.”

Richard’s expression was wary. “When did you get a cat?”

Tess was relieved to be at Nettle Rose, and happy that there was no sign of ghosts. The shower felt heavenly. Tess had upgraded all the bathrooms but had never used the showers. It was much nicer than the shower at the cabin. There was a fresh bar of lavender soap and, luckily, a shower cap.

Richard had insisted on feeding Buddy and ordering the pizza. Buddy wouldn’t let Tess out of his sight. He laid on the rug in front of the shower; the kitten balled up next to him.

Tess dried with a thirsty white towel, threw on some sweatpants and a baggy shirt, then ran a brush through her hair. She was brushing her teeth when Richard called out that the pizza had arrived.

Tess swept the kitten up in her arms and padded down the steps, with Buddy following behind.

Richard had rolled up the sleeves of his crisp white shirt, and was pouring wine from a bottle leftover from the party into two goblets.

“I see you’re finding your way around,” Tess said, smiling as she closed the distance between them.

“I’ve been here before,” Richard said. “And I’m observant. I was watching your every move the night of the dinner. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

Tess concealed a smile. “Really? I didn’t notice.”

Richard’s eyes danced. “I remember it differently. I caught you watching me several times.” He caught her off guard, sweeping her up into his arms and kissing her, a warm lingering kiss. “I’ve missed you terribly,” he said, his mouth next to her ear. “It was killing me when you didn’t answer my calls.” He sat down in a kitchen chair and pulled her onto his lap. “What happened? Did you have cold feet? Remorse? Regret?”

Tess felt all the above as she gazed into Richard’s steel-blue eyes, searching hers, intent on knowing her every thought. She thought about telling him about Sawyer, but the wound was too fresh. “All the above. I live in a log cabin. It’s shabby compared to Nettle Rose. I’m afraid I’ve been putting on airs. I don’t care about social circles or the latest gossip. I’m just a country girl, a schoolteacher who came from a family who pinched pennies their entire life so I could have an education. Somehow, I ended up with this enormous mansion, but I don’t even know if I’ll be able to keep it.” She dropped her eyes, hardly able to continue. “I don’t feel worthy of you. I had a windfall of money, but it won’t last forever.”

“I don’t care where you live, whether it’s a mansion or a log cabin. Wherever you are is where I want to be, Tess. If anything, I’m not worthy of you,” Richard said, burying his head in the hollow of her neck. “All I know is that you’re the woman I want.”

“If only I could believe that was true,” she said. “If only you weren’t married.”

“I’ve left Stephanie and filed for divorce. Now, do you believe me?”

Tess drew in a breath—her mouth gaped hardly able to believe her ears. It wasn’t about being a companion or a mistress. He was serious. He was ending it with Stephanie. She began to laugh and cry at the same time. And then he was saying those magical words over and over. “I love you, Tess. I love you.”

They piled in the bed with the pizza and a glass of wine. Stephanie plopped up on pillows—comfortable—not worrying about how she looked in her sweat pants and a baggy shirt. Richard had thrown on jogging clothes that he’d taken with him on his trip. There wasn’t a television in the room, and Richard found some soft romantic music on his iPhone. Tess was elated. She lay back in Richard’s arms, perfectly contented.

Richard hadn’t asked her to marry him, but the fact that he was getting a divorce meant everything. They talked about their future together, about getting some comfortable furniture for the mansion, where they were going to live, and what they were going to have for dinner tomorrow night. They were getting to know each other’s likes and dislikes. One thing they knew—the chemistry was there. But they decided to adhere to the old-fashioned rule: no sex before marriage. 

Tess snuggled close to Richard and whispered, “You know, Richard, this house is haunted.”

Richard yawned. “I remember you talked about it at dinner. I guarantee you—your ghosts will not keep me awake.”

Tess smiled. “So, you don’t mind about the lilac scent, and that my grandfather lives in the attic.”

“No, honey, it doesn’t bother me. Now can we go to sleep? I have an early get up.”

They drifted off to sleep like two bear cubs entwined in each other’s arms.