Debra carried two plates of dessert and two cups of coffee into Edward's office a while later. She set a plate and a cup of coffee in front of Edward. "I thought you would like a piece. Think of it as a peace offering."
Edward looked up from his computer. "I didn't know we were at war."
"May I sit down?" Debra asked motioning to the chair.
"Of course," Edward said as he sat back on the chair.
Debra sat down on the chair and set her coffee and cake on the desk. "Edward, I know you like me. I like you too, but I am confused because I feel this connection between us, and I am confused about it." Debra said. She picked up her coffee and took a sip. "You found me, took me in, and took care of me. I owe you my life, Edward."
"Debra, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable in the kitchen. I don't want you to feel pressured into doing anything you don't want to do. Yes, I do like you, maybe more than like, but if you aren't feeling the same way or if you aren't ready, then I can be patient."
"I just don't know how I am feeling. I am so confused about the feeling I am having after what has happened to me."
"I am a very patient person," Edward said. Edward took a bite of the cake. "Did you make this from scratch?"
"Yes. I was in the mood for something and after searching through your cabinets, I found what I needed for this. Do you like it?"
"It's delicious. It's a treat for dessert around here. Mrs. Gardner doesn't bake that often."
"It's only one thing my mother taught me. Some things I rather forget."
"Sometimes when I go into town, I stop and pick up some cookies. Mrs. Gardner scolds me for it."
"I thought about making cookies, but I couldn't find everything I needed."
"If you make a list of things you need, I will have Mrs. Gardner pick it up on Sunday when she goes to the store."
"I wouldn't want to bother her for extra stuff to buy."
"Well, then I can take you to the store and I will get it. We can go right now if you want."
"I don't think I am ready to go out in public right now."
"Well, make a list then. I would love to try more of your baking. Especially if it’s as good as this."
"I guess my dad was right about one thing." Debra said as she smiled.
"And what is that?"
"He said the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach."
"I guess he is right. Maybe that is why he loved your mother so much." He said as he finished his cake. He got up. "Is there more out there?"
"Yes, of course," Debra said.
Edward walked around his desk and took his plate out with him out of the office. He returned a few minutes later with another piece of cake. He sat down at his desk. "Now, if I only knew the way to your heart."
"My mom use to say that time heals all wounds."
"Your parents seem like smart people. Do you cook regular meals or just desserts?"
"I can cook almost anything."
"I can barely boil water without burning it."
"I guess that is why Mrs. Gardner keeps her job."
"Yes, it is," Edward said. An alarm went off on his phone. He pulled it out and shut it off. "I have to feed the puppies." He said as he stood up. "Would you like to come out to the barn with me?"
"I don't know, Edward."
"Come on. It is dark and nobody is around. I won't let anything hurt you."
"I guess I can give it a try."
"Great," Edward said as he shoved the rest of his cake in his mouth. He walked around the desk and to the door. Debra followed him out of the office and to the front door. Edward grabbed a flashlight off the shelf and went out the door. Debra followed slowly. Edward walked as slow as Debra wanted to go until they made it to the barn. He opened the door and turned on the lights. "Well, here is the barn. Just so you know, don't open any of the stall doors. Some of the horses spook easily."
"I don't think you have to worry about that."
Edward went into a storage room and prepared a couple of bottles of puppy milk. Debra watched from the doorway. Edward came out to the door and walked around her. "The puppies are over here." He said as he walked over to a stall. He opened the door and walked in. A box sat in one corner of the stall. Two grey puppies were moving around in the box. Edward held out the two bottles of milk for them and they started drinking. "You can come closer if you want."
Debra walked over closer to Edward. She knelt next to him and the box. "They are so cute."
"Yes, they are. They are only about three or four weeks old."
"So, the mother was just trying to protect these little ones."
"Yes. Joe shot her before I could tell him not to. I am just helping him out tonight because he already made plans. He will take over tomorrow."
"How often do you have to feed them?"
"Every couple of hours."
"I guess you aren't going to get much sleep tonight."
"It's all right. I don't mind helping the workers when I need to. That is the good part of being the boss. I can help when I want and if I don't, I make them do it."
"I guess," Debra said. She stood up. Edward pulled the empty bottles away from the puppies and stood up. Debra followed him out of the stall. So, how many horses are in here?"
"We keep a few in here since it has gotten warmer out at night, but we have more in the paddock. We can hold up to twenty in here comfortably. More if we have to." Edward said. "Would you like to see the ones in here?"
"Not now. I don't want to upset them."
"Maybe tomorrow then."
"Maybe," Debra said.
"I am done in here then for now," Edward said as he walked with her towards the door. He turned out the lights and turned on the flashlight. They walked out of the barn. Edward closed the door. They started walking towards the house. Scout came running from around the side of the barn towards them. Debra jumped against Edward. He caught her around the waist. "It's all right. It is only Scout."
"I think I should stay inside after dark from now on," Debra said after she caught her breath.
"I told you I wouldn't let anything hurt you." He said then dropped his arm from around her. "Scout has a bad habit of doing that." He said as he scratched Scout's head.
"I guess I need to stop being scared of everything."
"You have the right to be scared of things out here. It is different from where you came from."
"Yes, It's definitely not the city."
Edward put his hand on the small of her back. "Let's go inside." He said then walked with her towards the house.
They walked into the house. "I'll let you get back to work. I am going to put away the cake and go up to my room. Thank you for taking me outside."
"You’re welcome. Good night, Debra."
"Good night, Edward," Debra said. She stood there for a moment then walked towards the kitchen.
Debra woke up the next morning, got dressed, and walked downstairs. She went out into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. She put some bread into the toaster and pushed it down. She sipped her coffee while she waited for the toaster. When her toast popped up, she put it on a plate and carried it with her coffee onto the front porch. She sat down on the chair and listened to the sounds. She ate her toast and drank her coffee. After she was done, Scout came running up onto the porch from around the side of the house. Debra leaned forward and pet him. "You don't scare me during the day." She said. Debra stood up and walked with Scout to the edge of the porch. She took a deep breath and slowly walked down them. She started walking towards the barn, then stopped, turned around, and hurried back up to the house. She picked up her coffee cup and went into the house.
Edward came to the front door and walked to the kitchen. He poured himself a cup of coffee and walked into the living room with Debra. "You're up early."
"I couldn't sleep." She said as she put her book down. "You were up early too."
"I needed to feed the puppies," Edward said as he sipped his coffee. "Are you worried about our visitor today?"
"Maybe a little. I also had other things on my mind." Debra said. "I just want to move past it."
"I understand. He won't get here until after ten, so you have time to try to relax."
"Thanks, but that doesn't come too easy for me right now."
"He's my brother. He will understand if you don't want to talk about it right now."
"I guess I will have to do it sooner or later, so I’ll just get it over with."
"If you get too uncomfortable, just let me know and I will stop him."
"Thank you. So, what else do you have planned for today?"
"I have some more work to try to accomplish on the horse you seen the other day. You can come down and watch if you want."
"I might give it another try."
"You can do it. It’s just mind over matter." Edward said as he got up. "I wish I could stay longer, but the men are waiting."
"Be careful."
"I always am," Edward said then walked out.
Debra sat there for a few minutes, then went into the kitchen. She found a paper and pen and made a list of ingredients that she would like from the store. She took the list to Edward's office and left it on his desk. She walked out and went upstairs to her room. She picked up the crafting project and tried to work on it. After a few minutes, she got up and walked out of her room.
Debra walked slowly around the barn and towards the corral where Edward was pulling himself off the ground. He dusted himself off and approached the horse. Debra stopped several feet from the fence and watched him slowly mount the horse. The horse jumped and kicked to try to get Edward off, but he held on. Debra walked over to the fence. Some of the men who were sitting on the top of the fence looked over but then turned back to watch Edward. After a few minutes, the horse calmed down and Edward was able to ride it around the corral. He rode over to Debra and stopped in front of her. "Nice of you to join us. Do you want to give it a try?"
"No," Debra said surprised. She looked up at him and saw his smile. "You weren't serious."
"Well, not on Misty here, but we do have gentle horses."
"I don't think so, Edward, but you look good up there." She said then smiled back. "I'm surprised how you held on."
"It’s all mind over matter."
"So, you keep saying."
The horse moved closer to the fence and Debra. Edward tried to back it up, but it wouldn't back up. It sniffed at Debra. "Put your hand out slowly." Debra looked up at Edward. Edward smiled. "I got her. She won't hurt you." He said. Debra slowly extended her hand. Misty sniffed Debra’s hand then nuzzled it. Debra smiled up at Edward. "Now, slowly try to touch her nose," Edward said. Debra took a deep breath and slowly moved her hand and touched her nose. Misty stood till as she stroked her a couple of times. "That’s amazing."
"What is?" Debra asked quietly.
"She's allowing you to touch her. She barely allows anyone close to her. We practically have to fight her to get the saddle on." Edward said as he loosened the reins. Misty moved closer to the fence and allowed Debra to pet her. "I think she likes you," Edward said as he slowly dismounted. He held onto the lead and walked around in front of Misty to the fence. He put his hand out to stroke her, but Misty backed away. "See what I mean?"
Debra put her hand out and Misty moved closer. Debra petted her. "Maybe she does like me."
"I believe that horses can sense things in people that nobody else knows," Edward said as he leaned against the fence. "She's letting you know that you don't have to be afraid of her. She has taken a liking to you, just like I have." Edward smiled.
"I'm not ready to get on her, though."
"Maybe not right away," Edward said. He motioned for Josh. Josh jumped off the fence and slowly approached them. Edward handed him the lead. "Cool her down and put her in the front corral."
"Yes, Boss," Josh said he coaxed Misty away.
Edward put his hand on top of Debra's. "I'm glad you convinced yourself to come out here. How are you feeling?"
"I am doing good. It took me a while to get down here. I almost turned back a couple of times."
"I am glad you didn't. I am serious about you riding though."
"I don't think I am ready right now."
"All right. That's fine." Edward said then climbed over the fence. "I am patient. Would you like a short tour of the place?"
"I guess," Debra said.
Edward stepped closer and took her hand in his. He looked down at her. She smiled up at him. Edward led her around and explained what the different buildings were used for and introduced her to workers who they passed. They started back up towards the house when they heard then saw a truck approaching. Debra started shaking a little. "It's all right. That is Ace, my brother." Edward said then let go of her hand. He walked away towards the truck.
A young boy jumped out of the truck and ran towards Edward. "Uncle Eddie!" The boy exclaimed as he jumped into Edward's hands.
Edward picked him up and tossed him into the air with ease. "Hey, Justin." He said as he settled the boy on his hip. "It’s been a while. How have you been?
"Good. Can I ride?"
"Of course, you can. Cal is waiting for you in the barn."
"Can I, Daddy?" Justin asked as the man approached.
"Yes. Listen to Cal and stay out of trouble. I will be there in a little while."
Edward put Justin down. He ran off to the barn. "He's in good hands," Edward said.
"I know he is." The man said. He slapped Edward on the back. "How’s it going?"
"It’s good." Edward said. They walked over to Debra. "Debra, this is my brother, Ace."
Ace extended his hand. "Nice to meet you."
Debra took his hand and shook it. "You, too."
"Let’s go inside. I am sure Mrs. Gardner has coffee and Debra made a cake."
"Sounds delicious." Ace said. He walked towards the house.
Edward touched Debra's arm. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, I suppose." She said as they started walking.
A few minutes later, Ace and Edward sat down in the living room with Debra. Edward set coffee and cake on the coffee table. "So, we are going to get right to the point. What have you found out?"
Ace reached into his pocket and pulled out a photo. He handed it to Debra. "Is that the man who picked you up at the bar?"
Debra studied the picture for a moment. "Yes, that is the guy."
"Well, then, I have some good news for you. He is already in custody. He has been arrested on three counts of robbery and disturbing the peace."
"That’s great news," Edward said.
"I guess it is," Debra said as she stared at the photo.
"The hotel called the police when he was going around the halls trying a key card in doors. When he was confronted, he said he forgot what room he was in and acted like he was drunk. He wasn't under the influence at the time. When they ran the card, they found out it was your room key card. He was asked where you were, but he said he didn't know."
"So, he never got into my room?"
"No. When you didn't check out and didn't return by the next day, the hotel reported you missing. They put your belongings in the storage room. I made a positive identification, but they won't release it to me without your permission. You can also go there and get it yourself."
"Can more charges be brought upon him since now Debra is in the picture?" Edward asked. "Maybe assault or even attempted murder?"
"Yes, if she is willing to press charges."
"So, this isn't the first time he has done this?"
"Well, he has robbed people before, but not what he did to you. He has admitted to slipping drugs into the drinks then when the guests got sickly, he takes them up to their room and robs them."
"So, there wasn't rape or any assault on them?" Edward asked.
"Not that the people reported."
"How was I so lucky then?" Debra got up and walked across the room.
"He probably gave you too much and you passed out. He was probably trying to wake you up then thought he killed you and panicked. So, he brought you up here."
"He drove her over an hour to just drop her off out here?" Edward asked. "That sounds desperate."
"Yes, it does. If you want to give an official statement, we can go back to the precinct and you can give the arresting officer your statement, then we can get your stuff from the hotel."
"You want me to go back there after what he did to me?" Debra said half crying. "I can't do it." She said then hurried upstairs.
"I didn't mean to upset her, Eddie."
"She's going through a tough time, Ace. This morning was the first time she walked off the porch by herself and interacted with other people besides me and Mrs. Gardner."
"Well, she seems to have taken a liking to you. I can probably talk to the sheriff and have someone here take her official statement and fax it to my office. And she can give me permission to get her stuff from the hotel." Ace said as he pulled a paper out of his pocket. "The hotel gave this to me if she wants to fill it out. Brett is at home and is willing to get it and bring it out."
"I will go talk to her and see what she wants to do. I went behind her back in contacting you and just sprung it on her." Edward said as he got up. "Maybe later, we can go for a ride."
"I am here for the day. I am going to watch Justin ride." Ace said as he got up.
Edward shook his brothers' hand and walked upstairs. He walked over to Debra's door. He knocked then opened the door slowly. "Debra, can I come in?"
"It's your house, Edward."
Edward walked into the room slowly. He saw Debra curled up on the bed. He walked over and sat down at the foot of the bed. "I know this is hard for you and I should have thought it through and talked it over with you before I involved Ace."
"You did the right thing, Edward. I just don’t know if I can go through with it."
"Ace said he can have someone from the sheriff’s office come and get your statement here and if you fill out this paper, he can have his partner pick up your stuff and bring it here today." He said then set the paper on the bed. He touched her calf. "The man is in custody so he can't hurt anyone else, but with your statement, he can be kept in jail for a lot longer. I can't tell you what to do and whatever you decide, I will be behind you."
"I don't know what I should do. I just need some time to think about it."
"Take all the time you need. I am going out to the barn and will be there for a while. If you don't want to go out there, you can press star one on any of the phones and it will call me on my cell." He said then stood up. H walked over to the door, stopped, and turned to look at Debra, then walked out.