Edward walked into Debra's room in the morning. "Is everything all right?" He asked as he saw Dr. Brooks starting an ultrasound. He hurried over to Debra.
"I'm just making sure everything seems fine." Dr. Brooks said.
"Calm down, dear." Debra said. "He's just checking everything."
"The heartbeats are strong, and they are moving."
"It looks like they are holding hands." Debra said as she looked at the monitor.
"Twins have a habit of doing that." Dr. Brooks said. "Everything looks good. I can't see any reason to keep you here."
"Thank you."
"But you need to take it easy." Dr. Brooks said. "I'm sure you will make sure she does, Edward."
"I will try my best."
Dr. Brooks wiped the gel off of Debra and put the wand away. "I'll get the paperwork started. You can get changed if you want." He said as he took the ultrasound machine out of the room with him.
Edward pulled a paper out of his back pocket. "Look what I found in your nightstand."
"I know you wouldn't stop until you found." Debra said as she took her clothes into the bathroom and got changed. She came out and sat on the bed. "How long did it take you?"
"I wasn't going to look, but when I was lying in bed, it seemed to call to me." Edward said as he sat down on the bed next to her. He took her hand. "Are you sure you want to name them after my family?"
"Yes."
"That means a lot to me."
"So, you're fine with the names?"
"Yes. I am very happy with them." He said then leaned toward her and kissed her.
A knock at the door interrupted them. Debra saw it was Jose. "Come on in."
"Am I interrupting anything?"
"No, come on in." Edward and then stood up.
"How are you feeling?"
"Good as new." Debra said. "Well, almost."
"That's good." Jose said. "Did you know the marshals are here?"
"They came back?"
"I snuck around them, but I saw the badges. Do you know them?"
Debra glanced at Edward then looked at Jose. "They are the ones who raised me." Debra said. "They promised my mother that they would keep me safe."
"Are they the ones who killed my father?"
"They were there, but I don't know who fired the kill shot. They came here to warn me that you were looking into the ranch."
"So, they have surveillance on me."
"I guess." Debra said. "They lied to me all my life. I'm not friendly to them. They think you are here to kidnap or kill me and to revenge your father's death."
"Because that is what our father would have done. Good thing, I take after my mother and was raised by better people."
"I'm sorry, Jose."
"It's fine. It's not your fault. I should be used to it. I didn't think I would have to deal with this here." Jose said. "Do they have it out for me?"
"I don't know. They say they are protecting me. They trained me and I can take care of myself."
"Is that why you asked me to go last night?"
"Yes. I didn't think it would be good for a scene at the hospital."
"Should I go?"
"They are not allowed back here. I made sure of that." Edward said. "It helps to have friends in high places around here."
"And a brother in the sheriff's office." Debra said.
"So, do they know about me? I mean, who I am?
"They know who you are. The sheriff's office doesn't feel the same as Jason and Edith."
"Oh, I guess I should keep my head down around here."
"As far as I know, they don't know you are actually here. It's good you have the alias."
"Technically it's not an alias. Marcus Black was my birth name. My father changed it after my mother died."
"Oh, so what should we call you?"
"Whatever you are comfortable with. I will answer to either one."
"I'm going to talk to them up front. Il you want, we are going to the diner at the edge of town when we get out of here. You are welcome to join us." Edward said.
"Thank you, but I actually have a meeting shortly. Maybe I can come out to the ranch later to check on Storm?"
"I'll be working with him after we get out of here. I'll give you a call." Edward said. "Give me a few minutes to clear the way."
"I'd appreciate that." Jose said. Edward left the room. "Why don't you get along with the people who raised you?"
"They lied to me my whole life. I thought they were my real parents until a few months ago. When I went off to college, they left town without a word. I got a couple of letters, but I never saw them. I was all alone. When I came here, Edward and his two brothers were helping me to try to find them when we were all hand-cuffed and brought to the police station. Then the truth came out after more lies. I kicked them off of Edward's property and told them never to come back."
"How long have you known Edward?"
"It's only been about four months."
"And you're already married?"
"Yes. We both knew we belonged together."
"And you're already pregnant?"
"Yes, I was already pregnant before I came here. That is a long story which I would like to tell you, but you have a meeting and I want to go home."
"I hope we can get some time so you can tell me."
"That would be nice. So, are the two men that came out to the ranch, your bodyguards?"
"Not really. The one is my ranch foreman and the other is a friend. They can act like my security team if I would need them to be. But like you, I think I can take care of myself."
"I see."
The nurse came into the room. "Here are your discharge papers, Debra."
Debra signed the paper. "So, I can go then?"
"Yes, you are clear to go."
"Thank you." Debra said as she got off the bed. She walked out to the chair and put on her shoes. She picked up her bag.
"I'll carry that for you." Jose said as he took her bag.
"Thanks." Debra said she walked out of the room. Edward met them in the hall. "Did they leave?"
"Yes. They know you're here, Jose."
"You two go ahead. I'll find my own way out." Jose said.
"I'll call you when we get to the ranch." Edward took Debra's bag from Jose and put his arm around Debra. They walked away.
Debra and Edward walked into the house later that morning. They went into the office. Edward put her bag down. "I hope you're not planning on doing too much. You need to take it easy."
"I still need to make a few things for tomorrow, but I might wait for Carrie to help tonight. I want to order some things that we talked about the other night."
"All right."
"Don't worry. I won't overdo myself. I know my limits."
"You might know your limits, but you don't always listen to them."
"I know. I can wait for Carrie to come later to help."
"Ok. I need to work with Storm for a while. If you need anything, call me. I'll try to answer, but if I don't call one of the men."
"I will. Go do what you need to do. I will be fine."
Edward pulled Debra close and kissed her. "I'm still going to worry about you, darling. I'm going to have the work truck with me."
"If for any reason I have the quad, but I'm not planning on going anywhere. I might go see Misty, but that is a far as I plan on going."
"Ok, darling. I'll be back later." Edward said. He kissed her then hurried out of the office.
Debra sat down on the couch. She took a deep breath. She put her hand on her belly. "I hope you two have a better life than what I have and understand what I have done in my life." She said. "We will have a good life here with family that loves us. I hope you will understand that family isn't always about blood relation."
"I'm sure they will." Ace said for the doorway.
"I didn't know you were here."
"Actually, I'm on my way out." Ace said. "Are you trying to convince yourself that you are doing the right thing in life?"
"I know I am. I am finally happy. Being here on the ranch and being with all the people and family here are the best things that has happened to me. Sometimes I just wonder why this other stuff happens to me."
"You have had your fair share of accidents and mishaps, that's for sure. But everything that has happened to you since I've known you, has made you a better and stronger person."
"Thanks, Ace." Debra said. "Do you think I should trust Jose?"
"In my opinion, if he wanted to kill you or take you, he would have done it when he had the chance. Instead, he called it in, and had you taken to the hospital and called Eddie."
"That's what I thought too."
"Well, I am off to work. Take it easy, Debra."
"I will." Debra said. Ace walked out. Debra leaned back and closed her eyes.
A while later, Debra got up and went over to the computer. She checked the email and ordered baby furniture that they had decided on. She also ordered some other stuff. She logged onto the cameras and looked at all of them. She saw a vehicle outside the gate. She picked up the phone and called Pete.
"Yes, boss?" He answered.
"Have you seen that vehicle outside the gate?"
"Yes. That's Jason and Edith."
"How long have they been sitting there?"
"Since right after you got home. I told Edward, but he said not to worry unless they come through the gate."
"Ok. Let me know if anything changes."
"Will do, boss."
"Thanks, Pete."
"I'm glad you're ok, boss."
"Thanks." Debra said then hung up. She got up and went out to the kitchen. She sat down and picked up an apple out of the fruit bowl. She started to eat it as she looked at the menu for the party. She checked off what she had made the other day. She got up and went to the refrigerator. She got a bottle of water and threw her apple core away. She walked back to the office, grabbed her gun off the desk and hooked it on to her waistband. She walked outside and down to the barn. She walked around the outside and to the corral. She stood at the fence and watched Misty and the other horses in the pasture. She watched for a while then walked up to the barn. She was greeted by Scout. She bent down and pet him. Her phone rang. She stood up and pulled it out. She looked at the display and answered. "Hey Pete, what's up?"
"There's a situation at the gate. I already called Edward and he's on his way out there. Also, I called the sheriff."
"Thanks, Pete." Debra said. She hung up on her way out of the barn. She hurried to the garage and got on the quad. She started it and pulled out.
Debra arrived at the gate to see Jose in handcuffs and Jason handcuffing Edward. She stopped and got off, pulling her gun out. She shot up in the air to get everyone's attention. "What is going on here." She yelled as she walked up to Joe and Josh.
"Debra, stay back." Edith said. "It could be a trap."
Joe and Josh flanked her as she walked closer. "What are you doing? Why are you arresting them?"
"Do you know who this is?"
"Yes, his name is Marcus Black. He's our client."
"He's your brother. His name is Jose Martinez."
"His name is Marcus Black. What changes is he being arrested for?"
"Domestic terrorism, resisting arrest, assaulting an officer, along with your husband."
"He's here to check on his horse Edward is working with. Let them go." Debra said as she raised her gun slightly.
"Debra, don't do anything you'll regret." Jason said.
"He's not who you think. And I will never regret protecting my property."
"We are on a county road."
"Technically, you are on our land. I have every right to shoot you if I feel threatened." Debra said. "I know the law and I saw the maps. Our land extends five feet on the other side of the road."
"Debra, you don't have to do this." Jose said.
"Yes, I do." She said. "The sheriff has been called and it would be my pleasure to have you two arrested."
"You wouldn't dare."
"You two think you are so far above the law. You impersonate parents, you lie to people to try to bend the law your way. You think you're so much better than everyone else because you wear those badges."
"Debra, wait for the sheriff." Edward said.
"Don't worry, dear. I'm not going to kill them, but I may hurt them if they don't uncuff you and Marcus."
"We can't do that." Jason said as he started to walk Edward to the truck.
Debra moved in front of Jason blocking his path. "I'm not going to let you take him in." She said then raised her gun up at him.
"Debra, don't be stupid." Jason said.
"Let them go." Debra said. "Edith, you move another inch and I'll shoot him." She said.
The sheriff and Ace pulled up. Debra kept her attention on Jason. The sheriff approached slowly. "Debra, put your gun down."
"They aren't taking them."
"We can talk about it, but you need to put down your gun."
"I'll put it down if they uncuff Edward and Marcus."
"This man is Jose Martinez." Edith said. "He's been under investigation for several years."
"For what?"
"Drug smuggling, terrorism, trafficking, and more. He's Debra's brother who took over their father's empire."
"Do you have proof of this?"
"You saw the files, sheriff."
"Do you have proof of who this is? Because yesterday, I saw his identification when he called in Debra's accident and it said his name was Marcus Black. You must be mistaken."
"It must be a fake."
"Uncuff them, Jason." The sheriff ordered. Jason slowly pulled the key out of his pocket. He turned Edward around and uncuffed him. Jason walked around Debra while she followed him with the gun and uncuffed Marcus. He turned to face Debra. "This is a mistake, Debra. We are trying to protect you. He's as dangerous as your father."
Debra stepped back, lowered and holstered her gun. "I want them escorted off the property and I will be making an official complaint to you supervisor." She said then turned and walked back to the quad.
Edward caught up to her. "Hey, are you all right?" He asked as he touched her arm.
"No. I need some space. I'll meet you back at the arena."
"Ok." Edward said. "I love you."
"I love you." Debra said as she got on the quad and rode off.
Edward hurried over to Josh. "Keep an eye on her, but not too close. I just want to be sure she's all right."
"I'm going to need her statement, Edward." Sheriff Stone said.
"You'll get it. Just give her a little time." Edward said as he walked over to Marcus. "Are you all right?"
"Yes. It's nothing that hasn't happened before." Marcus said. "How about you?"
"They had me handcuffed before. Not a big deal."
"Really?"
"Yes." Edward turned towards the sheriff. "He has his hands full with those two." He said.
Ace walked over. "I need you statement about what happened, Marcus."
"I was coming to see my horse. Edward is working with it. They stopped me, pulled me out of my truck, and handcuffed me. When Edward came up, he tried to talk to them, but they wouldn't listen. The man shoved Edward and Edward shoved him back then he handcuffed him. Then Debra came up."
"Did you resist them when they stopped you?"
"They ordered me out with their guns. It's not the first time this has happened. I sat there for a few moments as I sent a text to my friend back at the hotel."
"What happened when Debra came up?"
"She fired a shot in the air then told them to let us go. When they refused, she aimed her gun at the guy. That happened right before you got here."
"Is any of what they said you have done true?" Ace asked.
"The only thing I'm guilty of is having the same DNA as my father. I am a legitimate businessman."
"All right." Ace said. "And you will collaborate the same story?"
"Hey boss." Joe called as he walked over. "Pete wants a word." He said as he handed Edward the radio and his phone.
"Yeah, Pete." Edward said.
"Should I send a copy of the video to your phone?"
"Yeah and to the sheriff's email."
"Yes, boss."
"Did you add some more cameras?" Ace asked.
"Yes." Edward said on he looked at his phone. He pressed a few things then handed the phone to Ace. "This is all the proof you need."
"Yes, I think this tells the whole story." Ace said. He watched the rest of the video. "Do either one of you want to press any charges?"
"I just want them gone, Ace." Edward said.
"No." Marcus said.
"Debra didn't look herself." Ace said.
"No, she didn't. She was pissed." Edward said.
"Marcus, can you give Joe and me a lift to the arena?"
"Yeah, no problem." Marcus said.
"Can we go?"
"Yeah. I know where to find you." Ace said as he handed back his phone. "Send that to me, would you?"
"Yeah." Edward said. He pushed buttons on his phone as he followed Joe and Marcus towards the truck.
"You can't trust him, Edward. You're putting yourself in danger." Edith yelled.
Edward turned and walked towards her. "The only danger I'm in, is losing my temper." He said. "I assure you, if I see you anywhere near here, I won't hesitate to shoot."
"Are you threatening us?" Jason asked.
"No, it's a promise." Edward said then walked over to Marcus' truck. He got in and Marcus pulled out.
"I'm glad I'm not like my father. I wouldn't want to be up against you and Debra." Marcus said. "Thanks for having my back."
"You're welcome. I believe in innocent until proven guilty. You haven't done anything to make me not trust you."
"I've changed my father's illegal empire to a legal one. If I have children of my own, wouldn't want them to be raised because I was killed in jail. For a long time, I was so angry at my father because of what he did."
"That's good."
Marcus pulled up to the arena. "Is it all right for me to stick around?"
"Yes, of course. I'll find Debra and make sure she's all right and then we'll talk about Storm."
Edward and Joe got out. They walked over to the door and went inside. Josh was waiting. "Where is she?" Edward asked.
"She's in the last stall."
"Thanks. Get Storm out and put him through his paces."
"Yes, boss."