cowboy dreams part five

Sitting at her kitchen table, the kids in bed, Tara was lost in her own thoughts and did not hear Kate talking away to her. It wasn’t till Kate tossed a soft toy dog, one of Summer’s toys towards her that Tara remembered she was not alone. Blinking her eyes back to focus she smiled apologetically at her friend, “Im so sorry I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. My mind is all over the place” her apology was weak and both of them knew it. Lifting her cup to her lips Kate glanced at her friend with a cheeky look in her eyes “so. How are things with Jack?” she smirked as she enquired. “Things are just fine. His ranch is amazing its so beautiful out there. Summer loves it.” Tara did not rise to the implications held behind the question. “You see a lot of Jack do you when you are up there?” the tone shifted in Kate’s voice as she tried to dig up some juicy gossip. Letting out a gruff of breath Tara grasped her cup and leaned forward “what is it about that man, I cant get him out of my head. Its insane ive only known the guy a few days but…” she let her comment trail off but should of known it would not be that easy. “But…?” Kate pushed. “But… all I can think about is what it would be like to have him in nothing but his hat boots and chaps.” a flood of blush caressed her cheeks as she admitted her secret outloud. The two women looked at each other then burst out laughing, after a moment Tara shushed them

motioning that the kids were asleep upstairs. They talked for an hour about jack and what they both would like to do to him that was if Kate was not already married. Once Kate had left to go home Tara walked through the house double checking the locks on the windows and doors then making sure all the blinds were drawn. Her last check was to make sure her babies were safe in their beds and sound asleep before she retreated to her own bedroom leaving her door open so she could hear the children. The burnt sienna sun rose above the sky line spreading a warm glow through the ranch. The barn doors had been left open and the light shone through casting Jack in a masculine silhouette as he knelt beside a sleeping horse. The smell of coffee caught his attention and he turned to see his mother standing in the door way with a fresh cup of his favourite blend, black and strong just the way he liked it. Getting to his feet he slowly and

quietly walked over to her. Taking his cup from her he kissed his mother on the cheek. “Thanks I need this” he told her. His mother a grey haired woman who stood up to his chin just smiled at him then glanced into the stable “No foal yet then” her voice was warm and comforting just like it had been when he was a kid. Jack shook his head and wiped his eyes to keep the tiredness at bay. “She really is giving you a run for your money isn’t she” she smirked then added “Maybe I will get a foal for my birthday this year if she holds on for another two days”. jack looked at the sweet woman then mockingly chastised her “Now don’t you go putting ideas in her head another two nights like this and you may have a new foal but you will be losing your son to exhaustion”. she reached up and gave him a tender slap on the shoulder then turned to walk away. “You make sure you get some rest, ive got to get to the café and get ready for the breakfast crowd.” then she was gone leaving jack to enjoy his coffee not that it would help much. What Jack really wanted was to go to sleep and continue his dream about Tara, no what he really wanted was to go to her and take her in his arms and have his way with her never mind the dreams, he wanted the real thing. Travis arrived to take over for him so he could go and grab a few hours shut eye before he began a day of work. The vet would be there in the afternoon to check on the mother and foal until then there was nothing he could do, at least she seemed to be able to sleep.

Jack tossed and turned but could not get to sleep his mind was racing with thoughts of her, her soft skin against his, her lips pressed to his in a hot passion that would set the world on fire. Giving up he showered and dressed ready for another day. Lounging under a tree that over looked the paddocks Tara set up her easel and canvas then set to work copying the scene before her in perfect likeness. The peace and quiet made her feel relaxed and at home, from up on the

hill she could watch her kids as they helped out Travis with the ponies outside the barn doors. Every now and then the gentle breeze would carry the care free laughter of her children to her and sometimes followed by the deep voice of a man who had just been tricked by her son yet again. Jacks mother had taken half of the day off from her café and had returned to the ranch. She was enjoying having children around, it made her feel like a grandmother. From her perch on high she could see Jack sitting on the porch steps watching her kids paint pictures with his mother, it looked like he was smiling. Returning her attention to the work at hand Tara went

back to painting. Her attention was grabbed by a noise coming up the hill, turning she was faced with him. Dropping the brush and palate from her hands Tara was about to scream but no sound escaped her mouth. Her panicked face turned to her kids who were unaware of what was going on. Happy her kids were safe she turned back to him, her ex husband who was supposed to locked up. He stood before her in tattered jeans and a dirty shirt, in his hand he held a blade, the sun light glinted from the shiny steel and flashed across her face. “Hello darling” he was trying to sound all calm and smooth but all he managed was a creepy tone, he never was good at smooth talking. He was never good at anything. Still no sound escaped her, she could feel the scream stuck in her throat and was battling with calling out for help or protecting her kids, she chose her kids. Steeling herself ready for what was to come Tara stood firm no longer willing for him to take away her power. “What do you want Billy?” her voice was shaky but strong at the same time. He smiled at her and revealed a few missing teeth which he probably left in prison where they had been knocked out. Billy turned his gaze to the kids and Tara stepped in front of him. “You leave them alone” her feral motherly instincts kicked in to protect them. Reaching out he tried to grab her arm but she pulled back and almost fell over, he took the advantage and

grabbed her wrist tightly. “Hey you let her go” a voice startled him from lower down the hill. Jack was rushing up to them and further down the hill his mother was rushing the kids inside the house and several of the ranch hands were following him up the hill a few feet behind. Pulling her closer to him Billy wrapped his arm around her shoulders and stuck the knife to her neck with almost enough pressure to break the skin. She struggled but he held fast. Jack stopped in front of them and raised his hands in a gesture that implied he was not going to come any further and attack. Jack had been itching for a way to relieve the pent up tension but he didn’t want Tara to be in danger so he held back for now. “What do you want?” Jack began the negotiations “Not that its any of your business but I want my wife” Billy blurted out. “Ex wife. We are divorced now Billy” Tara explained. “It appears that she does not want to go with you so I suggest that you leave quietly.” jack gave him his one chance to leave and hoped he would not take it. Seeing the look in Tara’s eyes he knew that this man had done horrible things to her and if given the chance he would again. The others caught up with Jack and stood behind him as back up should he need it but they knew the ex Navy Seal would not need any help with this one guy and a knife. It was all for show. Billy made a mistake and took the knife away from Tara’s neck and pointed it at Jack “Stay back or ill slit her throat” he threatened. Tara did not take her eyes from Jack’s he seemed so calm and sure of himself but still there was something else there in his eyes she could not be sure if it was worry for her or something else. All she knew is she wanted to be safe in his arms, holding on to that thought she found the courage to act. The knife was still pointed at jack so she slowly pulled her right arm across her chest and fisted her hand into her

left one. Putting as much force as she could she swung her elbow back and jabbed Billy in the ribcage he buckled with the pain and let go of her shoulders so she stamped hard on his foot then swung her fist up and broke his nose then swung it down and punched him in the groin. Billy crumpled to the ground letting go of the knife and crying out in pain. Jack and the others raced forward, Travis kicked the knife away just as the sheriff car was pulling to a stop in the court yard. The other men got hold of Billy and dragged him off down the hill. Jack had went to Tara’s side to wrap his arms around her and make sure she was alright, she was shaking her fist which was stinging but she had a huge grin on her face she was proud of herself. Jack got the impression this was the first time she had stood up to him like that and if he was honest with himself he kind of liked that she was feisty and it turned him on even more than he already was for her. The sheriff had handcuffed Billy and had locked him in the back of the patrol car. The kids were still being kept inside of the house by Jack’s mother and Tara walked over to the car. Leaning towards the window she smiled at her ex husband “Im not your push over any more so stay away from us”. she straightened up and walked into the house to hug her kids. The sheriff had finished gathering statements and was about to leave when Jack put one hand on top of the car and leaned in to speak to Billy. His voice was soft and calm there was no falter in his tone as warned “”Im an ex Navy Seal Billy and they are under my protection now so if I were you id forget about them and move on with your life because if you ever try anything like this again or try to contact them I will make sure you don’t see the inside of a jail cell again, instead it will be the inside of a wooden box buried so deep the earth worms wont even reach you.” Jack took his hand from the car and watched as the sheriff drove away. Once all the commotion had settled down and the ranch hands had gone back to work Jack joined Tara and his mother on the porch with the kids. Tara was drinking sweet tea his mothers answer to all stressful situations and the kids were drawing pictures on the floor. Sitting down next to Tara he removed his hat and sat it by his feet. “That was impressive” and he meant it. She let out a huff of a laugh “I was terrified but I had to stand up to him and I saw my chance so I took it” she did sound very proud of herself. “Yeah well you beat me to it, I was about to go for him when you did and I was shocked to see such violence from a sweet thing like you I froze and im sorry for that” he was a gentleman all the way. “Is it true what they were saying?” she asked him and turned to look in his eyes. “That depends on what they were saying” he was getting nervous by her unmoving stare. “That you were a Seal” she cleared up the question for him and saw him exhale a breath he was holding. “Yes I was but I don’t like to advertise it. That was a very hard time for me and im glad it is over”. she didn’t speak and the silence drew on. “Well who is in the mood for a piece of mud cake?” his mother asked and both of the kids jumped up and screamed together “Me”. The three of them went inside leaving Jack and Tara alone. Feeling the confidence still in her system Tara decided to push it a little further. “So you think im sweet then” she repeated his earlier words. Rubbing the back of his neck he felt like a scared kid again. “I think you are

more than sweet Tara” he stumbled over the words. “Well do tell me more. A woman cant get enough of good complements from a guy like you.” she teased him, but when he looked in her eyes there was no teasing there, instead he saw the lust he had seen in her eyes in his dreams. Reaching out he cupped her face in his big strong hand and pulled them closer together. Her lips parted and her tongue slowly licked across the bottom plump line of flesh waiting for him. Crushing their lips together they gave in to their feelings and let the passion flow freely between them. Her hand stroked his knee and slid up his thigh, inching higher and higher. He strained

against the fabric of his jeans as she ever so lightly brushed over the sensitive tip of him with her finger sending a shudder of wanting through him. He urged their kiss to move deeper and harder pulling her closer still by her waist. His touch send shivers down her spine and she wanted to feel his skin against hers without the fabric of her shirt in the way. “Jack come quick” a voice called out and all jack could think was “come quick, I would of if you hadn’t interrupted Travis”.

Rushing out to the barn both Tara and Jack saw what was causing the trouble, the mare had gone into labour finally and the foal was peeking its head out into a new world. Jack jumped straight in and got to work leaving Tara to watch him in action. The kids and his mother came running up behind Tara and they had chocolate cake all around their mouths. They stood in silence and watched as new life was brought into the world. Little Summer’s face was aglow with the joy of watching how a horse is born and Kieran was fascinated by the blood and gore a typical boy. The foal and mother were doing great and Tara and the kids were asked to stay the night after the day they had had. The ranch was quiet as the sun set and Jack had left the adults to go and shower of the stink of the day as his mother would say. Tara tucked the kids in and settled them down for the night, for once she was not afraid and left the window open to let in the cool night breeze. Jack turned off the shower and reached out for the towel but his hand found only the empty hook. He peeked his head around the shower curtain and almost slipped over when he saw what was waiting for him. Tara stood in the door way her curly red hair flowing freely down her back and over one shoulder, her body naked apart from his tiny towel. She wore the most beautiful smile he had ever seen and her eyes beckoned him to her. He was lost for words and could only look at her from head to toe and back again. “I think its about time to get rid

of these dreams and make them a reality don’t you think” her smile turned wickedly seductive as she raised her hand and curled her finger signalling for him to follow her. She let her other hand trail up the towel and she un tucked the corner, stepping out of sight behind the door frame she extended her arm to reveal the towel and dropped it to the floor. “Come on cowboy its time to make your dreams come true

cowboy dreams part four

Tara had picked up her bag that held her camera and sketch book and was rushing the kids out of the door so they would not be late on their first day. She had spent most of the night unable to sleep due to the tension in her body so she got a lot of the unpacking done, with being a single mother of two she had to be organised. Pulling up to the drop off point Kieran jumped out and ran off intent on being independent but he turned and gave his mum a quick wave and a smile. Now she drove around to the building further round and dropped Summer off at nursery but not with out a few tears. The drive to the ranch seemed to pass too quickly and her coffee which she picked up from the café was still hot when she pulled up in front of the house. Pulling her bag from the seat next to her she grabbed her coffee then climbed out of the jeep to be met by Travis. “Good morning, mam” he tilted his head like they did in the old western movies. Tara thought to herself that at least he was brought up with some manners even if he hadn’t

grown up. “Morning Travis” she smiled back at him. “Jack said for you to just wander around as you like. He would of come to meet you himself but he was up all night with one of the mares who is due to foal any day now, so he will catch up with you around ten if that’s alright.” Travis looked as though he could do with a good nights sleep but he was as cheery as he had been yesterday. “Ok thanks, id better get started then” she slung her bag over her shoulder and took a swig of coffee then headed off towards the barn. She was kind of glad she hadn’t had to face him first thing, unsure if she could keep the blush from her cheeks after the dreams she had

last night. Downing the last of her coffee she discarded the cup into one of the trash cans by the barn and pulled out her camera. Strolling through the barn she began taking pictures of the stalls and the horses, when she came to Archimedes she stopped to stroke him and he made a contented sigh then he tried to nibble her hair. “Hey you non of that now mind your manners” she chastised him as if he was a child which made her let out a small giggle. She took a few pictures of him and he seemed to love that he even gave what she thought was a cheeky

smile with his tongue lolled out one side. She continued on through the barn and out the other side to take pictures of the paddocks and the views. Walking through the front door and out onto the porch Jack pulled on his shirt over his white vest and yawned. He was still sleepy and wanted to go back to bed but he had responsibilities and when he set his eyes on her jeep his mood suddenly picked up and his slow sluggish steps picked up a beat of their own. He picked up his coffee cup from the porch where it was normally left for him every morning and he walked over to the barn. Good old fashioned coffee not the fancy espressos and cappuccinos was what he liked, nothing wrong with old fashioned values his mother and father had always told him. Pausing at the barn door he saw her, the light glistened off her fire red hair as she stood giving Archimedes a good telling off. He stifled a laugh and watched as she snapped a few pictures of the daft horse before walking away without even noticing he was there. She had her hair pinned up out of the way and her pale blue shirt scuffed the few strands at the bottom of her neck pulling them free. He followed her through the barn and took a drink of his coffee as he caught up with her by the paddock fence. “Damn” he thought as she climbed up onto the slats and her already tight jeans pulled tighter drawing his attention lower to watch as she balanced her legs against the wood to give herself a grip freeing her hands to take pictures. He was quiet as he stopped behind her “you might want to be careful” he warned her but it was too late he had startled her and she lost her balance sending her backwards and off the fence. Jack reached out with one arm and caught her around the waist saving her from bruises and hitting the ground, he only slopped a few drops from his cup in his other hand. Her hands grabbed him wrapping around his arm and shoulder, her eyes wide with shock and panic. “Are you ok?” he asked her but he didn’t let her go as he helped her to her feet and get her balance again. “Im fine thank you” her eyes locked with his, her hands on his upper arms, the only thing stopping him from pulling her against him was the camera which hung from her neck and poked him in the chest. The moment seemed to stretch out longer and longer yet still he held her. “I think my balance is fine now” Tara motioned to his arm and he let his arm slid slowly across her skin sending delicious tingles through her body. She stepped out of his grasp feeling uneasy but still wanting his arms around her. “Thank you for catching me Jack” He loved hearing his name on her lips, like the gentleman he was he tilted his hat and smiled at her then took a drink of his coffee. Looking at her over the rim of his cup Jack asked “So, are you finding inspiration?”. Tara looked deep into his eyes and felt like he had two meanings to his question but that was just in her mind, along with the thoughts of what was under that snug fitting shirt. Ducking her head to hide the blush forming in her cheeks Tara checked her camera, fiddling with buttons. “Yes I have a few pictures and im about to head over to the main house now” her voice was slightly strained and she hoped he could not hear how flustered she was by him. “Ill leave you to it then. I need to go and check on a few things.” he turned to walk away then spun round “Ill see you later” with those words he walked away with what Tara thought was a glint in his eye. Jack left his cup on the shelf by the door to the barn and set to work, first he went to check on the mare who was laying down in her stable quite happy now, not at all like she had been last night typical woman Jack thought to

himself. Travis was in the stall with her trying to get her to eat a little bit. “How’s our girl doing?” Jack asked him causing Travis to jump. “She is fine just now very relaxed but I don’t think it will be very long” Travis walked to the stall door and leaned over to talk with Jack. “Tara is kicking around some where, I told her you would go find her” he smiled at his boss and friend. “Ive already seen her she is up by the house now snapping away pictures” Jack remembered holding her in his arm and the feel of her skin against his. Seeing the look in Travis’s eyes he made his excuse to leave and see to the work being done on the dorms so that he would not have to deal with the horde of questions he knew were coming. Leaving the stables he headed over to the

dorms where workers were painting and fixing up the rooms. Poking his head in the doors to make sure all was going well Jack made his way down the building. He was pleased he now had enough money to do the rooms up properly with wheelchair access and bathrooms suitable and safe for the kids to use. His next stop was to check on the riding ring where he had been working on a ramp that could be used to wheel the kids up on so they will be at the right height for getting onto the horses with out risking the backs of the staff. The new saddles had arrived the day before with special straps to hold the kids on and were now set up in the tack room.

Picking up his hammer and tool box Jack got to work finishing hammering the planks in place then he was going to get the guard rail up. Lunch time soon rolled in and he was still hammering away when his father approached him. “Grubs up son. Come on you need to keep your strength up if your going to keep going like you are” his father was slightly shorter than Jack and was going grey and had a very nice pot belly which he liked to call his love belly on account of it was filled and made with love of his wife’s cooking. “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” a phrase Jack had heard all his life from his father. Putting his tools down Jack walked back to the house with his father. “it’s a great idea to get a local to do some art work for the place. Its more personal and specific.” his father rambled on. “When I saw some of her work at the market I knew it was just what this place needed” Jack replied. They reached the house and as it was a nice hot day the food had been set up on the out side table and they were the last to arrive. Jack saw that even Tara was there, sitting in a chair doodling in a sketch book as she chatted with the others. He couldn’t help but notice how relaxed and how well she seemed to fit in here. Taking their seats every one dug in to the delicious smelling food that the house keeper and cook had made. Fresh salad in bowls, fresh made bread, three different meats and hot soup. Perfectly cooked chicken and mash potatoes were among the mix of food before them. “Wow this is quite a lunch” Tara said to the cook Maggie. The mid forties woman with blonde hair smiled back “These boys work so hard they need to keep up their strength and if you think this is a lot of food you should see what they get through at dinner time” she laughed at that as if was a sight that would bring you to rib splitting laughter. Looking around at the men digging in to the food as if they hadn’t eaten in days Tara let out a small giggle as she imagined it. Jack caught her eye, he was not rushing his food down like the others he was picking at a bread roll and watching her. Why had she agreed to take this job, the last thing she needed right now was more complications but all she could think of was that she wanted these particular complications. She turned her attention back to her doodling. “Hey that’s really good” one of the ranch hands said as he looked

over at her sketch of the men around the table eating. She hadn’t started out drawing them but had felt compelled to add them in. pointing to one of the men in the picture the ranch hand made a comment “I think you need to make his nose a bit bigger our Harry has a nose that would give any other a run for its money” he laughed but was cut off by a roll being thrown at him from across the table, it hit its mark and bounced off the guys forehead. The whole table roared with laughter and Tara could pick out Jacks with out a problem. Tara felt comfortable here it was so relaxed and light hearted. When they were finished eating every one began to disappear in different directions back to work. Jack hung around and asked to see the sketch she had done, he

liked it and asked for it to be done a bit bigger if that was possible. “That’s fine I can do that but I need to leave right now and pick up Summer from nursery” Tara told him. “You can bring the kids here with you any time you like im sure I can find something for them to do” Jack offered. He really seemed to like kids which was good as they were her life. She stopped that train of thought and walked back to her jeep to leave, what was she thinking she cant get involved with anyone she had to protect her kids. Jack watched her leave and smiled to himself, it was obvious she was flustered by him and he liked that he had that effect on her but he also wondered why she was so reserved. He went back to finish the ramp and let his mind wander while he worked.

Holding her in his arms had felt right and he wished she was back in them her hair falling loose in the breeze, her body pressed against his. He imagined running his fingers through her hair as he pressed his lips to hers to savour her taste. Holding her close he keeps his arm around her waist and lifts her up and carries her to back of the house to the secluded garden with a hot tub and lush green tall plants. Her arms wrapped around his neck, fingers playing with his hair as she kisses him back with as much passion and urgency as he feels. Sitting her down on the edge of the hot tub Jack begins undoing the buttons on her shirt as her hands glide down his shirt

and under the fabric then up over his torso sending shivers of excitement through his skin. She pushed his shirt over his head knocking his hat to the ground and her lips trailed hot kisses across his body, Jack let out a groan when her tongue found his nipple and began teasing him. He pulled her shirt off her and then the bra followed both of their hands began frantically undoing belts and jeans, Jack kicked off his boots and helped her to free himself from his jeans then he helped her out of hers. Looking her up and down he licked his lower lip. Tara reached her hands up to his face and she leaned in to kiss him his hands found their way to her waist automatically, he lifted her and stepped into the warm water lowering them both into the wet pool letting the

water caress both of their bodies. He let his hands slid over her wet skin exploring every curve while his lips and tongue savoured the taste of her from her lips to her neck to her breasts, lingering and sucking on her nipples then moving back up. His hand slid lower under the water and he heard her moan in his ear when his fingers found her wet aching and waiting for him. As he pushed deeper her fingers dug into his shoulders and he pressed his lips over hers caressing her tongue with his. His own erection pressing against her was aching for more so he pulled free and lifted her to lower her onto him, the water splashing them both as he moved her with ease. It felt like electricity was shooting through him as he lowered her on to him and he slid inside her. “Jack, hey are you listening to me” a male voice broke him out of his day dream to face Travis standing in front of him with a curious look on his face. “Damm it!” Jack breathed out. “What’s up?” he asked Travis. Travis looked at Jack and said “it’s the mare”. Jack stood up and followed Travis to the stable, on his way he had to adjust his now overly tight jeans.

cowboy dreams part three

The ranch work was falling behind as one of the hands was sick and unable to work which left Jack doing a double shift. He was tossing hay bails, his shirt had become drenched with sweat and he had removed it and it was dangling out of his back pocket when a jeep pulled up. He threw the bail of hay he held onto the pile and walked over to meet his guests, pulling his gloves off as he approached the jeep. Pulling to a stop outside the large barn Tara warned Kieran and Summer to be on their best behaviour then she froze when she saw the well toned, bare chest, sweaty cowboy coming towards her. The light glistening off the slick moisture on his firm tight chest. Biting on her bottom lip to stop her from moaning she got out of the car. When he stopped beside her both kids were out of their seats and looked excited especially the little cutie pie Summer. Tara smiled in response to his welcoming smile and Summer rushed up to him “Horsy horsy” she called out. She jumped up reaching for him with her little hands and he looked to her and smiled “Im all dirty and you are so clean and pretty I don’t want to get in trouble with your mummy” her little pout tugged at his heart. “Travis” he called over to another hand who was over by the paddock and he came strolling over “Yeah boss” Travis was in his late twenties and also good looking but he had no chance of in a competition with Jack. “Can you saddle up Poppy and see to the kids for us” he caught the wary look in Tara’s eyes. “Don’t worry they

will be in full view all the time and Travis here is great with the kids that come here. He is a natural, could be because he never grew out of his own childhood” he teased Travis with a look and let out a slight chuckle. The kids walked off in front with Travis but not before Kieran gave a questioning look to his mother, she smiled at him and told him to go on. Once the kids were on their way happily Jack pulled his shirt from his pocket and put it on. She was glad he covered up but it didn’t help much. “Ok so, if you see any horses that inspire you I can arrange for them to be at your disposal” he was trying very hard to keep things on business, but his mind kept wandering. Walking close next to him she could feel the heat from his body and it caused heat of her own to stir. “This is quite a place you have here” Tara tried to keep her voice calm as she spoke but the slight quiver could be detected. “Thank you, it means a lot to me and the kids who come here” he sounded pleased with her compliment and also with the shake to her voice. He liked the fact that he had a noticeable effect on her, which he wanted to turn into a physical effect. The thoughts running through his head sent a hot stirring within him and in his jeans. They walked into the barn following the happy sounds of Summer as she ooed and ahhed at the all the pretty horses. Kieran was enjoying himself but he would turn and watch his mum every now and then. Standing by a stable jack clicked his tongue and a large jet black stallion walked forward and stuck his head over the gate and nuzzled up to jack. “Archimedes this is Tara” he introduced them as if they were life long friends. “Archimedes has been with me since he was born and is very loyal” he began but then lowered his voice and moved closer to Tara as if he didn’t want the horse to hear him “He gets very jealous though, he thinks he is the centre of attention” . Tara could not help but smile, to her it appeared that Travis was not the only one who had not grown up. Jack gave her a tour of the property and as promised kept them in sight of her kids all the time. “So. Do you see anything that takes your fancy?” his tone and cheeky smile implied that he was not only talking about the landscape but everything she was looking at and she was looking though she thought that she had been discrete about it. “Umm, yes actually there are several locations that would provide a very good back drop and some very beautiful horses” she thought for a moment then added “Archimedes will have to be the first one I paint so he doesn’t feel left out.”. she flashed a cheeky smile right back at him. Walking back around to the barn the sun was setting and the sky was alight with a flurry of colours, beautiful. Standing in the doorway to the barn jack leaned in resting his hand on the doorframe behind her and tilted his Stetson upwards, he was inches from her and she could smell his sweet breath, it was warm against her skin. Her breathing quickened and she let out a soft sigh which seemed to be an invitation for him. He placed his free hand on her cheek and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her skin felt alive with electricity at his touch. Leaning in closer he tilted her face up to his and his lips pressed against hers soft at first then harder and deeper as he parted her willing lips with his burning hot tongue. His hand slid down her neck leaving a trail of goose bumps in its wake despite her not being cold. His hand slid over her shoulder and down her arm then rested on her hip, his fingers dug in with a little bit of pressure and he pulled her to him. Their bodies pressed against each other, lips joined and breathing in pace with each other. Tara felt as if her knees would buckle if he didn’t stop but she didn’t want him to stop, to have him touching her, kissing her like this was what she needed. Her hands pressed on to his chest she could feel every tense muscle as she slid her hands up and around his neck. He let go of the door frame and wrapped his strong arm around the back of her waist and lifted her from the ground, she was barely aware of the sound of a gate opening and closing as he took them into a empty stall used to store hay bails. He set her down on a bail and stood up straight to remove his hat and then he peeled his shirt from his body giving her another view of his well toned and tanned chest. When he dropped his shirt next to his Stetson he bent down to her and panting he kissed her again with more urgency. Her hands felt their way across his chest while his were unbuttoning her top, she found her hands lowering and reaching for his belt even though she had not consciously thought to do so. Her clothes soon joined his on the floor. She lay on the hay exposed to him but feeling completely safe as his lips trailed hot wet kisses down her neck and over her collar bone, across each breast. He paused to lick and savour each nipple before he continued on down her stomach. His hand was gliding across her soft silky skin down over her hip and down the outside of her thigh then back up the inside. She let out a gasp of delight when he found her clitoris and lightly played with it as his lips caught up and his tongue joined in. the heat surged through every vein in her body as the sensations grew between her legs, the moan escaped her lips as he slid a finger into her. His lips began the journey back up her body and she felt his own pleasure pressed against her as he came to rest against her, his lips on her neck. He shifted his weight and she felt him remove his hand much to her disliking. She wrapped her arms back around him and

pulled him closer still and her lips met his and begged for more. His hand lifted her leg and he eased himself deep into her letting out his own moan of pleasure. Slowly at first he moved in and out and she wrapped her legs around him holding him to her hands in his soft brown hair. The heat built and built with in her threatening to explode but she held it back as he drove deeper and harder and faster. Pulling his head back he looked into her eyes to watch as she came because of him, she could feel it trying to climb over the rim and just as she was about to let go and give him what he wanted she heard her name being called. “Tara are you alright?” the voice asked her. She blinked her eyes and brought her mind back to the present to find Jack fully clothed and standing in front of her outside the barn by her car with a strange but sexy look in his eyes. “Err, umm yes im fine” she managed to get out of her lips before her kids came running up to her. “Mummy mummy that was great can we come back again” Summer was all smiles as she reached up to Jack! He picked her up and she gave him a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek “Thank you, thank you” she was so happy. “sure, its easy to be a kid you can hug and kiss who ever you wanted and not have to worry about a thing” Tara thought to herself disappointed and amazed that it had all been a figment of her imagination. Jack had told them they were welcome to come back when ever they wanted before Tara made a hasty retreat. She would be back again the following day to take some pictures and sketches, her only hope was that she remembered how to hold a pencil. Watching them drive away down the dirt road Jack let out a huge breath, every moment he had spent with her his mind had been arguing with his body. When she leaned in close to pat Archimedes he had to resist the urge to kiss her, when she had brushed up against him out at the paddock all he wanted to do was grab hold of her and pull her against him, now he needed a cold shower.

cowboy dreams part two

Kieran and Summer were both fast asleep in the car as Tara set up her stall, she would let them sleep for as long as they could. The crowd was beginning to gather and the thrill of something new in town was on a high as the customers gathered around waiting to see what she had. Within the first hour Tara had already sold two paintings and several packs of cards and three ornaments. The kids had woken up and were eating their breakfast that had been packed up for them. Kate found them just after lunch time and had brought a hot cup of coffee for Tara. Kieran was just handing over change to a woman and Summer was putting an ornament into a bag. They sat and chatted for a while and then Tara went quiet, she watched as he crossed from one side of the market stalls to the other. His jeans were tight and his white T-shirt clung to his well toned torso underneath an open dark red chequered shirt, his short dark brown hair was hidden under his black Stetson which matched his black cowboy boots, she watched as his smiled and greeted people he knew. Following her line of sight Kate discovered what had caught her friends attention “That is Jack Tanner” she interrupted the fantasy thoughts bringing Tara back to reality. She looked flushed and embarrassed to have been caught staring. “Umm, Jack Tanner?” she was flustered as she asked her friend to explain in more detail. “Jack runs a riding stable just outside of town it is a working ranch and he teaches disadvantaged and disabled kids to care for and ride horses. He is the towns most eligible bachelor every single woman is after him but he is not interested.” Kate sounded like she would not mind having a go for him as well. Tara was staring at him again and Kate leaned in to whisper “He is very appealing to the eye isn’t he?”. his booming laugh flowed through the crowd and broke through the women’s day dreaming as he turned and headed over to them. He strolled forward and Tara could not help noticing how is t-shirt hugged his muscled torso and how his jeans wrapped around each strong looking leg. When he reached the other side of the table he bowed his head and tilted his Stetson to them “Ladies” his voice was deep and husky and it stirred something in Tara that she hadn’t felt for such a long time. His hazel eyes wandered over the items on her stall and back to her over and over again, she shifted in her seat as she became uncomfortable in a good way. “Jack this is Tara my new neighbour” Kate introduced them. He held his hand out to her and she stood up and reached for it, the moment her skin met his it was like an electric current had been switched on and brought every nerve to life. He shook her hand and felt the tingle spark through him. Pulling her hand back reluctantly Tara was caught in his gaze and could see he too had felt the same strange feeling, his eyes sparkled. She muttered a short “Hi” then she felt a tug on her side and turned away from him. Kieran stood looking up at her “Mum I cant find Summer” he looked concerned and kept looking around him. Tara spun around searching for her daughter, the panic ripping its way through her. Kate joined in the search for her, the car was empty and her toys were left alone. Jack stood still and he watched as the women rushed around. He noticed movement under the table and ducked down to find a little blonde haired girl playing with a toy horse, a huge smile on her face. He held his hands out to her and she crawled out from under the table and he picked her up. “I think I found her” he spoke as he bounced her in his arms, his smile now matching that of the child’s as she made the toy horse walk over him and she made the noises to go with it. Tara ran around the table and took her daughter in her arms and out of the strangers, hugging her tight to her. Jack watched as the panic in her expression turned to relief but there was more hidden there and his curiosity gnawed away at him, but he didn’t voice his concern. Summer held her horse out the jack who smiled at her “so you like horses do you darlin?” his voice was still deep and husky but held a softness to it. Summer smiled up at him and nodded her head, her loose curls bouncing on her shoulders. Tara turned to him “Thank you” her voice was soft and grateful. Before he could reply she walked away back to the other side of the table and sat down with her daughter in her lap. “You can do that, I need to know where you are sweet

heart” the little girl put a frown on her face “im sorry mummy” she flung her arms around Tara’s neck and hugged her tight. Once things had calmed down jack realised he did not want to leave, he wanted to stay and talk to this woman who had sent a heat wave through his body like no other. He took his time flipping through paintings and inspecting the ornaments, all the time his eyes were constantly flickering back to her. He finally decided he had better make a move or the ranch would be missing him, he picked up a painting of a palomino standing under a tree at sunset and handed it to her. “Do you do commissioned paintings?” he asked her and kept his deep hazel eyes fixed on hers. “Yes what do you have in mind?” the thought of extra work filled her with joy but not as much as the thought of seeing him again did. “Well, I own a horse ranch just outside town and Im redecorating some of the dorm rooms. I would be after a few paintings of the horses and of the ranch if that’s at all possible?” his voice was melting her insides and it took a moment for her to reply. “Yes I can do that not a problem”. She was about to tell him what she charged but he stopped her “Why don’t you come out to the ranch when you are done here and you can have a look around and tell me what you think” he saw her glance to her kids with concern at leaving them “Bring the kids and they can have a ride on Poppy, she is a very

tame pony” he saw little Summer’s face light up and he smiled. He took his painting spun round and walked away but just before he turned the corner out of sight he looked over his shoulder and winked at her then he was gone. Kate sat holding her coffee to her lips which were stretched into a cheeky smile. “What?” Tara asked “I think he likes you. He doesn’t normally flirt like that” the cheekiness was not only in her smile as she spoke. “That was flirting?” It had been a very long time since Tara had had any experience with flirting.

cowboy dreams part one

Early morning sun was warming up the pavement as the movers carried boxes and furniture from the truck to the house. Digging through a box on the kitchen table Tara hunted for the kettle and some cups so she could make a coffee for the movers and for herself. The back garden was filled with the sound of laughing from her two kids, nine year old Kieran and four year old summer. The house had been sold to her with the play set included and now it seemed like a good idea as it was keeping her kids entertained. Tara had her long flame red hair tied back out of the way as usual and it swished behind her as she moved around the kitchen. Waiting on

the kettle boiling she watched her kids playing through the window, thinking to herself about how this was going to be a whole new start for them all. “That’s the last of it” the deep voice broke her out of her day dream and she spun around to see the two men standing in the kitchen with her, they were covered in sweat and looked like they needed a cold drink not a hot coffee. “I was going to make you a coffee but I think a cold one would be better.” she walked over to the fridge and took out two bottles of coke and handed them to the men. “Thanks that’s great” the man who had spoken before said to her. Summer came running in through the patio doors and

clung to Tara’s leg she was screeching in a high pitched voice “He is going to get me mummy”. Kieran came running in a second later with a worm in his hand. “Out with that and put it back where you found it” Tara ordered him and he sulked back outside leaving the movers laughing.

She stood and waved off the movers as they drove away and saw that she was being gawked at by her new neighbours. It would not be long till the first of the neighbours came over to introduce themselves so she headed inside to get to work on un packing and clearing the rubbish away. “Mom Im hungry” Kieran told her when he came in from the garden with summer following behind him. Tara thought for a moment and looked around then she smiled at her kids “Lets go” she grabbed her bag and keys from the bench and they headed out to her jeep Cherokee that was parked out front. Summer skipped to the car and Kieran ran to the front door

while Tara locked up the house. Once they were inside and all buckled up Kieran asked “Where are we going”. “When we drove through the town I saw a nice little café so I thought we could have lunch there” Tara watched them through the mirror as she drove them out of the street without even having to deal with the neighbours yet. The two dark with a hint of red haired kids ran straight to the desert counter when the family of three entered the café. A rosy cheeked grey haired woman stood behind the counter with a pot of coffee in her hand, she chatted to a couple on the stools in front of her. Tara walked over to a booth and sat down “Summer, Kieran

come on over here” she called to them and they walked over to the booth, Summers curls bouncing on her shoulders. Kieran sat opposite his mother and sister and looked at the menu Tara handed him. The woman from the counter came over to take their order and scribbled it on a small note pad. Kieran chose a cheese burger and curly fries with extra ketchup, Summer wanted fish fingers and curly fries but she didn’t like ketchup. Once they had ordered Tara asked for a chicken salad and two glasses of orange juice and a strong coffee for herself. “Can we have a cake afterwards mum please?” Kieran was eyeing up the cream cakes as he spoke. “If you eat all your lunch then yes you can” Tara promised them. The week passed by quickly and it was filled with unpacking and organising schools for the children. Tara had made friends with her neighbour to the right of her. Kate Hanson was also a mum of two and was married to the

town mechanic. While Kieran, Summer and Kate’s two boys played outside Tara and Kate were packing up some of Tara’s craft stuff to sell at the weekend market. Tara had boxes of paintings and hand crafted greeting cards, she even had some works of clay packed up. “These are fantastic Tara. They will sell really well here, this town loves the personal touch” Kate was looking at a clay statue of a horse that had been painted and glazed. “Im looking at stores to set up my own shop but until then I will have to settle for the market” Tara finished packing the last box and put the horse into it before closing it up. They took the boxes down to the car and Tara brought out a folding table to put in the back. “What do the kids do when you are selling your stuff?” Kate asked as they headed back into the kitchen for a cuppa. “Kieran helps with the selling which helps him with his math and he loves it. I think that kid is going to be a great little business man one day he is very good at getting good deals” Tara filled the kettle and Kate sat down at the breakfast counter. “And what about Summer?” she glanced out the window to see the kids playing on the swings. “Summer is mummy’s little helper she takes control of the bags she likes to make sure that everything is bagged up all nice, that is till she gets bored and then she sits in the chair and plays with her toys or goes for a sleep” Tara put the coffee into the

cups. “If you want I can take them for a little while after lunch when I take the boys to the park, then I can bring them back later on so you can have a break from them” Kate’s offer was tempting, but the thought of letting her kids out of her sight for too long was too much of a risk.

witness protection part four

The concert had finished and jack rushed to find Jim. Jim was in the dressing room and was waiting for jack. “Where is she” asked jack as he closed the door behind him. “Jack, it wasn’t her” Jim told him but couldn’t hide the lie in his voice. “It was I know it was. There is no way you can lie to me Jim you never could” jack replied. “Ok your right I never could lie to you. It was her and she told me to tell you it wasn’t her then she left” he explained. Jack sat down on the sofa. “I did however follow them to their car and just happened to remember the licence number and the make of the car” Jim said which made jack look up with hope on his face. The next day Sarah had finished putting Katie down for her nap and had just put the kettle on when Emily ad walked in the front door. “You always know when I’m coming over, I’ll have a cuppa please” Emily said as she entered the kitchen. Sarah got another cup from the rack and made two cups of tea. They

sat in the kitchen and chatted about jack. Jack walker not jack the German shepherd who lay under the table snoring. What is he like” asked Emily wanting to know all about him. Eventually the conversation turned to the night that Katie was conceived. Listening intently Emily held her cup of tea with both hands resting it on the table. When Sarah had finished talking Emily could only say “wow”. After taking a drink Emily found more words “he sounds fantastic a real man not like Kevin he is a big kid” she laughed. “Do you think you will be together again one day” a question which had replayed through Sarah’s thoughts many times. “I hope so but it will only happen if they catch whoever killed my parents and that doesn’t look likely” Sarah answered. Jack woke up and began growling, he walked towards the front door. Emily got up to go and see what he was hearing. Walking up the porch steps was jack and the man she saw last night that Sarah had called Jim. Rushing back to the kitchen she told Sarah who stood up knocking the chair to the ground. “What are they doing here how did they find me” she muttered. “Do

you want me to send them away” Emily asked. Thinking for a moment but interrupted by a knock at the door “no let them in to the living room” she said. Emily opened the door while Sarah made her way to the living room. Once the door was shut behind them they walked into the living room and jack saw her standing by the fire place, she was just as beautiful as he remembered her if not more so. Jack walked up to her and went to hug her he stopped when the dog cut him off and bared his teeth followed by a deep growl. “Down jack” Sarah called out and the dog moved to the side and lay down. “Nice name for the dog” jack said as he continued moving closer. Pushing him away Sarah asked “what are you doing here jack, you shouldn’t be here”. “When I saw you I just had to see you. Jim got your licence number and he traced it for me” he replied. Jim looked at Emily and said “this could take a while lets go and make a cuppa and give them some space”. Emily agreed and they left and headed to the kitchen. Sitting on the sofa jack and Sarah began talking. “I missed you so much Kate”. He took her hand in his and she didn’t pull away. “I missed you too but being here you have put all of us in danger” she replied.

“I’m sorry but I had to take the risk it is killing me not having you with me. I love you” he told her. Leaning in he kissed her his lips warm and soft pressed against hers forced the rush of feelings back to the surface reminding her of her love for him. The kiss seemed to last forever nothing else existed to them but each other. A distant cry penetrated their little bubble and Sarah pulled away, getting to her feet she headed out of the room. Jack followed her along the hall and into a room; Sarah went straight to the cot and picked up the baby that lay crying. She turned and holding the baby girl introduced jack to his daughter. “She is mine” he asked but already knew the answer. “What’s her name” he continued his questions. “Her name is Katie and she is fifteen months old” Sarah told him. “Can I hold her” was his next request. Sarah moved closer and handed her over to him. Jack stood holding his daughter with the biggest smile on his face “she is beautiful Kate” he said. “She needs her nappy changing would you like to do it” Sarah asked him and he jumped at the chance to do something a father would do. Sarah handed him everything he needed and he began to be a father. He had to ask which way the nappy went on but other than that he did not bad for his first time. Putting her back down in her cot jack stood

watching her if only Sarah could see the pride on his face. Back in the living room they were greeted by Jim and Emily who had cups of tea waiting for them. sitting around like it was any other day and they had just met up for a cuppa and a chat they made small talk and ignored the fact that now Sarah was going to have to be moved again and would be out of reach of jack again. Time was getting on and the darkness was growing thicker, jack was sitting on the floor playing with his daughter and loving every minute of it. “Jack... it’s time for you to go it is getting late”

Sarah said. With a little bit of protest Sarah agreed for jack to come back tomorrow to see his daughter, it was the only way she could get him to leave. Once they were gone Sarah went straight for the phone and called her contact agent Gorman. When she was finished she sat with Emily and told her what he had said. “They are sending someone tomorrow to relocate us. They had the guys under servailence but lost them a few days ago, they had been following jack in hope of him leading them to me”. Emily replied “do they have to move you; I will miss you if you go”. “Ill miss you too and I won’t be able to keep in touch either” Sarah replied. “Gorman advised that you and your family go away for a few weeks till it cools down too just in case they try to get to me through you” Sarah told her friend. “Ok once you are gone we will take the kids for a holiday to their grandparents for a few weeks we could do with a holiday” Emily confirmed. “I will come over in the morning and help you pack up some stuff” Emily offered and then she

left for the night. Sarah made her way around the house and locked all the doors and windows. She slept in the nursery the whole night on the sofa bed with jack the dog by her feet. Waking several times through the night thinking she had heard noises for it only to be jack snoring and

grumping in his sleep the rest of the night was uneventful not even Katie woke up. Emily arrived early that morning to help with the packing. Only able to take a few bags they packed clothes for Katie and some toys, her baby food and her nappies and creams. Then they started packing clothes and toiletries for Sarah. Emily went to make them a cuppa and left Sarah to finish packing. It took Emily a long time to make two cups of tea and so Sarah went to the kitchen to see what was taking so long. Calling out she got no reply. She could smell Emily’s perfume she always wore obsession no matter what the occasion. Hearing a noise coming from the living room she thought maybe Emily had thought they would sit in there and have their tea. Following the rug from the kitchen to the living room Sarah walked slowly she walked into what felt like a chair bumping her legs against the wood she wondered why the chair was moved to the door way. Calling out again she got no reply again in fact she hadn’t heard the dog for a while either. She began to panic and headed for the phone, searching she could not find the phone any where it had been moved. The panic was growing and she decided to get out of there so heading for the

nursery to get Katie she stumbled over more things that had been moved, they hadn’t been there when she had left to go to the kitchen. Someone was in her house and they were not friendly. Reaching the nursery Sarah reached in the cot for her daughter but all she found was a blanket and a teddy. Crying out for Katie Sarah rushed for the front door. The key was not on the hook where it was kept and the door was locked as was the back door. A noise behind her caused her to whip around and she caught a whiff of cologne from a man, the smell brought back the memory of the man shooting her parents. He was her in her house, in this room and he knew where her baby was. “Where is my daughter” she demanded but got no reply. She could hear him breathing, hear him moving. She moved towards the tall cupboard where she kept a base ball bat hoping to hurt him and defend her. Feeling along behind her she felt the draws and then the cooker, then she felt the handle to the cupboard. Quickly opening the door she reached in for the bat and instead she felt Emily, she felt as if she was still breathing he had only knocked

her out. This took her attention from the man in the room with her and when she turned back to him he was right in front of her, his foul breath in her face. He grabbed her and dragged her to the living room by her arm. Pushing her to the sofa he let go of her arm. Sitting up Sarah then felt him as he struck her across the cheek sending her flying to floor as she lost her balance and fell off the couch. Crying out in pain she tried to crawl away, he pulled her back along the wood floor by her ankle and he spoke for the first time “its no good trying to escape we have the house secure and we have your daughter”. “Where is she? Don’t you hurt her” she begged. Turning her on to her back the man knelt down beside her and stroked her cheek “mmmm we could have some fun with you. Not like your mother, she just winged and winged putting up no fight at all.” He taunted. It wasn’t until now that Sarah heard the other man he sounded as if he was sitting in the chair by the window, he must have been keeping a watch on the road. “We are not here to have fun, just take care of her and let’s get out of here” he said from across the room. He sat with one leg across the other his foot resting on his knee and he kept looking out of the window pulling back the curtain every now and then. In his arms he held Katie. Sarah could hear her daughter

now and she tried to get up but the man held her down. Judging by the strength of him she guessed he was the bald one and the other one was the boss. “Please don’t hurt her” she begged. The voice from the window spoke again “don’t worry we won’t her, the boss’s wife has always wanted a daughter”. “No you can’t” Sarah cried. The man holding her down hit her again this time he back handed her across the other cheek, she could taste the blood in her mouth. She remembered the lamp that stood next to the sofa and was slowly reaching for it when the man by the window told the other to keep her quiet. He put his hand over her mouth and they listened as two men approached the house. She could hear jacks voice and Jims, trying to call out but her voice was muffled by baldies hand. They knocked at the door and got no reply, jack sent Jim next door to ask for Emily to see if Kate was there. Jack was about to leave and stopped when he heard a noise from inside. Sarah had managed to grab the lamp and pull it over hitting the man who held her. He let go of her and she called out for help. Jack began throwing himself at the door trying to break it down and he called out for Jim. Inside Sarah battled with the man as he got up and grabbed her. She hit out and she kicked finally managing to knee him in the groin, he fell to the floor clutching his bruised possessions. The other man got up out of the

chair just as jack managed to break through the door the bald man grabbed for Sarah again pushing her hard she fell against the tall unit hitting her head and passing out. Jack was now in the living room he stood in the door way facing the two men. Seeing his daughter in the arms of one of them he tried to ease closer and the man pulled out a gun and pointed it to the baby. “Come any closer and ill kill her” the man said. Jack stood still the urge to attack them strong in his stomach. The two men backed out of the room and headed through the dining room to the kitchen. Jack followed slowly keeping them in his sight. They reached the back door and opened it stepping out onto the back porch. Not knowing what to do jack kept following them even though they kept the gun on Katie. The bald man ran off to get the car started and the other man kept backing away, jack not wanting his daughter to be taken away from him again lunged forward when the man took his eyes off him to look where he was walking. Reaching for his daughter jack heard a loud bang and fell to the ground he had managed to get his daughter and had pulled her from the man who was now running out of the back yard. Getting into the car he told his partner to go but they went nowhere. Looking across to his friend all he saw was a fist heading straight for him, the next thing he saw was blackness. He slumped in the seat as Jim got out of the driver’s seat. Jim went into the house and found Kate lying on the floor with a cut to her head and unconscious. Searching for jack he found him out in the back yard he was awake but he had been shot in the shoulder, he was sitting holding his daughter. “I’ve called the police they won’t be long” Jim told him. “Come on let’s get you in the house” he continued as he helped jack to his feet. Jack wouldn’t let go of his daughter and he held her till the ambulance arrived. Emily had woken up and was sitting with Sarah on the floor. Both the police and the F.B.I had arrived and were arguing over who had jurisdiction eventually the F.B.I won and the arrested both of the men. Jim had snuck up on the bald one and knocked him out then took his place in the car after overhearing the getaway plan. Sarah was still unconscious when she was taken away in the ambulance, jack was patched up and then he too was taken to the hospital his

daughter went with him, he refused to let her go. Emily was told to go to the hospital for a check up to make sure she didn’t have concussion. Jack found himself sitting by her bedside yet again waiting for her to wake up. Their daughter lay in her buggy that Emily had brought she had also brought some other things for both of them she just brought the bags that were already packed. It was a few hours before Kate woke up and when she did the light hurt her eyes and she had to shield them with her hands. The knock to her head had undone what the knock to her head two years ago had done. The doctor had told her she would need to wear darkened sunglasses for a while till her eyes got used to light again. The first thing she wanted to do was to see her daughter for the first time, her heat melted when she saw jack walk in holding their daughter in his arm. His other arm was in a sling, but still his smile brightened the room. Agent Gorman had confirmed that the two men were going to be put away for life and that now they had enough evidence to also put away their boss as they had made a deal to testify against him in order to

get a life sentence instead of death row. Kate could now leave the witness protection and she and jack could finally be together to raise their daughter as a family.

witness protection part three

Sitting on the front porch Sarah Campbell drank her cup of tea and chatted with her friend and neighbour Emily Scott as their children played in the garden. Emily’s twins Anna and David four years old played with Sarah’s daughter Katie who was fifteen months old. Katie was lying on a blanket playing with some soft toys that rattled and the twins were sitting on the blanket with their own toys. Emily watched the children play and Sarah let one hand drop to stroke her German shepherd jack, her guide dog who lay by her side. “Katie is looking more and more like you every day Sarah she is beautiful.” Said Emily. Sarah said thank you then took another sip of tea. “It is a real shame you lost everything even the photos of her father in that fire. I would have loved to see what he looked like” Emily continued. Sticking to her cover story Sarah replied “if it wasn’t for the fire we wouldn’t have moved here and I wouldn’t have met you my best friend”. “Very true, good things can come from bad situations” Emily beamed. The phone rang and Sarah went to answer it. She walked along the hall rug ad she felt the change from the rug to the hard wood floor and knew she was in the living room she felt her way past a chair and to the unit where the phone was. When the house had been set up for her the flooring had been set out so she could follow a carpet and feel with her feet the different flooring for each room. The living room was wood flooring and the kitchen was tiles, the bedroom was soft carpet and the bathroom was lino. When she had discovered she was pregnant she had another soft carpet put in the spare room. Everything in the house had a place and was kept neat and tidy so she could remember where things were. Sarah had learnt Braille and had gotten jack to help her when she was out. It was hard for her to cope when Katie was born but her friend had helped and she had learnt ways of doing things. On the phone was Amanda the woman who came twice a week to clean the house as Sarah couldn't see where was dirty or not. Amanda was confirming that she was going to be an hour late tomorrow but would defiantly be there. Back outside Emily was down with the kids in the garden her short blonde hair being blown in the slight wind and her

skirt drifted as she bent down and picked up Katie who was crying as she had been shaking a toy and it had flown out of her hand and hit her on the head. Jack had reached her first and was whimpering letting Emily know that Katie needed someone; he was a good guide dog and very protective of Katie. The radio played in the background some adverts were on just now for a local fair day at the weekend. Sitting down again Sarah searched for her cup of tea. Emily returned with Katie and explained what had happened and handed her to Sarah. Katie sat on her mum’s knee and the crying stopped, Emily sat back in her chair and finished her cup of tea. A song came on the radio which made Sarah pay attention it was jack with his new song about the love he lost and would never forget. “I feel so sorry for him” Emily said. “All he sings about now is this woman who left him and broke his heart. How could a woman do that he is a babe and such a sweetie” she continued. “Maybe she had a good reason for leaving him like she did” Sarah said. “Well whatever her reason it has improved his career. His female audience has increased and he has really sucked you in you never miss when he is on TV or the radio and you own

every album and single he has” Emily replied. “You’re hooked on him” she added. They both let out a giggle. “oh by the way I have a surprise for your birthday next Friday and I have arranged for a baby sitter to watch the kids and I’m taking you out” Emily announced. “Where are we going” asked Sarah. “If I told you that it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it” Emily told her. Letting out a sigh Sarah put her empty cup on the table and gave Katie a hug. Putting Katie to bed later that night Sarah sat in the rocking chair for a while listening to their daughter breathing as she slept. How Sarah wished she could let him know about his daughter, she played his music every night to her and it calmed her and helped her to sleep, somehow Sarah knew that Katie knew it was her daddy. Climbing into bed she snuggled down into the cosy covers jack jumped up onto the bed and curled up on the bottom like he did every night. In her dreams Sarah could always see and she dreamt of jack and his touch his smell almost every night. For the past two years she had thought about him every day wishing she could just pick up the phone and tell him where she was so that he could come and get her but she realised that he was safer not knowing where she was. She had to live with the pain and knowledge of him to herself. Her fake birthday had passed and she was now dressed and waiting on Emily to come and get her to take her to her surprise. The babysitter had picked up Katie and took her over to Emily’s and Emily would be over shortly. Jack the dog was not going this time so Sarah had put her stick in her bag. Emily finally arrived and they headed for her car. It took a while to get to where they were going and once there Sarah could hear crowds of people talking and laughing. They qued up and eventually got into where Sarah could only guess was a very large building. “I hope you don’t mind but I used the fact that you are classed as disabled due to your blindness to get us better seats near the front” Emily said to her friend. “That’s ok, the front of where” replied Sarah. They took their seats and Emily finally told her where they were. “We are at a concert I know you like who is playing and I thought you would like front row seats”. Panic began to build inside of her and it almost exploded when Emily told her who was playing. “Jack walker”. “You have to get me out of here Emily please” Sarah begged. “Why what’s wrong “asked Emily. It was too late, the music began and the crowd began screaming as jack walker

walked on the stage. His voice took Sarah’s attention from her friend he talked to the crowd to get them riled up then he began singing the first song he wrote about her. The sorrow and pain in his voice screamed to her she recognised it as it was mirrored in her own sorrow and pain. Hoping he wouldn’t recognise her now she had red hair cut to her shoulders instead of her long brown hair. She sat and listened till she could bare no more and got Emily to take her out of there. They stood and walked to the doors, jack happened to look in that direction and he recognised her unable to just run off the stage he moved to the edge of the stage and sent Jim after her. Outside the concert room Jim caught up with them in the concession hall. “Kate” he called out to her but she ignored him and kept going so he ran after them and grabbed her by the arm. “Kate please waits” he said. “I’m sorry you have me mistaken for someone else” Sarah replied trying to sound calm. “I know it’s you he really wants to talk with you” Jim pleaded. “I can’t just tell him it wasn’t me” Sarah said and pulled free and walked away with Emily. Getting into the car and driving home Sarah knew what was coming next. “What was all that about

Sarah” Emily asked. “I can’t tell you Emily I’m sorry but it would put you in danger”. “I don’t care, I’m your friend you have to tell me after what happened” Emily begged. “Ok, but you cannot tell anyone not even Kevin” Sarah told her friend. Going through the story of her past made her heart ache as she relived the death of her parents and meeting jack then losing him. Emily was quiet for a while and they were almost home now. They stopped outside of Emily’s and sat in the car. “Are you ok” Sarah asked Emily. “Yes. I’m just shocked; you have been through so much.” She replied. “So does that mean that jack walker is Katie’s father” Emily asked. Sarah gave a nod in confirmation. “No wonder that you are hooked on his music. It’s you he is singing about” Emily said. “I’m so sorry I dragged you to his concert without asking you first” Emily apologised. “That’s ok you didn’t know” Sarah consoled her friend. “Are you going to be able to keep it a secret” Sarah asked hoping she would so she didn’t have to move. “Of course I will what are friends for” was her reply.

witness protection part two

Three days later Kate was beginning to adapt to being blind and finding her way around the room without bumping into things. Over these few days jack had spent most of the day with her, they talked and he made her laugh he had kissed her goodnight each day but that was it. It was now six in the evening or so the nurse had said when she changed the dressing on her back. Jack had left three hours ago saying he had some things he had to do. Listening to the TV Kate sat in bed. The door opened and jack announced he was back, a smile came to Kate’s lips and he loved her smile it always made him feel welcome and wanted. He sat on the bed next to her and placed something on the bed next to her, she wasn’t sure what it was but it felt big. “I have brought you a picnic full of delicious food to tempt your senses” he said as he began to open the basket and take things out placing them on the table next to the bed. Before eating he placed each item in front of her to smell and guess what they were. Surprisingly Kate guessed all but one, jack was helping her to adjust to being blind in a way that made Kate feel was seductive. She felt a warm butterfly feeling every time she thought about him and when he was close his musky smell attacked her senses making her dizzy. When they had finished eating jack put away all the left over’s and put the basket by the chair. They sat and talked for a while. “The doctor was here earlier and he said I would be able to leave soon” Kate told jack with sorrow in her voice. Jack too had sorrow in his voice as he replied “so we are running out of time”. “Jack.” Kate said then paused before continuing “I feel such a connection to you I don’t want to leave, I will never see you again”. Jack took her hand in his and raised his other to her face shifting closer. “I feel the same way I have never felt this way before but you need to be safe” he told her. He pulled her close to him and kissed her in a passionate embrace of their lips. Her hands moved to shoulders and his hands glided across her body down to her waist. She moved lower in the bed and lay

down ignoring the slight pain from her back. Jack followed her and lay by her side pulling away from her lips he told her “I want to make love to you”. With those words she pulled him to her and kissed him eagerly wanting him closer and against her. Her hands reached around his back and pulled at his shirt tugging it from his jeans. Jack moved to remove his shirt pulling over his head and throwing it to the chair. While he was doing that Kate removed her gown provided by the hospital. Jack got the rest of his clothes off and locked the door then climbed into the bed with her. Running her hands across his muscled chest her mind was going into over drive unable to see him. Kissing her lips then her neck he trailed hot wet kisses down her neck across her collar bones and down to her breasts. He kissed her nipples then sucked one into his mouth and gently nibbled at it sending delightful sensations through her entire body making her moan with pleasure. He pulled away to tell her “we need to be quiet so the nurse doesn’t hear”, which made a groan escape her beautiful lips. He continued kissing her down her stomach his tongue began to flick across her clitoris. Struggling to keep her voice quiet she almost let out a loud cry of pleasure as his fingers entered her circling adding to her excitement. She tugged at him to come up to her and he obliged by trailing kisses all the way back to her lips. She wrapped her arms

around him one hand grasping his back and the other caressing through his soft great smelling hair. She could feel his excitement against her now it was hard and pressing into her. His right hand slid down her body to her leg; grasping her thigh he pulled her leg up allowing him more room. He moved a hand lower and eased himself into her awaiting wetness. He felt so good as he pushed gently into her, his arms moved under her so he rested on his elbows and his hands were under her shoulders. Kate held him close as he move up and down as he slid in and out of her again and again. They kissed their tongues searching each others, the pleasure building and building inside them both threatening to explode. Plunging deep within her he felt how wet and tight she was and as she was getting close to climax her muscles tightened around the length of him sending more pleasure making him grow closer to climax himself. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he moved faster and deeper bringing them both to the height of pleasure together. For a few minutes they lay wrapped in each other’s arms just enjoying the feeling of their skin against skin. Eventually jack pulled himself away from her to get dressed and he handed her gown to her. Unlocking the door then returning to her on the bed jack knew he had to go home but he didn’t want to leave her. He was falling in love with her even in this short period of time.

Jack stayed with her till she fell asleep then he quietly left the room he would be back in the morning, he hoped the night would pass quickly. Kate was woken by a voice she recognised as agent Gorman. “It is time for you to leave Kate, we have to go” he told her. Kate tried to tell him she had to talk to jack before she went but Gorman wouldn’t listen “we have some clothes for you to change into the nurse will help you” he said then left the room for her to change. The nurse approached the bed and helped Kate to get out and t dressed. “Do you have a pen and paper” Kate asked the nurse. The nurse took out a pen from her pocket and picked up the small

note pad by the phone. “Do you want me to write it and you can tell me what you want to say” the nurse asked. Yes can you write word for word please” Kate replied then continued with what she wanted to say to jack. Jack arrived the next morning and found her room empty. He went to the nurses’ station and asked where she was. The nurse took him to one side and explained that she had left with the agent in the middle of the night. Jacks face turned to sorrow and the nurse handed him the note Kate left for him.Jack took the note and sat in a chair against the wall, the nurse returned to the others at the station and they all watched as jack read the note.

Jack, I’m so sorry to be doing this by letter but they won’t let me say goodbye so the nurse is writing this for me without them knowing. I wish I could stay and be with you but as you said I need to go so I am safe. Last night was incredible and I will remember it for the rest of my life. I will listen to all of your songs and follow you best as I can through the media it will be my way of knowing you are there and it will make me feel safe listening to your voice. I just want you to know that I love you and you will always be in my heart forever. I don’t know where I am being sent who knows maybe I will be near you one day when you are doing a concert. I won’t be able to tell anyone that I know you or that I love you. You will be my secret kept close in my heart.

Goodbye

All my love Kate

Jack sat holding the note; the nurses felt for him as they watched a tear roll down his cheek and fall to the note. Eventually jack stood and walked out of the hospital and away from the only place he had found love.

witness protection part one

The rain was falling hard against her skin as she ran down the dark ally, her breathing starting to sting in her chest. A hot, burning sensation struck her in the back just above her left hip sending her crashing to the floor. Still it didn’t stop her as she got back up onto her feet, seeing the two men closing in on her she bolted for the busy street ahead. Bursting through the crowd she stumbled into the road. Her long wavy brown hair whipped around sending drops of water flying into the crowd as she spun at the sound of a horn just in time to see the bright head lights speeding towards her. Jumping up in hopes of not having her legs broken she landed on the bonnet of the screeching car as it tried to stop. Rolling off the car and onto the cold wet ground the crowd surrounded her and the driver rushed to her side. The whispers in the crowed were spreading “it’s him, jack walker he hit that woman”. Kneeling by her side jack walker the popular country singer tried to ignore the whispers and turned his attention to the woman who was barely conscious. Putting his warm hand to her cold wet cheek he asked her “miss can

you hear me”. Her vision was blurry but she made out his deep green eyes thinking she had never seen eyes so beautiful before. She spoke two words “help me” before everything went black as she passed out. The passenger of the car was on the other side of her on the phone to an ambulance giving them detailed directions and a report of how she was. Once off the phone he whispered to jack “she is bleeding from her back”. He took a closer look without trying to move her too much so he could stem the bleeding. “It’s a bullet wound.” The man said he looked around then turned back to jack “the shooter could be in the crowd don’t let on you know”. The man stood up and went back to the car to get the first aid kit and a blanket from the boot. He draped the blanket over her and put the first aid kit down next to jack who began searching through it for a bandage to press against the wound. The police were first to attend the accident quickly followed by the ambulance. While the paramedics took care of the woman jack and his friend Kyle Harmon spoke to the police. Kyle told the police about the bullet wound and his concerns that the shooter could be watching them. After they had finished one of the paramedics came over to jack and told him “you should come with us sir and have that gash on your head seen to. Jack hadn’t even noticed he had banged his head and was now bleeding. So jack went with the ambulance and Kyle drove the car behind them, the police said they would meet them

there. The woman was taken through to the emergency room to be seen to and Jack was taken to a cubicle and waited for a doctor to look at his injury. While he waited Jack went through the accident in his head but was interrupted by the doctor. The doctor treated him like any other patient and not as a famous person which was a nice change for him. Jack needed stitches and while the doctor stitched his wound he told the doctor what had happened and asked about the woman. “She is in surgery now to remove a bullet from her back, but the injuries from your car are not life threatening mainly cuts and bruises she saved herself from broken bones when she jumped up. Very quick clever thinking on her part.” Once the doctor had finished and dressed the wound he told Jack that he wanted to keep him in overnight for observation as he had a slight concussion. For once jack didn’t argue about having to stay in hospital. The woman had been out of surgery for a few hours and was still unconscious; the police were hanging around to question her about the bullet wound. Jack had sweet talked the nurse to allow him to sit by her

side; he had also had to give a few autographs in order to do so too, but something about this woman made him want to know more. Jack sat in a chair on the right side of the bed which was near the door; the bathroom was across from he bottom of the bed. His eyes were getting tired but he tried to stay awake as he read a newspaper to pass the time. He was startled by a groan from the woman and he stood up over the bed. “Hello, can you hear me” he asked. Her left hand reached up to her head and she slowly opened her eyes. “Where am” she asked Jack told her she was in hospital and she was safe, to which she replied “why is it so dark in here then”. Jack told her he was just going to call the nurse. The nurse came in and asked jack to wait outside. He stood with the police anxiously waiting. The nurse took out her little torch and shone it in the woman’s eyes but got no response. “What’s your name darling” the nurse asked. Panic in her voice at not being able to see she replied “Kate”. “Ok Kate I’m just going to get the doctor so he can examine your eyes I will be back shortly. The nurse left the roomand jack snuck back in to stay with her. She sat quiet for a moment then she remembered. “My parents please you have to send help for them” she cried out. Jack opened the door and called the police in. Officer Williams introduced himself and Kate repeated her earlier plea. “What is wrong with your

parents” Williams asked. “The men they shot them I don’t know if they are alive or not. Please you have to help them.” she hurriedly explained. After giving the officer the address he left the room and called through his radio for a unit to go to the house and check it out warning them there could be a suspect on the property still and he would be armed. He also sent an ambulance along too. The police arrived at the house and cautiously entered through the open front door their guns were drawn and they slowly searched the house. through the hall, into the living room then into the kitchen which led them into the large study where they found two bodies a male and a female laying slumped on the floor side by side in a pool of blood. The paramedics came in behind them and went straight to the man and woman, they were too late they had no pulse and were now cold. Jack was back outside the room waiting for the doctor to finish examining Kate. The guilt that he had hit her and that she may be blind was rising up with in him. His head was throbbing now but he barely noticed the pain. The doctor came out of the room and spoke with the officers, jack listened in. “the bang to the head when she hit the road has caused swelling which is causing the blindness it may subside in time or it may last a long time we just don’t know yet” the doctor told them. “Can we question her now doctor” Williams asked. “Yes but keep it short she needs to rest” he replied and then left. Jack was asked to wait outside again so he sat in the chair next to the door. Both of the officers went into the room and began talking to Kate, the door hadn’t closed properly and jack was able to hear what they were saying. “Kate, we need to know what happened to you. Can you tell us what you can remember” Williams began. “My mum and dad are they ok” she asked “we don’t know yet we have sent a unit and an ambulance to them as soon as we hear from them we will let you know.” Williams told her. Unable to do anything to help her parents right now Kate told the officers what had happened the other officer was writing it all down. Kate had gone to visit her mum for her birthday and snuck in the back door to surprise her, placing the big bunch of her favourite flowers lilies on the kitchen counter. Kate heard voices from the study and didn’t want to interrupt so she stayed in the kitchen and kept quiet. The voices grew angrier and louder so she snuck up to the door and peeked in. She was just in time to see a large stocky man with a bald head standing next to a shorter man with brown hair pull the trigger and shoot her mum and then her dad. She gasped and they heard her. Turning their attention on her the bald man pointed the gun at her and she

ran. Out the front door and down the drive, hearing the men behind her she turned into an ally across the street and ran as fast as she could. She had almost reached the other end when she felt a hot pain stab her in the back and fell. Still it didn’t stop her as she got back up onto her feet, seeing the two men closing in on her she bolted for the busy street ahead. Bursting through the crowd she stumbled into the road. She heard a car horn and spun around just in time to see the bright head lights speeding towards her. Jumping up in hopes of not having her legs broken she landed on the bonnet of the screeching car as it tried to stop. Rolling off the car and onto the cold wet ground the crowd surrounded her and the driver rushed to her side. “After that it all went fuzzy and then I was here she finished. The officer finished writing things down and put the note pad back in his pocket. They left the room but just as they reached the door the radio hissed. Williams Ok’ed the voice to go ahead and the report of her parent’s death echoed through the

room. Kate burst out crying and officer Williams turned to look at her. Jack had also heard it all and he pushed past the officers and sat on the bed next to her and drew her into his arms and held her while she cried and mourned her parent’s death, he stroked her head with his left hand trying to sooth her. She stopped crying after a few minutes and pulled away wiping her tear soaked cheeks. “I’m sorry” she said to jack “you have nothing to be sorry about” he told her then hesitated before continuing “I’m the one who is sorry. I’m the one who hit you with the car” he explained. “Don’t worry about it; I ran into the road and if you hadn’t I could be dead now so thank you for running me over.” Kate let out a slight chuckle with the last words. She asked his name and he told her his first name only. “Are you alright, did you get hurt when” she asked and he replied “I’m ok just got a cut on the head and a slight concussion. Thanks for asking”. Kate tried to move and the pain shot through her. “Can I ask you to help me find the bathroom” she asked her new friend. Jack helped her out of bed and across the room to the bathroom he took her inside and took her hands in his. His hands were strong and warm. He led her to the sink

and let her feel where it was and he did the same with the toilet and the soap and towels. Once he was finished he waited outside the room for her to finish. Back in bed she got comfy and asked for a drink so jack went and got them a cup of tea from the vending machine at the waiting room. They sat and talked for hours, jack had got the nurse to allow him to stay with Kate as she didn’t want to be alone, and she felt venerable and even more so now she couldn’t see. The nurse agreed as long as they kept the noise down, the police had arranged to have an officer stand

guard outside her room. The sun was starting to come up and they were still talking. “You know something Jack; you have the same name and sound like my favourite singer. Isn’t that strange.” Jack replied with a small laugh. “What’s so funny” Kate asked. Jack was silent for a moment then he confessed. “Well actually, I am a singer my last name is walker”. “Yeah right” she replied to him. He didn’t say anything and she realised it was true. “Wow you are fantastic I love your music” she blushed. “Thank you” he replied with a smile on his lips. Jack’s friend knocked at the door and interrupted them, jack introduced his friend and personal body guard Jim Hanover. In his hand he held the day’s newspaper, “I think you need to read this jack” he said and handed the paper to him. On the front page was jack’s picture with the title woman

struck by celebrity jack walker’s car. He read it out for Kate to hear. When jack had finished reading how the story about him running over Kate portrayed him as the bad guy Jim was the first to speak. “We already have a reply ready to send to the newspaper you just have to ok it”. Before jack could reply there was a knock at the door. An officer in plain clothes entered and introduced himself as special agent with the F.B.I Derek Gorman. “I need to talk with you Kate and both of you” he said to them all. “Its good you’re all here it will save me a trip”. Kate tried to get comfy and Jim sat down in the chair on the other side of the bed. Without saying anything the three of them sat waiting to hear what he had to say. First the agent looked at Kate “let me extend my deepest sincerity on the loss of your parents.” He began. Kate nodded to let him know that she accepted his comment. “Due to your description we have identified the men who killed them and we have been after them and their boss for some time” all three of them looked stunned. “With the newspaper report having no details of your progress yet we have decided it would be best to put you into witness protection as they won’t stop looking for you. We will leek to the news that you died of wounds received before the run in with Mr Walker’s car”. He continued. Kate was silent but jack had questions. “So how do you expect to get her out of here with out the press knowing”. “We have already changed your name on the records and we have removed the police from your door and replaced him with an agent posing as a nurse and a few others around the hospital.” Kate looked towards where his voice was coming from “what will happen to all of my things and the house” she asked. “you don’t have to worry about that we will have it all sorted for you and to keep up the pretence that you are dead we have it look like the bank is repossessing the property and the money will be put into an off shore account and we will arrange it to be transferred to the bureau then from a different account we can send it to you so there can be no trace from the house to you. “ Kate sighed and sat back into the pillow. “How long till she is moved” jack enquired. “As soon as the doctor tells us Kate can be moved, it could be any day now” he replied. After going through a few details agent Gorman left and Jim left shortly after to alter the statement to be released to the press. Leaving jack and Kate alone yet again. Tears began rolling slowly down Kate’s cheeks but no sobbing or noise escaped her lips. Jack moved closer and wiped the moisture from her soft skin. He was so close she could feel his breath on her skin. Without thinking she lifted her hand and reached for his face, he didn’t pull away as she slid her soft warm hand along his check and jaw line. He didn’t flinch when her finger moved along his lips and up the other side of his jaw to his ear and her fingers moved into his hair. “I’m sorry, I just wanted to...” she said softly but was interrupted by his lips pressing against hers. They were warm and soft as they slowly moved caressing her own lips, sending tingles through her his lips sucked her bottom lip into his mouth then letting it out again. He pulled away leaving her in a state of awe. He spoke quietly but strong “I don’t know what it is but I have wanted to do that all day, I feel such an attraction to you”. Kate couldn’t find the words to tell him she felt the same, she felt the connection too.

crimson, chapter seventeen

Six months had passed since the day that crimson had left them; they had built three homes in that time. Pamela and the children had created a small farm where they were growing fruit and

vegetables from seeds that they had found on the boat and some from seeds they had gathered

from around their new home. They also had a communal area covered to give them shelter so they could eat together. They had built a memorial for all of those that had been taken from them, their family, friends and those they didn’t know. Life was going well for them it was peaceful and happy, the children could play free from danger but molly still had not spoken a word and Pamela didn’t think that she ever would. Jack and Kate had fallen in love and were now togetherand were raising the twins as their own, a romance between Clive and Pamela also was brewing. They had became one big family. Slowly animals were being spotted and it seemed the earth was thriving now it had been healed. Down on the beach the children were playing, molly was busy building a sandcastle while the others played in the water. The sandcastle was missing something and molly looked around and saw a beautiful shell not far away. Sitting thinking that it would look perfect on the top of the tower the shell floated up on its own and over to her. Landing in her open hand she smiled at her new gift.

In what was once Scotland another camp of survivors were rebuilding this time there were nineteen of them. in other places around the world survivors were starting over, submarines had surfaced and were catching up on what had happened from the people they came across. A new civilisation had begun and molly’s telekinesis was just the start of the new evolutionary changes

crimson, chapter sixteen

They pulled the raft onto the warm sandy beach and looked around. After leaving the beach they

found themselves in fresh green grass stretching into the horizon. In front of them the mist was

gathering, coming together to form the being in their dreams. The form moved closer to them,

making no sound and having no features. There they stood face to featureless face waiting for the next move. The words they heard were formed in their heads but not their own thoughts, they came from the being. “I am Crimson and this is my home. You have been selected to re-populate the earth so that when i return i can feed again. Evolution has provided me with a more satisfying meal than last time and i cant wait to see what evolution will give me when i wake. Take care of my land this time or next time i will leave no survivors and start from scratch. You have been warned. Crimson backed away from them and he began to seep down into the soil and back down deep with in the core of the planet to slumber and rest till he is woken again.

Martin reached down to tie the raft to the boat and then helped Jack, Clive and Kate onto the deck. “What happened?” asked bobby. The others waited in anticipation to hear what lay ahead for them. Jack told them what had happened and what crimson had said. “Looks like the earth has been restored to its natural state before it was ruined by humans. No pollution no destruction it is pure nature.” He added. “Everything is gone, the buildings the roads everything” asked Sarah. “Yes we have to start over again with a fresh slate” Kate answered. They sat and talked over their fears and what they should do. “So this thing crimson is it really gone” asked Lethaniel. Jack confirmed that it was gone for now and would not return for a long time. “What did he mean that we are the next evolution” Pamela asked. Neither Jack, Kate nor Clive knew what he had meant by that but they knew they would find out one day. Jack quietened every one down “we need to ration the food for now till we can find a way to grow our own. We also need to build homes for us, start from scratch” he told them. “We have the boat for now but we are going to need somewhere on land. Look at it this way it won’t cost a fortune for beach front property now” he laughed.