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  Michael told her how Elizabeth acted like two different people, and how she had been getting worse as the years went by. He also admitted that he married Elizabeth for her money and for what her father could do for him. They both laughed, Amanda glad it hadn't just been a case of her father having horrible taste in women. They also worried about what Elizabeth might do in the future.

  Amanda caressed Lex's cheek, feeling the body in front of hers begin to relax. "I'm afraid of what my mother might do, Lex. Please stay away from her."

  Martha was afraid to upset either woman any more, but she wanted to ease their minds. "I called Charlie while I was waiting for the two of you to return. He's got a man keeping an eye on her."

  "Good. That means we can put all this aside, and not worry about her tonight." Amanda looked into Lex's eyes. "Come on, love. Let it go for now, please?"

  "Okay." Lex leaned down and kissed Amanda's forehead. "But I swear to you, if she steps one foot on this ranch, I'm going to--" Her words were halted when soft lips claimed hers. "Mmm. What was I saying?" she asked when they finally broke apart.

  "You were saying you'd go on to bed, and worry about all this in the morning," Martha supplied. She walked over and pulled a few strands of straw out of Lex's hair. "You might want to take a shower while you're at it. Looks like you brought half the barn in here with you."

  Lex blushed and ducked her head. "Umm, yeah. We'll take care of that. Thanks." She stepped away from Amanda for a moment and embraced Martha. "Thanks. I love you," Lex whispered, kissing the bemused woman on the top of her head. "See you in the morning." She walked away and grabbed Amanda, moving them both out of the kitchen before the housekeeper could say a word.

  "That little turd. I swear she does that just to throw me off guard." Martha shook her head and turned off the kitchen light, realizing Charlie would be at her cottage within the half hour to watch a movie. "I'll get back at her some other time."

  MUTED CONVERSATIONS COULD be heard throughout Somerville's nicest restaurant. As the room filled with families trying to get away for an evening, no one paid any attention to the couple sitting at a partially hidden table in the back. The woman's expensive business suit was a bit out of place. The handsome man across from her was dressed in dark slacks and a crisply pressed blue shirt with his silk tie loosened for comfort.

  "Can I get you anything else, ma'am?" The waitress was almost afraid to ask, since the woman had already proven to be a difficult customer. She had sent her steak back twice before finally giving up and complaining she'd just have to settle for a poor dinner.

  Elizabeth waved an elegant hand. "No, not at the moment. You can leave us, now." She quickly dismissed the woman, eager to get back to the conversation at hand. She returned her attention to her companion. "Well? I've told you everything I know. Now tell me what we can do about it. There's no way I'm going to allow that bitch to keep influencing my daughter. I don't care what has to be done, I want Amanda back where she belongs."

  "Ms. Cauble, Elizabeth," he corrected himself after she gave him a look, "I can see you have some problems here, and I think I can help you resolve them. It's just going to take a little time." He stretched across the linen-covered table and took her hand in his. "Believe me, I'm very good at what I do. You will get results."

  A shiver of excitement raced down her spine as his dark eyes gleamed. "Excellent. My daughter has spent far too much time already with that--woman. The sooner we get her out of that perverted household, the better off she'll be. My sources tell me she's actually 'engaged' to that disgusting cowhand." Elizabeth wrinkled her nose at the idea. "Can you believe that? It's not as if they can really get married, anyway. Ridiculous."

  The man patted her hand. "Yes, it is. I'm sure once we get her back to California, away from all these negative influences, she'll be just fine." He leaned forward so no one else could overhear the conversation. "I do have your permission to proceed by any means necessary, correct? I don't want to plan something, only for you to tell me to back down later."

  "Of course. All I ask is my daughter not be hurt. I don't care what happens to anyone else. Especially that rancher." She squeezed his hand and released it. "And, I don't want to know any details. The less I know, the better."

  "You can count on me, Elizabeth. Discretion is one of my better qualities. I haven't had any complaints, yet."

  Elizabeth smiled seductively at him. "I hope it's not your only good quality. I'd like to continue this discussion somewhere more--private."

  He stood and dropped a wad of bills on the table. "I don't normally mix business with pleasure, Elizabeth, but I do see the need for a more quiet setting to umm, discuss our options."

  She allowed him to help her out of her chair. "My point exactly. Let's go back to my hotel room. I believe I may have a bottle of brandy. Just the thing for a nightcap." It's a good thing I lost 'Barney Fife' before I checked into the hotel. I knew staying in Parkdale was a much better idea. I can't allow those hicks in on our plans. No, that wouldn't do at all. Elizabeth smiled as he escorted them out of the restaurant. I just love surprises.

  Chapter Eleven

  AMANDA WATCHED WITH trepidation as the tall figure stomped across the bedroom. "Honey, calm down."

  "Of all the harebrained, idiotic--" Lex struggled for an appropriate word, "dipshits," she grumbled as she yanked open the top dresser drawer and began to search through it, flinging socks and underwear in every direction. "What kind of morons are they hiring these days?" She continued digging through the drawer, tossing more items out. "Where is my other damned sock?"

  "Lex." Amanda gave up and sighed. "You're going to drive yourself crazy if you keep going like this." Not to mention driving me crazy. She walked over to the dresser and fished out the errant sock. "I wish you'd reconsider." She bit her lip to keep from laughing at her lover. I bet she has no idea how incredibly cute she looks right now.

  Lex was clad in only a navy silk bra and matching underwear, and one knee-high dark sock. She accepted the other sock from Amanda and sat on the bed to put it on. "Thanks." Lex stood again and grabbed the jeans she had tossed on the bed. "What's wrong with me wanting to give you a ride to work?"

  "Nothing, if you were planning on staying in town all day. Or even if there was something you had to do there this morning." Amanda finished restoring the drawer to some semblance of order and stepped over to where Lex zipped her jeans. "I'm not a child, you know. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

  "I know, Amanda. It's just--"

  Amanda raised her hand. "Just what? Are you afraid I'm going to run off with my mother to California? Can't you give me a little more credit?" Her sharp tone softened immediately when she saw hurt cross Lex's somber face. "I'd never leave you, honey."

  Lex swallowed hard. "I know I'm acting ridiculous. I just don't trust her." She caressed Amanda's face with one hand. "Who knows what lengths she'll go to in order to take you back with her? We already know she's unstable."

  "You don't actually think she'd do anything rash? For God's sake, Lex. She's my mother!" Amanda tried to wrap her mind around what her lover was saying. "She wouldn't do anything to me."

  "We don't know for sure." Unable to look her in the eye any longer, Lex turned around and walked over to the French doors that led to the balcony and peered out into the darkness. It tore her up inside to have any sort of argument with Amanda, and she knew she was asking her lover to take sides. How can I ask her to think this way about the woman who gave birth to her? How can I not? The woman is dangerous. "She evaded the deputy that had been assigned to keep an eye on her. How are we supposed to know what she's planning on doing next?"

  Amanda threw her hands up in disgust. "You talk as if she's some sort of criminal mastermind or something." Afraid of the angry words racing around in her head, she started to leave the room. She stopped, thinking about whom they were talking. Her mother did try to have someone poison Lex just to split them up. That's more than criminal-- it's sick. I think I o
we Lex an apology. She walked over to where Lex continued to look out into the early morning gloom. "I'm sorry I yelled at you." Amanda reached out tentatively toward the stiff back inches away, but held back from touching the silent woman.

  "No. I'm sorry for what I said." Lex turned around into Amanda's embrace. "She's your mother, and I had no right to say what I did about her," she whispered as she buried her face in Amanda's hair.

  "But you're right." Amanda pulled back to look into her lover's face. "We do need to be careful. But I refuse to hide away in fear of what 'might' happen." She cupped Lex's face in her hands. "We can't let her dictate what we do, honey. I don't think she's going to do much of anything, except maybe try to talk me into going back with her. And that's just not going to happen." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed Lex tenderly.

  Lex was the first to pull back, and she smiled at the woman in her arms. "I think you convinced me. Now, let me finish getting dressed, and I'll drive you into town." Before her partner could object, she continued. "I've got some things to take care of, and I might as well get them done today. Truce?" Her heart hammered in her chest while she waited fearfully for the answer.

  Amanda rolled her eyes. "You just don't give up, do you?" She couldn't keep the smile off her face.

  "Nope. Not when it comes to you, sweetheart." Lex kissed the tip of Amanda's nose and went in search of her boots.

  SHE STOOD IN line behind the tall man, wrinkling her nose in distaste as she overheard the conversation in front of her. It was obvious he was trying his best to get the woman behind the counter to go out with him, and even more obvious he was failing miserably.

  "But, Barbara," he wheedled, "it's the New Year's Eve dance.

  Most of the town will be there." He leaned forward and looked pitiful. "I told you I was sorry you got into trouble helping me. We would have been just fine if my stupid sister had kept her nose out of things."

  The teller shook her head. "I can't. If Mr. Collins finds out I had anything to do with you, I would lose my job for sure." She peeked around the bank to see if anyone was watching them. "You'll just have to find someone else."

  He stepped back and straightened his tie. "Your loss, Barb. Guess you'll just be alone Friday night." The arrogant man turned around and almost ran into the woman standing in line behind him. "You'd best watch where you're standing, lady. Don't get in my way. I'm already late for an important appointment."

  The petite woman glared into his eyes. "I would advise you to be more cautious regarding whom you threaten, young man. You never know what could happen." She studied his handsome face for a long moment. He looks very familiar. "Do I know you?"

  "I don't think so, lady." Hubert pushed by the well-dressed older woman on his way out of the bank.

  "May I help you, ma'am?"

  Elizabeth shook her head slightly and stepped forward. "I need to cash a bank check."

  "Certainly. Do you have an account with us?" Barbara smiled at the well-dressed woman.

  "No, I'm afraid I don't. My husband probably does. Michael Cauble." Elizabeth gave the young woman a regal smile. "I know my in-laws do. Will this be a problem?"

  Barbara shook her head. "Of course not, Mrs. Cauble. I've known your husband's family for years. Isn't his mother just a doll?"

  Elizabeth forced herself to say, "Ahem. Yes, of course. Anna Leigh is a--dear." She placed the check on the counter. "That gentleman seemed very familiar. Does he live around here?"

  The teller smiled a little and nodded, her shoulder-length brown hair bouncing slightly. "Yes, ma'am. That's Hubert Walters. He runs a bookkeeping office just down the street. Do you know him?"

  Walters? Of course. The pervert's brother. Hmm. This could be useful. "No, I'm afraid not. But I do know of him." Elizabeth smiled sweetly as the teller counted out her cash. "Thank you."

  "Thank you, ma'am." Barbara shook her head as her customer left. "That was interesting."

  "HOW ABOUT I pick you up for lunch?" Lex asked casually. They were sitting in the truck outside the real estate office. "The Crossing has a chicken-fried steak that practically melts in your mouth."

  Amanda took her hand off the door latch and shook her head. "Lex."

  Lex raised her hands in self-defense. "No, really. It's too heavy of a meal to eat at night, and I'm not in town often during the day." She eyed the darkened building suspiciously. "Umm, do you want me to walk you inside?"

  "Don't be ridiculous. I'm usually the first one here. It's almost nine o'clock in the morning. Let's not get into this again. Lunch sounds good, as long as you let me buy."

  Lex sneezed. "It's a deal." She pulled a handkerchief out of her coat pocket and blew her nose. "Sorry."

  Amanda pulled the royal blue scarf from around her neck. "Maybe you should stop by Dr. Anderson's today while you're in town." She took the wool material and draped it around Lex's neck, tucking the ends inside her partially opened coat.

  "Nah. It's probably just allergies," Lex argued. She suppressed a sudden chill as she fought the urge to cough. What a crappy time to catch a damned cold. "Thanks for the scarf, though."

  "It looks better on you, anyway," Amanda admitted. "Besides, I plan on spending all day in the office, and you'll be the one out running around in this weather." The morning sun had already disappeared behind dark clouds, and the wind had picked up and was blowing in from the north. She noticed with dismay her normally warm-natured partner had her heavy duster on. Lex typically would take it off and toss it in the back seat, saying it got in her way when she was driving. "I'll see you around twelve-thirty."

  "Sure. Let me--" Lex had to clear her throat before she could continue. "Let me at least walk you to the door." She ignored Amanda's heavy sigh and climbed out of the truck.

  Amanda met Lex by the front of the vehicle. "You are so stubborn," she grumbled, but allowed herself to be relieved of her new briefcase. The soft black leather case had been a Christmas gift from Martha and Charlie, and had a gold plate over the handle with her name engraved upon it. Her old briefcase never recovered from being waterlogged when her car washed into the creek. The leather had cracked and the handle broke off, causing a tearful Amanda to finally give up and throw the old valise away.

  "And this is a surprise?" Lex asked, as she put a steadying hand around her companion. "Careful here. Looks like a patch of ice on the sidewalk."

  "Thanks." Amanda snuggled closer to her lover, grateful for the warmth. "And no, I'm not surprised at your stubbornness. I just thought I had you better trained by now."

  Lex laughed. "Gee, thanks. I suppose Martha's been giving you tips, huh?" She stood quietly by as Amanda unlocked the office door. "Umm, can I come in for a minute and borrow your phone? I need to check on something." Like making sure the place is empty, for one thing.

  Not fooled for an instant, Amanda allowed her to step inside the quiet building first. "Sure. And don't forget to check the bathroom for the boogieman, too." She walked past Lex, who had stopped in the middle of the entryway. "I'm going to get the lights and I'll be in the kitchen starting coffee."

  One of these days, Lexington, Lex shook her head and followed quietly behind Amanda, you're going to learn not to underestimate her.

  "DO YOU SEE what I mean?" Elizabeth seethed. "That woman follows my Amanda around like a lost puppy. It's not going to be easy to get rid of her." She was sitting on the passenger's side of the dark sedan, parked less than a block from the real estate office. They had been waiting for half an hour for Amanda to drive up, and the usually calm woman was beside herself when they saw the large truck pull into the parking lot.

  He squeezed her hand. "Don't worry, Liz. I told you I could handle everything just fine. Why don't you let me drop you back off at your car, and I'll continue to follow her and see what she's up to?"

  Elizabeth shook her head. "Actually, I think I'd rather stop in and have a quick visit with my daughter. I'll give you a call later, and we can discuss our day over dinner." She smiled triumphantly when Lex emerged
from the building. "Finally!" After waiting until the truck pulled out of the parking lot, she opened her door and stepped out of the car. "Remember, I don't care what happens to her, as long as my daughter is back with me." She closed the door and walked to the now well-lighted building.

  "I know, I know." He shook his head and started the car. Then he followed the green truck at a discreet distance. "I've got several good ideas."

  The morning sun fought its way through the dark clouds, and the overcast gloom held more than enough light for Elizabeth to navigate the sidewalk easily. She stood outside the real estate office for a moment, taking time to check her reflection in the glass door. Her short blond hair was perfectly in place, as usual, and she smiled to herself. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, frowning slightly at the aroma of freshly made coffee. Doesn't anyone drink tea anymore? I'll certainly have to break Amanda of this distasteful habit immediately.

  "What did you forget?" Amanda had heard the electronic bell on the door, and assumed Lex had come back into the office. She poked her head out of the kitchen and was shocked to see who was now standing in the entryway. "Mother?"

  "Hello, dearest." Amanda's mother walked toward her daughter, arms open wide. "How are you?"

  Amanda fought her sudden fear of seeing Elizabeth and accepted her mother's embrace. "I'm doing great, Mother. I heard you were in town." She struggled to lose the fearful look on her face as she stepped back. "How are you?" Now that the shock had worn off, she felt more in control. "I'm sorry. Where are my manners? Please, why don't you come into my office and have a seat? Can I get you some coffee?"

  "Tea would be nice, if you have it," Elizabeth studied her daughter carefully. She looks wonderful. A lot better than I expected, considering where she's living right now.