Chapter Two-

After an excruciatingly long ride, we found ourselves in Oconee county, in the small town of Watkinsville. It was smaller than home, but it felt like a prison. It was beginning to darken by then, and I could not distinctly make out the details of houses and stores that we past. I almost wanted to ask Cliff if I could look at his watch, but not wanted to give him the satisfaction of my dependency, I tried to guess the time from the position of the sun. There weren't any stars out yet, so it could be past seven.

"Well," Cliff said, smirking at me in the dark. "We're here, darling."

"Um-hum." Was all I could muster.

We pulled up to an inn, where we would stay while house hunting. It was very luxurious, yet I could feel the unhappiness welling up inside me. I tried to breath normally, not wanting my husband (I choked on the thought) to know that I was panicked.

We parked our car nearby and walked inside to the desk in the middle of a small lobby. I was still wondering why Cliff had chosen this inn in this small town. The receptionist smiled at us. Her hair was short, black and stylish. I was sure she was looking at my husband, wondering why he had married someone as obviously less groomed than he. "Welcome to the Greensboro Inn." She said.

"Thank you." Cliff said, smiling at her. "I am Cliffton Heaton the third, and this is my wife, Molly." I shuddered as he wrapped his arm around my waist. "Have our things arrived?" Cliff had had our luggage and a few of my essentials sent ahead of us.

The woman nodded, "Yes they have, sir." She pulled a long key from a cupboard behind the desk. "Your bags have been taken to your room, as well as the vanity. Also, the house was taken to the stable down the street, and is being well taken care of."

I sighed. "You see, dear?" Cliff said, looking down at me. "Nothing to be worried about. I told you she would arrive safely."

"Yes." I said, trying to look more happy than relieved.

"Would you like a tour, or would you like to go to your room now?" The woman asked.

"No, no tour. Thank you." Cliff said. "I think..."

But I interrupted him. "I would like to know where the stables are." Cliff looked down at me, irritated. "I just want to make sure the accommodations are..." I tried once more to smile. "To my liking." He still looked skeptical. "I just want to see Winnie."

He still looked annoyed, but he nodded to the receptionist. "Very well, just one moment." She said, turning toward a back room. She opened the door and spoke to someone, in a low voice I couldn't quite hear. Then she walked back to the desk, as a tall, rough, but handsome man followed her.

"This is Jack." She said, gesturing toward him. He bowed his head slightly. "He takes care of our grounds, and the stables. He will take you to see your horse."

Cliff's grasp on me tightened. I looked up at him, "I'll be back soon." I said, stressed the word 'back'. As if to mark me as his territory, Cliff leaned in and kissed me firmly on the lips. I didn't struggle, but there was once again, no return inside me.

Jack bowed his head to me, and then began out the door. I followed him, not bothering a glance back to Cliff. I would see him soon enough.

"Your room is number 21." Jack said, making me jump a little. "Sorry." He said, with little honesty in his voice. "It is right there." He pointed out a large oak door, three down from the front door. Then he began walking.

It wasn't more than 50 yards to the stable. I was happy to get there, and happy to be in the presence of someone besides the gruff man. He showed me in, and pointed out where my riding equipment was being stored, including my saddle and the special salt treats I spoiled Winnie with on occasion. Then he showed me Winnie's stall, which was better than acceptable, and larger than expected.

"Well, that is all, miss." He said, turning to leave. "Did you want me to wait?" He threw over his shoulder.

"No," I said, pulling open Winnie's stall. She recognized me right away, and turned her behind to me. I knew she would be angry. I was. "Oh, Win..." I said, walking around to her head. I patted her softly on the nose. "I know." I smiled, jokingly, being sure that Jack had left. "But at least your house-mates are better mannered than mine.

I hadn't intended to ride, not really being dressed for it, but know this was my only escape, and that in a few hours, I wouldn't be able to put off my wedding night, I grabbed my saddle. I fed Winnie one of her treats, and began saddling her.

It took me a couple of tries to get on in my skirt, but eventually I managed. I rode Winnie out, and made a note that I probably only had a half an hour of dim light left. I rode around the side of the barn, wondering where everyone was. Then I started in to a trot into the less populated field behind the stables.

"Finally, Winnie." I said, stroking her long mane. "An ounce of freedom, but freedom still."

There was no one around for, and therefore, there was no one to save me, although I was sure someone had heard me scream. It happened very quickly. One moment there was nothing, and then, I saw a flash of red fur on the ground not two feet in front of Winnie. She reared up, to crush the fox, and as she did, I slid ungracefully from her back.

My head landed with a thud, I felt the rock under me, and knew I was going to pass out. I tried to move, but my body was completely unresponsive. A slight groan escaped my lips, and I was suddenly in darkness.