The Promise

Chapter 4

Maggies

"Hi, would you mind some company?"

Startled at the intrusion, an annoyed Georgie looked up to observe an arrogantly handsome man of about twenty-five brimming with self-confidence and importance.

"Yes, I do mind," she replied before turning her attention back to her phone.

"Ah come on. I'm fairly new to town and thought I'd introduce myself and see if I could join you. My name is Chance Rawlings. I bet we could have some fun together."

"I'm not looking for fun."

"Well, you might enjoy what I have to offer."

"Right now, all you're offering me is an interruption. I came here for lunch and some alone time with myself. I'm not interested in any company…yours or anyone else's."

"That's not very friendly. You could at least tell me your name."

"Why?"

"In case we bump into each other again, I can say a proper hello."

"We didn't bump into each other this time, you imposed yourself."

"What could it hurt; just tell me your name."

Oh what the hell. Maybe if I tell him, he'll leave me alone.

"Goa."

"Goa?"

"Goa," repeated Georgie.

What's Goa?"

"My name."

"Goa; that's an unusual name. Does it mean something in particular; a family name or something?"

"You'll get the meaning shortly."

"Do you have a last name or go by just Goa; you know, like Madonna?"

"I have a last name."

"Are you going to tell me what it is or do I have to guess?"

Making no effort to hide her irritation, Georgie finally responded.

"Guessing would mean you'd be here longer. What does it matter and why do you need to know my last name?"

"I told you; in the event we meet again."

"That would be just my luck. Alright, she sighed. Way."

"Way?"

"Yes, Way."

"What Way?"

"My last name."

"Your last name is Way?"

"Yes, that's what I'm trying to tell you."

"Goa Way; that's your name?"

"Yes, that's my name. Now would you?"

"Would I what?"

Georgie peered up at Chance Rawlings shaking her head in marked contempt.

"Would I what?" repeated Chance.

"Figure it out Einstein."

"I'm not following you."

"That's rather obvious."

Chance looked at Georgie in bewilderment for a few more seconds before recognition finally revealed itself on his face followed by the beginning of anger.

"Oh, I get it. You want me to go away."

"My, but you're quick; nothing gets past you. Yes, as I told you from the start, I want to have my lunch alone and in peace so I would appreciate it if you'd leave…now."

"Alright; I know when to take a hint. Perhaps we'll meet again sometime. Just remember, I tried to be nice to you but you chose to reject it. Next time…maybe I won't be so nice."

"You're quite taken with yourself; aren't you Sherlock? You don't want any part of me now walk away before you make even a bigger fool of yourself."

Heartland – Amy's and Ty's Home

"Amy, what is it; what's happened?"

"We had a disturbing visit today. Come on into the house, said Amy leaning up to kiss her husband. I'll fill you in."

"Something with the kids?"

"No, they're fine. It has to do with a new local rancher who's trying to buy up other ranches in the area."

"I think I heard something about a family recently moving here; it must be them."

"Most likely. Their name is Rawlings."

"So tell me what happened."

"Not long after you left this morning, a truck pulled up and a man of around fifty calling himself Mason Rawlings got out and wanted to know where grandpa was. He wants to buy Heartland. Had a couple of sons with him too. Christian, the oldest seemed pretty nice and reasonable. Was respectful too. The other one…not so much."

"Whadda mean?"

"Before I get to that let me finish with Mason Rawlings. He wants Heartland and I think he's willing to do just about anything including starting a fight to get it."

"What did Jack say?"

"He told him to get off our property and warned him about anything happening to any member of the family."

"How did Rawlings take that?"

"Like he'd look forward the to challenge. I'm worried he and grandpa may actually get into it at some point."

"Well, I hope it doesn't come to that but though Jack's getting up there, he can still handle himself. I wouldn't be too worried. So tell me about this other Rawlings brother."

"Name is Colt Rawlings and he was pretty cocky and rude. One of those who's had it his way and gotten what he's wanted his entire life."

"What did he do?"

"Pretty much made an ass out of himself the whole time until his father and brother had to shut him down," responded Amy choosing to avoid telling Ty about Colt's sexual references.

Sensing his wife was holding back something, Ty decided to probe further.

"How was he rude?"

"Just in some of the things he said," continued Amy still deflecting.

"Amy…what are you not telling me?"

Pausing to carefully choose her words, Amy responded. "Several times, he was suggestive with me."

"Suggestive? Suggestive how Amy, sexually?"

"Yes, but it was mostly bravado on his part. You know, show me a good time, giving me leering stares; those sorts of things."

Over the years, Ty had seen how some men had reacted to Amy's natural beauty and trusting manner with harmless flirtation and had learned to largely ignore such happening since Amy was more than capable of handling such situations. The behavior of Colt Rawlings however appeared to have crossed the line and Ty found his anger beginning to mount.

Seeing the agitation beginning to boil in her husband, Amy putt her hands gently on Ty's chest knowing it would help to calm him.

"I think everything is fine Ty. Both his father and brother put him in his place and…I did a pretty good job of that too."

Gathering Amy in his arms, Ty reached down and tenderly brushed his wife's lips with his own. "Okay, I'll let it go for now but if I see him, we might exchange a few words."

"I love you."

"I love you too Amy.

Heartland - Lou and Mitch's Home

Gardening had always been a way for Lou to temporarily escape from the troubles of her life – both real and those she manufactured as a product of her worrisome nature. As she had been for much of the last few years, Georgie occupied the primary place of prominence as the object of Lou's worries. But the plants and dirt abated her fears for only a few minutes before all sorts of situations – all of them bad – played out in Lou's mind pertaining to Georgie. So distracted by thoughts of her troubled adopted daughter, Lou did initially hear Mitch's truck as it angled down the long driveway towards their home.

Exiting his truck, Mitch smiled at his wife noting the troubled look on her face.

"I've got some good news."

"I could use some, replied Lou. What is it?"

"I spoke to Georgie."

"You did; is she ok?" Lou anxiously asked.

"She is. I saw no evidence of drug use. In fact, she seemed to be doing well. She had a problem with her phone and she's been working nearly around the clock which is why we haven't heard anything from her in a while. She said to say she loves us all and will plan on stopping by sometime soon."

"Oh Mitch, I'm so happy to hear that. I've been so worried about her."

Heartland – Amy & Ty's Home One Week Later

Walking up behind her husband where he sat at the dining room table trying to complete patient files, Amy leaned down and wrapped her arms around Ty's neck.

"I've got to run into town to get some feed for the horses. Lyndy somehow forgot to tell me how low we were getting."

"Imagine that, our daughter forgetting something. I think it would actually take less time to site what she remembers," Ty mused. It's kind of late though. Think Jackson would go with you?"

"I'll ask. Jackson, I need to get some feed at Maggies, how about coming along to protect from all those bad things in town and along the road that your father's convinced I'll fall prey to", Amy teased as she squeezed Ty shoulders to assure him she was only playing with him.

"Sure mom, I need to get a couple of things for school any way. Can I drive?"

"I guess. Ty, if we're not back in an hour, call a tow truck…or an ambulance."

"Funny mom. Grandpa says I'm a good driver."

"Your grandpa would say you're good at anything."

"See you in a bit, Amy said while reaching down to kiss her husband."

"Alright; be careful and don't let him veer into a ditch."

"I heard that dad."

Maggies

As Jackson and Amy drove down the main street of Hudson preparing to turn past Maggies and into its parking lot, Colt Rawlings was climbing into his truck in the same lot after catching a late meal washed down with enough beers to impair his reflexes and thoughts. Ever since the encounter with the Bartlett clan, the words of caution and restraint constantly recycled from Christian coupled with his father's domineering way had left Colt in a perpetual foul mood.

That panty-waist older brother of mine and fool of a father aren't willing to do what it takes to get that land. We need to act now by any means necessary to get Bartlett and his granddaughters to sell. And I need some payback on that Fleming slut for speaking to me the way she did.

Grabbing another beer from the half empty six-pack on the passenger seat. Colt's attention was momentarily distracted by the headlights of an approaching vehicle looking for a parking space. As the truck passed where Colt sat motionless, he caught the profile of what appeared to be a woman in the passenger seat. Upon settling into their space, the driver and companion stepped out of the truck and their faces became visible in the glare of the one of the several street lights partially illuminating Maggies parking lot. Recognition of Amy and Jackson emerged in Colt's brain despite his partial stupor brought on by the excessive alcohol consumed that evening.

Son of a bitch, if it isn't Amy Fleming herself with her puke son. Well just maybe if I bide my time, I'll have a chance at a little payback and that whore will learn not to insult me and be so dismissive the next time.

Entering Maggies, Jackson turned to his. "Mom, I need to pick-up a few things for school and maybe a vanilla shake before we head back."

"Jackson, you just ate less than an hour ago. How could you be hungry?"

"Growing boy mom, growing boy," he called out as he headed for the area of the store he'd find school supplies.

Amy smiled at her son not at all surprised at Jackson's ability to eat again so soon after his last meal. The boy was all things she'd hoped for in a son. Smart, hardworking, loyal; so much like his father in many ways. His love of the outdoors and all things animals was a constant source of pride that Amy made not attempt to hide. Though Ty was and would always be her true love and passion, in many ways Lyndy and Jackson were her life.

Signing for the feed, Amy looked up to see Jackson approaching with the school items.

"Find everything you need?"

"Yup; if you'll wait a few minutes until I finish my shake, I'll carry the bags out to the truck for you."

"You go ahead and get your shake and say hello to your friends. Meet me outside when you're done."

"You sure mom? You know it'll only take me only half the time since I can handle two bags for every one you struggle with," teased Jackson.

"Very funny son. I may not be in my twenty's anymore but when it comes to work, I can still keep up with you," Amy smiled.

"You're probably right mom. I'll be out in a few minutes…you know, in case you need help climbing into the truck." But the smile on her son's face, though it really wasn't necessary was all Amy needed to know Jackson was bantering with her.

More likely three to my one, Amy thought as she made her way out the back of Maggies feed bag in tow.

Letting the tailgate of the truck down, Amy dropped the bag on to the bed. Turning to head back into Maggies for the next bag, the closing of a vehicle door followed by footsteps caught Amy's attention.

"Hi there."

Startled, Amy looked up to see a Colt Rawlings holding a can of beer leering at her like it was rutting season and he was the bull.

"What do you want?"

"Oh, there's a lot I want, and most of it I see it right in front of me. Remember when I said we'd run into each other again and you might enjoy it? Well I'm thinking now might just be that time."