Chapter 10
When they got back up to the ranch, Hawke, Dom and Caitlin ran to Kim's living quarters where the rest of the staff had quickly gathered after hearing the shots.
One of the staff had a towel wrapped around the handle of a gun. "We've called for the police and an ambulance," the cook said. "But, I don't think Kim's going to make it."
Kim was lying in the middle of her living room floor. She had been shot in the stomach. Sarah was huddled in the corner of the room like a small scared child.
Hawke ran over and squatted down by Kim. "Kim, hang on," he said. "Help's on the way."
"No," she replied. "It's too late."
Hawke squeezed her hand. "No, just hold on."
"String," she nearly whispered. "Please make sure they take care of her. She didn't mean to do it. She doesn't know what she's doing. I tried so hard to help. I'm sorry for getting you involved. I never meant for Caitlin to get hurt. I didn't know she went into the stable. I was just trying to help Sarah."
"I know," he said. "Kim, you're not going to die. Just hang on."
"Promise me you'll make sure they take care of her String," she said again. "Please."
He finally gave in. "I promise," he replied.
"You were right," she said. "Caitlin is the right one for you. I would have never helped an ex-girlfriend."
Kim closed her eyes and passed out. She died a few moments later.
The police arrived and took Sarah away. They found that the two had been arguing over what happened to Caitlin when Sarah decided to shoot her aunt. They took statements from everyone and advised Hawke that they would be in touch if they had further questions.
Hawke walked out of the home and sat down on a bench by the stable. Caitlin followed him out and sat down beside him.
"I'm sorry Hawke," she said. "How sad that all she wanted to do was help her niece and she ended up dying because of it."
"I know," he said. "Sometimes life doesn't make any sense."
Hawke stopped and stared at Caitlin. He didn't know how he had gotten so lucky in finding her. She had been hurt helping him with an ex-girlfriend yet she was concerned about him and Kim instead of what had happened to her.
Caitlin noticed he was staring at her. "What?" she asked. "Why are you staring?"
Hawke smiled. "I was just trying to figure out what I did right?"
"What do you mean?" she asked.
He pulled her to him and kissed her before hugging her tightly. "How did I find someone so perfect for me as you?" he asked.
Caitlin blushed. "I feel the same way you know?"
Hawke noticed Caitlin's eyes had lost their usual spark. "You look tired," he said. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Caitlin pulled him back into another hug and snuggled in his arms. "I'm a little sore. Yeah, I guess I could use some sleep," she said.
"Let's get you home so you can soak in a hot bath before bed," he replied. "You deserve a little pampering and I'm just the guy to do it."
Caitlin didn't argue with him on that. She felt her eyes getting heavy and all she wanted to do was sleep.
Dom offered to drive as they climbed into Caitlin's car and headed home. String sat in the back seat with Caitlin and allowed her to snuggle up to him and rest her head on his chest. She fell asleep before they even made it to the interstate.
Dom looked at them through the rear view mirror and smiled. "That's some girl we have there huh String?" he asked.
Hawke sighed. "Sure is," he said. "I don't know what I'd do without her. I've made some bad choices with women over the years but somehow this time I got it right."
The End