The Promise
Chapter 14
Heartland – Ty & Amy's Home
"Ty, what's going to happen to that scumbag Colt Rawlings?" rasped Georgie.
"What do you mean?"
"What the Police said; that they don't have enough evidence to charge him. Does this mean he walks around Hudson, a free man? How can that be?"
"I'm not sure what can be done Georgie. The Police say that for now, they don't have enough evidence to charge him with a crime."
"Ty, we can't just let him get away with it!"
"I know Georgie, and I feel the same way too. And a few days ago, I was so he might get off, I was ready to do something about it …but Amy brought me back to my senses." Ty replied while smiling at his wife.
"So, we just forget about it…let it go?"
"No, we let the Police do their job."
"How's that working out so far?" said a sarcastic Georgie.
"Admittedly, not good."
"So then, we don't do anything?" she shrugged in frustration.
"I didn't say that," commented Ty with a wry smile on his face.
"Ty, you promised me," pleaded Amy.
"I did; and I'm going to keep my promise. But that doesn't mean we can't make things uncomfortable for the Rawlings and get the truth out as to what really happened."
"What do you have in mind, Mr. Borden?"
"I've got an idea forming in my head Mrs. Fleming, but it hasn't completely come together yet. Here's what I'm thinking." But before Ty could explain his plan further, the doorbell rang.
Who could that be? wondered Amy.
"I'll get it," stated Ty walking to the front door.
Opening the door, Ty was surprised to see Jack and Lisa on the front stoop.
"Jack, Lisa, what are you doing here? Is everything all right?" inquired Ty, his attention distracted by a third person behind Jack and Lisa; a man he didn't recognize.
"Everything is fine Ty and I'm sorry to bother you this late but we had a visitor tonight," commented Jack, nodding toward the individual who was a stranger to Ty.
"Grandpa!" exclaimed Jackson, approaching Jack.
"Hello Jackson, how is my great grandson? And Lyndy, you get prettier every day."
Seeing the man standing behind Jack and Lisa, recognition washed over Jackson's face. "What is he doing here?"
"Jackson, do you know him?"
"Yes dad…he's a Rawlings," answered Jackson his voice full of venom.
Face to face with a Rawlings for the first time, Ty's anger began a slow boil. And at that moment, it didn't matter who the Rawlings was; after what had been inflicted upon Amy by Colt Rawlings, Ty hated them all. Clenching his fists at his side in an effort to control his temper, Ty glared menacingly at the stranger before speaking. "Who are you?"
Noting the reaction from his son-in-law, Jack decided to intervene. "Ty, this is Christian Rawlings, and he has something to say to you and Amy, and I think it's worth hearing."
"Ty, said Lisa placing her hand on Ty's arm, Christian was kind and courteous the time he, his father and brother came to Heartland. I don't believe him to be like his brother."
"Why are you here?" demanded Ty.
But before Christian could answer, another voice interrupted them all.
"Yes, why are you here?" demanded Georgie. After what your brother did to Amy and what your other brother tried with me, you've got a helluva nerve coming here."
"Georgie, please let the man speak," said Amy.
"Ms. Fleming, Doctor Borden, as Ms. Stillman stated, I'm Christian Rawlings. I'm not looking for any trouble nor do I want to cause you any further pain. I'm here to apologize for what my brother did to you Ms. Fleming. I know it can never take away what he did, but I'm asking if there's anything I can do to help or in a small way, help make things right. And mam, he continued turning his attention toward George, please tell me what Chance did to you."
"Make things right!" said Jackson loudly entering the conversation. After what your brother did, isn't that a little late?"
"Jackson, it's alright, commented Amy as she gently squeezed her son's arm. Let's not be rude. I'd like to hear what Mr. Rawlings has to say. Would you please sit down Mr. Rawlings? Can I offer you something to drink?"
"No thank you Ms. Fleming, replied Rawlings as he settled himself into a chair followed by Amy assisted by Ty and the rest of the family."
"Mr. Rawlings, said Ty, his voice still bearing traces of anger, what can you possibly do to erase what your brother did to my wife. Look at the bruises that haven't healed. Did you know she suffered skull fractures? Unless you're here to say your brother is willing to confess or you have a video of what happened, why should we listen to what you have to say? Your brother would have raped Amy if my son hadn't stopped him when he did. As far as I'm concerned, your whole damn family can go to hell."
"Ty, said Amy softly. What Lisa said was true. Christian acted like a gentleman the time he was here. I think we should let him speak."
Looking into his wife eyes, the same eyes that had always been able to persuade him, Ty relented.
"Say what you came here to say Rawlings."
"Mrs. Fleming, I can't express how sorry I am for what my brother did to you. If I had any evidence that you could use against him, I would turn it over. Brother or no brother, I can't abide anyone who would hurt a woman. I wish there was something more I could say or do. My sole motivation for coming here tonight was to say how sorry I am."
"Are you speaking for your father as well," asked Jack.
Hesitating a few seconds before responding, Christian finally spoke. "I'm speaking for myself Mr. Bartlett."
Understanding Christian's meaning, Jack nodded in reply.
"So you believe your brother is guilty of what he did to Amy and that she didn't initiate it?" asked Ty.
"Yes, I do."
"And what about this supposed witness he has to corroborate his story."
"Someone is being paid to say it. I have no doubt of that."
"Your father. Do you have anything to prove what you believe?"
"No."
"Then why do you believe your brother is lying? After all, he is your brother."
"Before we moved to this area, I did a lot of research on the town, its people and their ranches and farms. Mrs. Fleming, you are very well known and highly thought of and respected in this area. In fact, the entire Bartlett family is well respected. From everything I learned, you are not the person my brother describes. Not even remotely. I also know my brother and his character, and though I didn't know he was capable of what he did to you, I know you aren't the person my brother says came on to him and started the fight. Family doesn't trump what he did; at least not with me."
"Thank you for that Christian," responded Amy.
"There is one thing you may be able to do for us," said Ty.
"If I can Mr. Borden, I will."
"I'd like for you to arrange for your brothers to be a Maggie's around noon this Saturday."
Looking intently at her husband, Amy began to voice her concern for what Ty mind have in mind.
"Ty, I don't want any fighting."
Reaching for Amy's hand, Ty stared at Christian Rawlings for a long moment before responding.
"I have no intention of starting anything physical with your brothers."
"Can you tell me what your intent is then Mr. Borden?"
"I can't say at this time but you have my word my family won't be the one's to start a fight with yours."
Now it was Christian's turn to stare at Ty as he thought about Ty's unusual request.
"Mr. Borden, I'm going to take you at your word. I'm not sure how yet but I'll have my brother at Maggie's at noon this Saturday. Why don't you give me your cell number in case there's a change in plans?"
"Thank you, Mr. Rawlings."
"Well, I won't bother you folks any more tonight. Mrs. Fleming, again I want to say how sorry I am for what happened and I wish you a complete and speedy recovery."
"Thank you Christian, and thank you for coming tonight."
With that, Christian Rawlings rose from his chair and made his way to the front door and out of the house.
"Ty, you mind telling us all what you're planning, cause it sure sounds like you're gunning for a fight to me," commented Jack.
"Ty, I don't want any fighting, pleaded Amy again. Please, you promised…twice!"
"Believe me, nothing would please me more than to be able to take a few swings at Colt Rawlings…but you're right Amy, I promised so I won't."
"Then what are you planning?" asked Lisa.
"It's actually pretty simple. It's something that will let everyone know what kind of person Colt Rawlings is. And here's how I think we can do it…"
The Next Day
After sending Lyndy and Jackson to school, Ty and Amy were enjoying coffee together as the morning rays from the sun crept across the kitchen table where they sat.
"I could get used to this you know, commented Amy; having you here in the mornings."
"It is nice. How do you feel this morning?"
"Physically, I'm feeling a little better each day. It's just that…"
"Just what Amy?" asked a concerned Ty
"My…my thinking. It doesn't seem quite right. I still don't remember hardly anything of the attack and some of my other thoughts are…are kind of fuzzy sometimes."
"I'm sure it's just the after effects of your head injuries but maybe we should discuss it with the doctor at your appointment next week."
"OK; that's probably a good idea."
Further conversation was interrupted by a knocking on the front door.
"We're getting really popular, commented Ty. I wonder who it is this time?"
Opening the front door, Ty immediately recognized Detective Burgess.
"Detective, we weren't expecting you. Come on in."
"Morning Ty. Amy, how are you feeling these days."
"A little better every day. Would you like some coffee?"
"No, thanks. I've already had my caffeine quota for day. I do have some news for you folks though."
"You don't even need to say it Detective; I can tell from the look on your face. You're not going to charge Colt Rawlings; are you?"
"I'm afraid not. We just don't have enough credible evidence to bring charges against him."
"So I guess Amy's injuries aren't enough," declared a bitter Ty.
"I'm sorry, truly sorry."
"Detective, said Amy in a cold voice. I've been telling Ty that we need to let the Police do its job and justice will be served. It seems that I was wrong. Rawlings beat me, sexually assaulted me and then lied about it saying it was my doing. And now, he's going to get away with it. Where's the justice in that?"
Burgess looked at Amy for a few seconds but the guilt he felt under the weight of her stare caused him to drop his head in shame.
"I wish there was something I could say or do, but there isn't."
"Then there's nothing more for us to discuss. Goodbye Detective."
Acknowledging Amy's intent with a nod, Detective Burgess rose from his chair and left Amy and Ty to deal with their bitterness.
"Ty, would you help me? I'm going to go back to bed."
As they reached their bed, Amy turned to face her husband. Seeing the defeated look on her face and the tears flowing down her face, Ty's heart shared the pain he knew Amy was experiencing.
"Ty," Amy sobbed as she pressed against him seeking solace in his arms as she had done so many times before.
"Hi Page, is Rawlings there?"
"Yes Mr. Borden. He, along with his brother and three other guys just arrived."
"Thanks Page, we're on our way."
"Lou, they are at Maggie's; we'll meet you there."
"Ty, are you sure it's a good idea for Lyndy and Jackson to come?" questioned Amy.
"Amy, I do. I think it's important for the entire family to be there. But I'm worried about you. Are you sure you're up to seeing Rawlings? And with what I'm planning on saying?"
Seeing the resolve in his wife's eyes and knowing how strong Amy could be, Ty knew she was."
"I'm sure of it Ty. I want everyone to know what that bastard did."
"I love you Amy."
"I love you too."
Maggie's – Saturday Noon
As Ty, Amy, Lyndy and Jackson emerged from their pickup outside of Maggie's, Georgie was already there waiting for them. Within a few seconds, Jack, Lisa and Tim pulled in next followed by Lou and Mitch.
"Everyone ready?" asked Jack.
"In just a minute, replied Ty. Peter's coming and will be here in a minute."
"Peter's coming?" inquired Lou.
"Yes, I called him last night and he said he'd be here."
"I'm glad Dad's coming," commented Georgie.
"Ty, Amy, said Lisa. Are you ready for this? There's no taking it back. This could really set-off Mason Rawlings."
"It needs to be done Lis, replied Jack. The Rawlings need to learn they can't do whatever they please in this town and get away with it."
"I promised Amy I wouldn't do anything that could get me in trouble with the Police, and I won't. But this is something we can do to let everyone know the kind of person Colt Rawlings is and the kind of family he's a part of. Remember, we're not here to start a fight. We're here to show our family is united against what Rawlings did to Amy and what the they are trying to do to this community."
"We're with you Ty," said Mitch.
"Amy, are you sure you're up to this?"
"I am grandpa. If I avoid showing my face around here and hide, then Rawlings wins. I'm not going to do that and Colt Rawlings isn't going to win."
"Here's dad," declared Georgie.
"Hey, everyone," greeted Peter climbing out of his car.
"Dad," exclaimed George as she rushed to hug her adopted father.
"Good; we're all here. Let's go," commanded Ty.
Entering Maggie's, Ty was met by Page. "They're in the back Ty. Colt Rawlings, his brother and three others."
"Thanks Page."
As Ty and Amy walked into Maggie's dining area followed by the rest of the family, Amy quickly scanned the room looking for Colt Rawlings. Seeing him, Amy was overcome by a combination of dread and rage. Dread at what he had done to her and rage at what she wanted to do to him.
"There Ty; in the black hat facing out."
"That's Chance on his right," added Georgie.
Sizing up the Rawlings brothers, Ty resisted his urged to tear Rawlings apart. Stay with the plan Ty; stay with it. This has got to be a lot harder for Amy than me.
"Hello everyone, Ty yelled over the chatter and sounds of people eating. I'm sorry to interrupt your meals, but can I have your attention for just a moment?"
Startled by Ty's voice that rang out across the dining room and the sudden hush of halted conversation, Colt Rawlings looked up to see who was speaking. Seeing Amy Fleming, Colt froze at the sight of the woman he had assaulted as memories of that night flooded his consciousness.
What the hell, he thought.
"I'm Ty Borden and you all know me. You know Jack Bartlett, his wife Lisa and all of Jack's family including his two granddaughters; Lou and Amy. I don't know of anyone in this community who's respected more than Jack. And I don't know of anyone in and around Hudson who's loved more than Amy Fleming. She grew up here. At one time or another, she's probably worked with the horses of nearly everyone in this room. And many times, she's done it for free. When I came to Hudson over twenty-five years ago to work at Heartland, I was a punk kid with an attitude on my way to nowhere fast. I met Amy and I grew to love her. And somehow, she looked past all my faults and saw the person I could become and loved me back. Because of her, I'd like to believe I've come close to becoming that person she knew was inside of me. Without Amy, I'd probably be in jail or worse. She saved my life.
All of you here know the type of person Amy is. You know her character; how she's always willing to help others; as she'd done many times for most of you in this room. She's done it because of the type of person she is and the examples set by her mother and grandfather to follow."
"As most of you probably know, Amy was badly hurt in an altercation with a person not long ago. From that altercation, Amy suffered three fractures to her skull and face from the fists of the person. You can see the effects of those punches, still clearly evident on Amy's face. What you may not know is that Amy's shirt and underwear were also ripped off of her by that person. That's right, he tore her clothes off."
Hesitating for effect, Ty continued. "That person is in this room right now as I speak."
"But the person in this room who did this, claims that Amy initiated the entire thing. According to him, Amy came on to him sexually but he rejected her. When he did, he claims Amy mocked him and then hit him; hit him multiple times. That she was the one who started the fight. And during the course of that fight, he simply defended himself by hitting her back. That's how the three skull fractures occurred…by this man simply defending himself. And somehow during the course of this person defending himself, Amy's clothes and underwear were torn off off her."
His voice beginning to choke with equal portion rage and grief, Ty continued. "Due to her head injuries, Amy has little to no recollection as to what happened that night. My son Jackson however does because he was there for part of the fight. He had gone with my wife to Maggie's that night to pick up some feed. After purchasing the feed, Amy began taking it out to our truck parked in Maggie's lot. And Jackson followed her out after a couple of minutes. When he entered the parking lot, he saw the man in this room on top of his mother…he saw his mother from the waist up…with this man on top of her…and groping her. That is when Jackson attempted to defend his mother. But this man further claims that my son attacked him and he was barely able to escape from my fifteen-year-old son."
In spite the tears that had begun form, Ty was determined to finish…for Amy's sake.
"Jackson carried his mother back inside Maggie's and she passed out by the time he got her inside. Amy had to be rushed to the hospital and remained unconscious when she arrived. She was diagnosed with multiple fractures and contusions to her face and skull. Due to the swelling of her brain and the potential of seizures, the doctor's asked for my permission for them to induce a coma. They had to put my wife into a coma! She still is experiencing headaches and dizziness from the beating she received and faces a long recovery and potential surgery in the weeks and months to come."
"But this man continues to claim Amy Fleming started and was the cause of the whole thing. If you don't mind, I have a few questions for the people in this room; in particular for those of you who've known my wife for years; know of her character; know of the kind of person she is. Do you believe Amy, my wife, is the kind of person who would come-on to a stranger? Is Amy the kind of person who would start a fight with that same person when her claimed advances were rejected? Is Amy the type of person who would do this knowing her son would be joining her in the parking lot at any moment? Is Amy the kind of person capable of doing any of which this man claims? I know she's not and believe none of you do either."
"I have a question for the ladies in this room. Have you ever been in a fight or heard of one where your clothes and underwear were accidentally torn off; and the woman was the cause of it? I don't think so."
"A couple of days ago, the Police informed my family that they don't have enough evidence to criminally charge the person who did this to Amy. I want you to know, I'm not blaming the Police; but I am blaming a certain person in this room. A person who blames my wife."
"After this happened, my instincts were to go after this person and tear him apart, but Amy convinced me not to. She said she didn't want me going to jail. Though it tears at my heart, I know Amy is right. And I promised her I wouldn't do anything."
"And let me be clear on this, I'm not advocating for anyone here to take the law into their own hands either and try to retaliate against this person. Amy and I believe some day, somehow, justice will be served on this person."
"But I also believe the people of this community need to know of this person and the plans his family has. His family wants to buy up our ranches; our homes and they're not taking no for an answer."
Pausing again to take a deep breath, Ty was nearly finished.
"In case your not aware of the family I'm referring to, their name is Rawlings; led by Mason Rawlings.
"And the person I've referred to regarding the altercation with my wife…is Colt Rawlings. And he's sitting right over there."