Okay... Wow... Just... WOW!

That last episode of Walker was just... Words can't describe it.

Won't spoil it for those of you who haven't seen it yet but hot diggity damn, if that's what episode 15 is like, what's the finale going to be like?

Anyway, TW for mentions of drinking in this chapter. Also for mentions of sucide

Enjoy

I am never going to do something so stupid again.

That resolve was etched into Maddie's mind as she stared up at the ceiling of her bedroom, swallowing back the rising lump in her throat while her eyes began to moisten with tears. It hadn't been worth it. Hadn't been worth it at all.

The humiliation of her grandmother and uncle seeing her drunk was punishment enough already for what she had done, as well as the resulting hangover she was now dealing with. Why she had ever thought that drinking was a good option was beyond her but what else did she have to turn to? How else could she deal with everything that was going on inside her head?

She just wanted a break from it all, a break she'd found in consuming alcohol.

Why she'd ever drunk so much today she didn't know. How could she have let herself get so out of control? Usually a couple nips here and there were all she needed but today she'd just drunk and drunk without paying attention and now... She sighed heavily. Now both Abeline and Liam knew.

The hardest part had been seeing the disappointment in their eyes.

That was what she had been afraid of.

They were disappointed in her.

She sniffed, rolling over onto her side and cuddled the teddy bear in her arms tight. The bear that she had been given at Christmas. Had it already been almost a year since she'd been adopted? It had been a year now since her birth father had passed and after everything else that had been happening, she hadn't had the inclination to miss him. As harsh as she knew it was, she didn't care anymore about him. That chapter of her life was closed. Forever. She had bigger demons to fight now then those old memories.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to get herself through the rising feelings of anxiety welling up inside her. What was she to do now? How was she supposed to deal with all this? She couldn't speak to anyone about it. The last thing she wanted was to add an extra burden onto her family. If there was anyone she would have spoken to it was her father but he... A couple tears trickled down her cheeks. She couldn't go to him.

At least both Abeline and Liam had promised that they wouldn't tell him about her getting drunk. She didn't want to worry him when he already had enough to deal with. Abeline though had told her she needed to own up to Bonham for helping herself to his liquor and that wasn't a conversation she was looking forward to. At least it was the only punishment that she had given to her, having remarked that the hangover she now had to deal with was enough. She was grateful too that she'd shown understanding instead of getting angry with her.

Still cuddling her bear she rolled over in an attempt to get herself more comfortable, clutching her bear tighter as the movement sent fresh pain pulsating through her head. Yep. She sure as hell regretted how she had spent her afternoon. Biting her lip she sniffled back the tears, forcing back that lump in her throat. If she thought she'd felt bad before drinking, now she felt even worse.

Not doing that again. She promised herself. I am never ever gonna have that much again.

Time slipped by but sleep still wouldn't come, Maddie staring at the time on the digital alarm clock beside her.

One question repeated over and over in her mind.

What now?

The smell of bacon cooking greeted Maddie when she wheeled herself out of her bedroom early Monday morning, heading into the kitchen with a soft yawn. Hearing someone joining him in the room, Bonham glanced around to see who it was. 'Mornin Maddie girl.'

'Hey Grampa.' She replied softly, bringing her wheelchair to a stop beside him at the stove-top. 'Did Mawline leave already?'

He nodded. 'Yeah, she wanted to get an early start.'

'When will she be back?'

'Tomorrow afternoon. So, you'll be stuck with me till then.' He turned the bacon over in the skillet. 'You hungry?'

'Nope.'

'You've gotta eat something.'

Maddie sighed heavily. 'I know. I just...' She sighed again. 'I don't feel hungry.'

'Tell you what, why don't I go check the freezer and see if there's some of those muffins left that Abby cooked up for you?'

She smiled a little at the concern he showed for her. 'Alright. I guess so.'

'Don't burn the bacon.' Bonham remarked, handing her the tongs. 'Your grandma will kill me if I ruin her best skillet.'

'It's in safe hands with me.' Maddie chuckled softly then sobered after her grandfather had disappeared to go check the freezer down in the cellar. Yesterday she'd spent entirely in bed with one hell of a hangover and so hadn't had a chance to apologize to Bonham for taking his alcohol. Though she wished she could just forget the whole thing she knew when Abeline got home she would ask her about it and the last thing she wanted was to lie. So... She swallowed, turning the bacon over again. No point in putting it off.

'You're in luck.' He exclaimed upon his return and held up a snap-lock bag with a couple home cooked blueberry muffins inside. 'Last two.'

'Thanks Grampa.' She smiled a little at him then returned her attention to the bacon until he joined her at the stove again. Handing him back the tongs she sat quietly watching him for a moment as she tried to muster up enough courage to speak to him. 'Grampa, can I talk to you about something?'

'Yeah. What's on your mind?'

Maddie bit her lip, wringing her hands together. 'The... The past couple months I've been helping myself to your moonshine supply downstairs and replacing the empty bottles with water.' She paused, looking down at the ground. 'I'm sorry. I know it was wrong of me to take them and I'll pay you back for what I took.

Bonham looked down at his granddaughter, observing her in silence.

After a moment, she glanced slowly up at him. 'Are-aren't you gonna get mad at me or something?'

Letting out a long sigh he placed the tongs down, turned the stove-top down to let the bacon cook on a lower setting and pulled up a chair beside her. 'Maddie, I know you're going through a tough time but take it from me. You'll never find the answers you're looking for in a bottle.'

'Don't I know that now.' She said sadly. 'But I promise I'm not going to touch your liquor again and I will take whatever punishment you think I deserve.'

'And let me guess... You weren't sick with a stomach ache yesterday, were you?'

'Nope. I just...' Her voice trailed off as she began biting her thumb cuticle. 'I wanted something to take the memories away. I-I can't do this anymore Grampa.' She paused, her voice breaking a little as she struggled to control her emotions. 'I'm just so tired of it all.'

'What's been going on, little one?'

'I-I haven't slept since...' She stopped again, swallowing back the lump in her throat. 'The nightmares, they just keep coming. What I went through... What we-we went through in... In there. It just keeps playing over and over and I just want it to stop and I can't talk to Dad about it and I shouldn't be talking to you about it right now either.'

'Why not?' Bonham questioned kindly.

Maddie looked down at her hands, her thumb now bleeding since she had bitten her thumb cuticle right back. 'Because you've got enough stuff to deal with without me adding to it.' She paused again. 'And because if I speak about it...' She bit her lip. 'I just don't think I can.'

'Have you spoken to your counselor about all this?'

After a moment, she nodded. 'I did and it hasn't helped. If anything it's just made it worse and...' She stopped for a moment, wondering how to put into words what she wanted to say. 'Grampa, the guy who's been doing my sessions, he's just made things worse. I-I tried to tell Dad I wanted to go see someone else but Dad wouldn't listen to me and said for me to stick with it. That it would get better after time and it hasn't. It just hasn't. I just can't take it anymore.'

Bonham sighed, looking at his granddaughter. 'Honey, I wish you'd told me this sooner.'

'I just don't want to be a burden.' She replied sadly.

'You...You aren't a burden darlin.' He paused, watching as the teenager began biting her opposite thumb cuticle. 'Maddie, look at me.' When she finally looked up at him after a moment he continued. 'Family sticks together through the good times and the bad. That's how we make it through. Don't shut us out. Let us in. Let us help you. You don't have to deal with it alone. Your grandmother and I are here for you, you know that.'

'I didn't want to make you guys sad.' She sniffled. 'It was bad enough that Mawline found me drunk Saturday. You've both already been dealing with enough.'

'While it's admirable that you are concerned for us, we are adults. You are still just a child Maddie. No one could expect you to go through what you did and not be affected by it. We're hurting seeing you hurting and not knowing how or what we can do to make it better. Does that make sense?'

After a moment, Maddie nodded.

'Have you tried speaking to your father about all this?'

'I have and each time he shut me down so I gave up and have been trying to do the best I can on my own which has worked out so spectacularly well.' She snorted sarcastically then sobered again. 'I know Dad's been living through his own hell with what happened in... In there. I didn't want to add to what he's dealing with. These past two months I just feel like he's been doing his best to avoid me. And I know, I know that he's going through a lot... But I just want my Dad back.'

Gently he placed his hand on her shoulder, Maddie flinching for a split second but didn't move away from his touch. 'I know.'

Maddie swallowed back the lump in her throat, her eyes watering as she looked up at her grandfather. 'How much longer till it gets better, Grampa?'

'I wish I had an answer for you sweetheart but I don't. I wish to God that you didn't have to go through what you did. You, Cordell, Liam... But it happened and the only thing you can do is just keep fighting and trying to move on. We're here for you. You aren't alone. You have us, you have Colton, your friends. We're here. We want to help you but you need to let us.'

Biting her lip, she nodded.

'Come here.' He invited her for a hug and she accepted, wrapping her arms around him as he held her. 'It will get better, little one. It'll just take time.'

Safe in her grandfather's arms, a couple tears slid down her cheeks. 'Sometimes I think that it might have been better if I never woke up from that coma.' She remarked after a long moment.

'How can you say that darlin?'

'Look at me Grampa.' She replied as she drew away from him. What kind of life have I had these past few months?' She motioned down to the wheelchair she was seated in. 'And now, I have to deal with all this too... I can't keep fighting anymore.'

Bonham looked at his granddaughter closely. 'Maddie, are you suicidal?' A long silence followed and she looked away from him. 'Maddie?'

'I-I don't know.' She finally said. 'I'm just tired of fighting. I'm just tired of everything. I don't want to die but am I really living like this either? Honestly...' She paused again, biting her lip. 'If it wasn't for knowing what me dying would do to you all, I don't think I would still be here.'

Hearing those words from her brought a sobering reality to the situation he was dealing with here. 'I think you need to speak to someone-'

'I ain't continuing with Greg, no way on earth.' She interrupted strongly. 'No. I-I've already agreed to go with Uncle Liam to see this equine therapist today. I am done with counseling though after that guy.' Hearing the sound of footsteps behind her she glanced around, pulling herself together as Liam came to join them in the kitchen. 'I'll be alright.' She said, turning back to her grandfather. 'Can we finish this later?'

'Alright. But promise me, if you need to talk to someone, you'll come talk to me.'

She smiled a little as she nodded. 'Promise.'

'Good girl.' Squeezing her shoulder gently for a moment Bonham rose to go take care of the breakfast cooking on the stove again. 'Morning Liam.'

'Dad.' He acknowledged on his way into the kitchen. 'Morning Kiddo. Feeling better this morning?'

Maddie nodded. 'A little.'

'Good. That's good. You ready to meet with Chelsea?'

She motioned to the clothes she was wearing, a long sleeve work shirt and work jeans. 'If I wasn't, I'd still be in my pajamas.' The back door opened as she replied, Stella coming in to eat breakfast after having worked Dakota and taken care of Maddie's chores for the morning. 'Morning sis. How's my girls?'

'Morning Maddie and they are doing great.' She replied with a smile, giving her younger sister a hug over the back of her chair on her way past to the fridge. 'Dakota was her perfect self as usual, Hope is being mischievous and I think Bel is over being a mother. Speaking about Hope-' She took the container of orange juice from the fridge and closed the door again. 'when are we going to wean her?'

Maddie sighed. 'I hadn't thought about it to be honest. Since I'm not going to be eventing with Bel tomorrow Grampa, is it okay if Bel just weans Hope when she's ready rather than separating them?'

'If that's what you want to do then I'd say it's fine.' He replied, adding more bacon to the pan. 'You do need to start thinking about training that filly though because if you don't you're going to have quite a handful to deal with when she's older.'

'I know, I know. Can't exactly train a foal from a wheelchair now, can I?'

'I'm happy to help out where I can.' Stella offered, pouring herself a glass of juice.

'Are you sure? I mean, you've been looking after my horses for the past couple of months. I can't ask you to do more.'

'Maddie, I'm happy to give you a hand when you need it. No need to feel bad about it either.'

Maddie smiled a little at her sister. 'Thank you. I really do appreciate it.'

Stella smiled back at her. 'No problem. Besides, I really have enjoyed riding Dakota. She's a great horse.'

'Mmhmm. She is.'

'Morning Stella, Maddie.' Cordell greeted as he came into the kitchen, dressed in his ranger uniform with his boot and hat in hand.

'Morning.' Stella replied, pouring an extra glass of juice for Maddie.

Maddie smiled a little as he patted her shoulder on his way past. 'Morning Dad.'

'Morning, Daddy.' He continued, making his way over to the coffee maker on the bench.

Bonham glanced over from his cooking at his son, Cordell pouring himself a cup of coffee. 'Good morning.'

'Uh, Mama know you're messing with her favorite bacon skillet?'

'She left me in charge. Don't fret. She got word last night that some farmer's market up in Odessa's selling some kind of a rare chili pepper, so...'

'The T-Rex Chocolate Chili Pepper.' Liam interjected, pouring himself some coffee also. 'Melt your damn face off.'

'What are you doing today anyway, Uncle Liam...' Stella questioned, wondering about his country style attire he was wearing. 'baling hay?'

'No. I'm starting equine therapy, actually. Uh, I found a therapist that makes house calls. Or "horse calls," as she puts it.' He explained as Cordell sat down at the island bench to eat his breakfast. 'Um, but we're going over to the Davidson's to the pipe corral. Hey. I talked to Colton about it. Uh, hey, Cordell, I know you've been doing your own thing, but, I don't know, maybe if you have time, you'd want to join Maddie and I.'

'Yeah Dad.' Maddie added softly, turning to her father. 'I mean, I know you're starting work and all but maybe just think about it? It might be a good idea.'

'Uh...' He chuckled nervously. 'Really, I-I'm good.'

'Think about it. Please?'

Cordell sighed. 'Alright. For you, I'll think about it.'

'Stella-' August exclaimed, interrupting the conversation as he came in through the back door, not even bothering to stop and close it properly as he joined them in the kitchen. 'You used the last clean towel.'

'There's more in the dryer.' She replied. 'I told you this.'

'Ugh. No, you didn't.'

Maddie raised her eyebrows, their father doing the same as he sipped his coffee.

Stella took some toast from the pile on the plate in front of her. 'Augie is just mad because I have the bigger room and he wants it.'

'Okay. You said I could have it when you left for Sauber.'

'Yeah. And I never left. Ergo, the room is still mine.'

'She does have a point there, Augie.' Maddie agreed.

'Oh great, so you take her side too?' He snorted. 'Typical.'

Stella smiled. 'Thank you Maddie. Back me up, Uncle Liam. From a legal point of view...'

'Stella, Stella.' Cordell responded before Liam could speak. 'Stella, I think we're all just trying to wrap our heads around this new reality of you not going off to college. Myself included.'

'Speaking of which,' Bonham started, bringing over the plate of cooked bacon to set onto the bench. 'what do you plan on doing with yourself now that it's not Sauber?'

Taken off guard like that, Stella didn't quite know how to reply. 'Well, I th... I think... I mean, I mean, like...' She stammered, looking down at her glass as she felt the gaze of everyone looking at her, Maddie offering her a sympathetic look for being put on the spot like that. 'You know I-I really like helping people, so, something like that?'

'Helping people is great, obviously. But, um, that's not... a plan.' Cordell replied. 'Lucky for you, I just so happened to talk to your Aunt Geri last night, and she agreed to give you a part-time shift at the Side Step.'

'I-I didn't ask you to do that.' She chuckled nervously. 'It's only been a few weeks since I graduated. And you said you'd help me figure this out together.'

'And that's exactly what we're doing. We-we are figuring it out together.' Cordell responded in between bites of his breakfast. 'It's four hours a day, Stel. Maybe, uh, you can save enough money to restore the Mustang to its former glory.'

'Amen.' Bonham agreed. 'That hood scoop's an abomination, and those racing stripes?'

'Ah, ah, I got to get-' He exclaimed, having looked at the time. 'I got to get. Wouldn't want to be late for my first day back and you-' He turned to Stella. 'need to get Augie to school. I'm sure you don't want to be late either, do you bud?'

'Preferably not if it can be avoided.' August looked at his sister. 'I mean, since Stella is taking me, I'm sure I'll end up there late.'

'Hey, I will get you there on time-'

'Okay, okay, okay. Enough you two.' Cordell said as he stood. 'Maddie, have a good day.'

She smiled sadly. 'You too Dad. Good luck.'

'Thanks sweetheart.'

Seeing that he was going to leave without giving her a hug she quickly spoke up. 'Hug?'

Cordell stopped, hesitating for a moment then obliged.

'Be careful out there.' She whispered softly as she hugged her father back. 'Come home safe. Please.'

Cordell swallowed the lump in his throat, pushing his emotions back down as he placed a kiss on her head. 'Always, baby girl.' He lingered for a moment, holding her tight then let her go and turned back to the rest of his family. 'Alright, hope y'all have a great day.' He turned to August, giving his son a hug. 'Good luck starting your junior year. Make some new friends, stay out of trouble.'

August nodded. 'Yes sir.'

'Stella-' He turned to his eldest daughter, giving her a hug also. 'Geri's expecting you at ten.'

Stella sighed and nodded as he let her go. 'Alright. See you tonight.'

'Liam, hope this horse thing works out for you.' Cordell commented on his way out the door. 'See y'all tonight.'

Bonham took note of the look on Liam and Maddie's faces, deciding that it was time he had that talk with Cordell. 'Well, all right. Excuse me just a minute. Y'all, start eating this food, please, before it gets cold.'

'Will do.' August replied as their grandfather headed out after Cordell. 'What's in the oven?' He questioned as the timer rang.

'That's my breakfast. Uncle Liam, would you mind getting them out for me please?' Maddie requested, her uncle obliging with a nod.

'When you finish up there-' He said as he placed a plate with her blueberry muffins down in front of her. 'we'll head over to the Davidson's.'

She nodded, taking a nibble out of her muffin as her siblings quickly devoured their meal.

With a loud burp that earnt August a look from each of them, he pushed his plate away from him. 'Well, I'm stuffed. Hurry up Stella. Let's go.'

Stella looked at him but didn't comment as she stood and took her empty plate to the sink. 'See you this afternoon Uncle Liam, Maddie.'

'Bye.' Maddie acknowledged as she and August started to the door. 'Good luck Augie.'

'Whatever.'

Liam raised his eyebrows. 'I don't know what's gotten into that kid these days.'

'Yeah...' Maddie agreed softly. 'I think he's angry that Stella didn't go to college but I don't think that's completely it.' She paused, looking down at the food she didn't have an appetite for. 'But I got enough problems of my own I don't need to go figuring out what his are.'

'Cordell.' Bonham exclaimed as Cordell went to get into his truck, closing the front door of the house behind him. 'A word.'

With a sigh Cordell stopped, placed his boots he'd been carrying down beside his truck and turned to his father. 'I know, Daddy. Liam.'

'Can't you see the boy's hurting?'

'Of course I can that he... he's hurt-hurting.' He took a deep breath. 'Daddy, I-I just...' His voice trailed off and he sighed again.

'You just-you just what?' Bonham questioned after a moment. 'You were a Marine Raider, for God's sake, Special Ops. You were trained to handle captivity, torture and pain. William was not and Maddie... Cordell, I am going to be blunt with you. I am very concerned about your daughter. For all Maddie's been through, it's a wonder that girl still manages to get out of bed in the morning.' He paused for a moment, his son nodding in understanding. 'And look, I... I understand where you're coming from, I do. There were things that I saw over there, things that I did... Hell, I didn't like talking about 'em, either, but... there's got to be some wiggle room. He's your brother, Cordell. Maddie is your daughter.'

'Yes, sir. Uh, uh, yes, sir. I understand.'

He nodded. 'Good. See you at dinner tonight.'

'Yes sir.'

Bonahm left, Cordell standing there for a moment before he picked up his boots and climbed into his truck. His father was right, he knew that. He was happy to admit that he was right. What to do about it though... His hands clutched the steering wheel tighter as he turned out of the driveway onto the road leading to the highway, flashbacks of their time in there returning to him.

Liam and Maddie being brought into the cell.

The single gunshot that came while Sean had Maddie.

Finding Maddie holding his brother after they had tortured him.

Maddie's blood on his hand.

His daughter lying on the floor half unconscious from fever and blood loss.

His knuckles were almost white he was clutching the steering wheel so tightly. Even after all this time, what he'd seen... What he'd gone through-what they'd gone through... It was still as fresh in his mind as if it had happened yesterday.

The hardest part was witnessing what they had done to Liam and Maddie.

As long as he lived, he knew he would never forgive himself for what had happened to them.

The drive from the ranch to the school was undertaken in silence, Stella glancing over a couple times at her brother who was focused on scrolling through his phone and ignoring her completely. Ever since she had come to the decision that she would be staying home and not going to college, August had just been off with her. She knew he was cranky about not getting to have the bigger bedroom that she currently occupied but that couldn't be the only reason for his behavior lately, could it? After all, with everything they were going through in the aftermath of their father, uncle and sister being kidnapped, held captive and going through only God knew what, the last thing they needed was the usually well behaved August turning into a brat.

Arriving at Sacred Heart she parked the car out front and turned the engine off before turning to her brother. 'Congrats. You haven't uttered a single word this entire car ride.'

'Okay. What do you want me to say?' He questioned snippily. 'You know, you've single-handedly ruined my entire junior year. I-I just... I-I thought that whenever you went to college, it'd finally be my year. You'd be gone and I'd only have to put up with Maddie being the golden child.'

She frowned. What on earth was he talking about? Golden child? 'What-'

'But you stayed home and I get nothing.' He finished. 'As usual.'

Stella didn't quite know what to say. 'Okay, wow, that was... kind of harsh.' She thought about what he'd said for a moment. 'But you do make a point.'

August looked at her, surprised that she was seemingly agreeing with him. 'What is this, some kind of, like, Jedi mind trick, reverse psychology thingie? What are you...'

'No. It's the truth. I didn't really consider how any of this would affect you. Or me, for that matter. I made this crazy, last-minute decision to ditch college, and I have no idea what I want to do with the rest of my life, and that is pretty terrifying.' She paused for a moment. 'So, maybe you could try just cutting me a little slack while I figure things out.'

'Whatever.' He replied as the bell rang and he grabbed his schoolbag from the backseat. 'I'm late for homeroom.'

Cassie's morning shift had just begun, the ranger finishing off the remainder of her breakfast as she made her way to her Captain's office. Earlier that morning Captain James had requested that she stop in to see him as soon as she got to work and she had a fairly good idea what it would be about. Walker was returning to work today after having taken the past two months off. Was he ready to return to work though? Even after the conversation they'd shared last weekend she wasn't certain. Beneath the facade that he was doing his utmost best to keep up she knew that he was struggling.

After she had read about what he'd gone through in there, who wouldn't be?

Not to mention the statement that Maddie had given when she'd been with her at the hospital just after their escape. Maddie had been put through hell, they all had been. That kid had witnessed her uncle beaten when they'd been kidnapped, watched their kidnappers murder their police guard, seen Liam drugged and tortured and then herself had been subjected to a mock execution, beaten and sexually assaulted by Sean's bastards. The poor child was just lucky that she hadn't been raped into the bargain, even though that was hardly a comfort to her. She wondered too if Cordell knew about any of it. How would he, as a father, feel if he did know? He would be carrying a mountain of guilt with him knowing that they had taken his brother and daughter to get to him. To break him.

Reaching the office she knocked on the closed door then opened it at his invitation.

'Hey.'

'Hey.' She smiled, taking a moment to look at what he was working on. 'Oh. New vision board?' She looked over what was posted on the pin-board. Something about stolen horses? 'I love all the different colors.' Realizing she was getting sidetracked she turned her attention back to her captain. 'Sorry. You wanted to see me?'

'Yeah, uh, it's, uh, it's about Walker.'

'What's wrong?'

'Why do you automatically assume something's wrong?' She gave him a look and he understood it immediately. 'Oh, 'cause he's Walker. Okay. Fair. No, I've just been, you know, thinking, after the Rodeo Kings, after Emily, I probably put him back in the field too soon then.' He continued, pinning more papers and pictures onto the board. 'And I just... I don't want to make the same mistake here, you know? Abby kind of put the fear of God into me when he went missing.'

Cassie chuckled a little at that. 'She has a way of doing that.'

'Yeah, look, just keep your antennae up. All right? See something, say something.'

She nodded in understanding. 'Heard.'

'Thank you, ma'am. Close the door on your way out.'

Cassie nodded again and left, closing the door behind herself. With that taken care of she made her way back to her office and turned her computer on, settling down to work on the current case she'd been assigned too.

After a time, a set of hands covered her eyes.

She chuckled, knowing exactly who it was behind her. 'I wonder who that could be.'

'Take a guess.'

'Hmmm... Batman?' He laughed as he removed his hands and she turned around and stood, giving him a hug. 'Welcome back partner.'

Cordell smiled as he returned her embrace. 'It's good to be back, Cassie.'

Colton was watering the garden out front when Liam and Maddie drove up to the house, Colton waving to them as they parked in the shade beneath one of the oak trees. After turning the tap off and returning the hose to where it belonged he headed over to them, Liam helping Maddie into her chair. 'Good morning.'

'Hey.' Maddie smiled half-heartedly as Colton gave her a kiss on the cheek. 'You look like you've been busy.' She remarked, seeing the dirt on his jeans and the sweat on his shirt. 'Gardening?'

'Yeah, yeah. Trying to keep it tidy for my folks you know.' He replied then turned to Liam. 'I've moved Rocky and his mates to the back pasture so they won't be annoying you today. That mini pony is one draft horse sized trouble maker. Managed to let herself, Rocky and the goat out yesterday. Spent a good hour trying to catch the three of them.'

Hearing that, Maddie chuckled a little as an image came to mind of Colton trying to herd the two horses and goat back to where they belonged.

Liam chuckled in amusement also then became serious again. 'Thank you for letting us use your corral. We could have done it at home but it's not exactly quiet and private with the ranch hands about.''

'I get it and you are both more than welcome to come over here to borrow it anytime you like.'

'We do appreciate it.' He replied, Maddie nodding in agreement. 'Well, I'll head on over and wait for her to arrive. I'll see you around Colton.'

Colton nodded and turned back to Maddie after he had left. 'How's things been? You've been pretty quiet the past couple days. Things okay?'

Maddie let out a long, shaky breath. 'No. Just... Just the usual.'

'You sure?'

'I went on a trail ride Saturday.'

'That's good, isn't it?'

'Well, it was till someone was out shooting and I had a panic attack.' She sighed. 'And well... Things happened after that so yeah. In short, that's why I haven't been talkative. Anyway, how about you?' She questioned, wanting to change the subject. 'How's looking after the ranch?'

'It's keeping me busy. Between looking after things here and still working at the bar with Aunt Geri, I haven't had a chance to be bored.'

Maddie chuckled a little at that. 'Oh well, keeps you out of trouble.'

'Yeah. Yeah.' Silence fell for a moment then Colton remembered something he wanted to tell her. 'Edna's daughter was in contact with me this week, Edna wanted to see some updated photos of her horses so I sent those through. She's not doing too well apparently, she wants to see us sometime soon if we can.'

'Oh... I don't... I don't know Colt. I don't know if I can go see her.'

'That's alright, I'm sure she'll understand. We'll just see how things go, alright? I was planning on going to visit on Sunday. You're welcome to come with me if you wish.'

'I'll think about it, okay? Can't promise anything but I'll think about it.'

'That's fine. Just let me know.'

Maddie nodded then took a look at the time on her watch. 'The lady will be here soon, I should probably go wait with Uncle Liam and I'm sure you've got things you need to do too.'

'Yeah, I've got to finish up things here then head in for my shift at the bar.' He sighed. 'Just doesn't seem like we get much time together these days.'

'We'll have to make time for something special when I feel up for it. Dinner here at your place?'

'Maybe. I'll let you know.'

'Alright.'

'Well I-I better go-'

Maddie caught his hand. 'Come here. I haven't got my kiss yet.'

'Maddie, your Uncle is right over there-'

'And he ain't gonna care if we share a quick kiss.' With a chuckle Colton obliged and they kissed, Maddie wrapping her arms around his neck.

'Happy now?' He questioned teasingly when he pulled away.

She smiled a little. 'You better get moving or you're going to be late.'

Colton mock saluted her with a chuckle. 'Yes ma'am. Going. Going.'

Maddie chuckled as he gave her one more quick kiss on the lips before he headed back inside, the teenager making her way over to where her uncle was waiting a moment later. 'So...' She started to break the awkward silence. 'What's this equine therapy about?'

Liam shrugged. 'To be honest, I'm not sure. I guess we'll find out.'

At that answer, Maddie nodded. 'Whatever it is, I hope it helps.' Liam didn't reply to that and after a moment, she turned to him. 'Uncle Liam... I-I just wanted to say I'm sorry.'

He frowned a little. 'Sorry for what kiddo?'

'For all this. I mean... If I hadn't wanted to go home that night we'd never have been kidnapped. You wouldn't have been tortured. It was my fault.'

'Is that partly what's been weighing on you these past couple months?'

After a moment she sighed. 'Yeah. I mean, I understand if you hate me-'

'Maddie, I'm gonna stop you right there.' He interrupted gently. 'What happened to me... To-to us. It wasn't your fault. It's not anyone's fault. It happened. That's all there is to it. No one is to blame, especially not you. You have to let it go.'

'I... I don't know how.' She admitted after a pause. 'I just keep going over and over how we could have avoided it and... If only I hadn't wanted to go home.'

'But it wasn't your fault.'

Maddie shrugged. 'I still can't help but feel that it was.'

Liam hesitated for a moment and Maddie saw his hesitation then nodded to let him know she was okay with him placing his arm around her. 'Well, while we're on the discussion of faults then, if it was anyone's fault, it was mine.'

'I hardly see how.'

'Because I failed to protect you.'

'The odds weren't in your favor at all, Uncle Liam. You on your own against four guys...' She shook her head. 'It wasn't your fault. You didn't have any control over that.'

Liam looked at her.

Realizing what he had done, she let out a soft chuckle. 'I see what you did there. It wasn't my fault because I wanted to go home just like it wasn't your fault because you couldn't protect me.'

'Exactly.'

Maddie let out a drawn out sigh, resting against her uncle. 'I just... I just wish the memories would go away.'

'I know.' He rubbed her arm. 'I wish mine would too.' Hearing a vehicle coming up the drive a moment later, Liam looked over to see that the equine therapist had arrived. 'Maddie if... If you want to or-or need to talk about... About what we went through, in there... I'm here. I know I'm not your Dad but... I-I'm here.'

She smiled a little and took hold of his hand, squeezing it gently. 'Thank you. You know that goes for you too, Uncle Liam.'

Liam squeezed her hand back but didn't reply, the two of them sitting in silence as the lady parked her truck beside the corral and stepped out.

'Morning.' Chelsea greeted with a smile and a wave. 'I'll just get this guy unloaded and settled in and we can begin.'

Lowering the tailgate to the trailer she walked on and backed a chestnut gelding down out of the trailer then led him over to the corral and turned him loose, hanging up her halter and lead-rope on the hook beside the gate. The gelding quietly observed his surroundings as she returned to the trailer, bringing with her some hay that she tossed over the fence and a plastic water bucket. 'Water supply nearby?'

'Just over there.' Liam pointed to a nearby tap and hose.

'Appreciate it.'

As Chelsea filled up the bucket, Maddie observed the horse. He looked like a gentle soul, calm and quiet as he nibbled at the biscuit of hay in front of him. Quarter horse, she guessed judging from his build and a nice one too at that. 'He looks like one of Grampa's horses.' She whispered softly to her uncle. Liam nodded but didn't verbalize a reply to her. Returning to looking at the horse she noticed a small white star in the center of his forehead, his only marking. Apart from that, he was a rich chestnut, reminding her a bit of Bonham's old stallion Ace.

Once Chelsea had finished tending to her horse she returned to her truck and opened the passenger side door, a large cream colored dog jumping down out of the vehicle. The dog stayed in a perfect heel at her side as she walked over to introduce herself, calmly sitting at her feet as Liam stood to shake her hand. 'Chelsea.'

'Liam.' He replied. 'And this is my niece Maddie.'

Chelsea smiled at her. 'Nice to meet you Maddie, glad you could join us today.'

Maddie smiled back timidly as she also shook the hand offered to her.

'And this is Sasha.' She continued, the dog looking up at her upon hearing her name. 'I do apologize for being late this morning, I got a call and had to go pick her up straight away.'

Maddie looked at the dog, wondering what she was. She'd never seen a dog like her before. She had long droopy ears like a golden retriever but her coat was short and wavy like a poodle. 'What breed is she?' She questioned softly. 'She looks like a really nice dog.'

'She's a Groodle. Golden retriever crossed with poodle, second generation. Would you like to pat her while Liam and I quickly go over some paperwork before we start?' The girl nodded and she motioned for the dog to go to her. 'Go say hello.'

At the command, Sasha got up and approached Maddie, the teen offering her a hand to sniff as Liam and Chelsea went over to the truck. Sasha sniffed at her then licked her hand and she let out a little chuckle. 'Hello there. Aren't you a friendly pup?' The dog sat down in front of her chair then offered her a paw, placing it on her knee. She smiled. 'You want me to rub your paw?' She questioned then obliged, Sasha wagging her tail as she relished the attention. Looking into those brown eyes she chuckled again. 'You are one big softie, aren't ya?'

'Someone seems to like you.' Chelsea commented upon her return, having finished the paperwork with Liam that needed to be taken care of.

'She's a lovely dog.' Maddie replied with a smile, still rubbing her paw. 'So... Are we ready to begin?'

She nodded, looking over at her horse. 'He's settled in now so yeah, if you'll both follow me into the corral, we'll begin.' They followed her over to the gate, Chelsea grabbing the halter and lead-rope again as she walked in, Liam closing the gate behind Maddie and the dog who was sticking to her side. 'So, how much experience do you have working with horses, Liam?' She questioned as she haltered her gelding, Maddie and Liam keeping back to give them space.

'Well, um, I grew up on the ranch next door.' Liam replied. 'My daddy had us riding pretty much since we could walk.'

'When you say "us," you mean you and your brother, Cordell? That's the one you were held captive with?'

He nodded. 'Yeah.'

'And what about you Maddie?' She questioned, noting that Sasha had chosen to lay down beside the girl's wheelchair. 'How much have you worked with horses?'

'Not as much as Uncle Liam but I've got three mustangs of my own.' Maddie said as she rubbed Sasha's head. 'Not that I've been able to do much with them lately.'

'Mustangs hey? They must pose quite a challenge.'

'Not for Maddie.' Liam remarked, smiling at his niece. 'You're looking at the girl who won this year's Mustang Makeover.'

Maddie blushed, looking down at Sasha.

'Really? That's quite an achievement Maddie. You must have a talent for working with horses then.'

'I don't know about talent ma'am but working with horses is like anything else in life. Patience, kindness and understanding go a long way.'

'I couldn't agree more.' She exclaimed as she finished tying up the rope halter on her gelding. 'Well, what we're going to do here is called EAP. That's equine assisted psychotherapy. See, Liam, Maddie. Horses have a way of... putting people at ease and helping 'em open up. There's something mystical about a horse.' She chuckled, rubbing the gelding's forehead. 'This here's Ol' Kenny. Which one of you wants to come say hello to him first?'

Liam and Maddie looked at each other then Maddie let out a breath. 'Guess I'll go first, if that's okay Uncle Liam.'

'Yeah, yeah.' He nodded. 'Go ahead.'

'Stay Sasha.' Maddie remarked to the dog, wheeling herself slowly towards Chelsea and the horse. The dog remained lying where she was, watching Maddie attentively. 'Hey Kenny...' She spoke softly to him as she came closer, the gelding looking at her with ears pricked as she approached. 'Hello.' She stopped just far enough back from him that she was still able to offer him her hand and when she did so, the gelding sniffed it softly.

Chelsea smiled. 'Good. That's good. Well done Maddie.'

Running her hand up his forehead, Maddie smiled a little. 'I-I haven't done much with horses the past couple months... I've missed this.' She breathed in the old geldings' presence as she kept patting him.

'Can I ask why?'

'Lots of reasons...' She replied sadly. 'The-the last time I rode my mare was the day before... Before Uncle Liam and I were kidnapped.' She started explaining, still gently patting the horse. 'I trained my mare, Dakota, to be able to follow scents and we were out trying to find my Dad after he'd gone missing. The first time I rode her since then was on Saturday. Being-being with her... Brought back memories and feelings I'd rather forget.'

Chelsea nodded in understanding. 'Must have been hard staying away from her that long.'

'Each time I looked at her I was just reminded of that night...' Maddie sighed softly, swallowing the lump in her throat then wheeled herself back, shutting her emotions down again. 'Think I'll let Uncle Liam have a go now.'

'Alright.' She acknowledged, noticing as Maddie retreated back to a shady spot, Sasha rose and went to lie at her feet. She turned to Liam. 'Now, before you come over and introduce yourself, I want you to take a couple of deep, cleansing breaths, try to clear out all that negative energy.'

Liam chuckled softly at that. 'Okay. I'm fine, Chelsea. I've actually been around horses my whole life.'

'Okay.'

Liam went to approach the gelding the same way Maddie had done, quietly and with his hand outstretched but before he could get near enough to touch the horse, Kenny pulled back, Liam falling back on his backside in surprise as the horse reared up. 'Wh-Whoa, whoa!'

'Whoa, baby.' Chelsea soothed, the gelding calming just as quickly as he'd reacted. 'Hey. Hey, now. That's okay.'

'What'd I do?' Liam questioned in surprise, wondering what on earth had caused the gelding to react the way he had to him. Why had Maddie been able to approach him without problem but not him?'

'A horse can sense a person's energy.' She began to explain. 'And yours is just... just "meh," right?' She questioned, having turned to her horse. After a moment she looked back at Liam. 'What do you say? You want to try this again?'