Disclaimer: I own nothing
Hey all. Had yesterday off so managed to do a bit of writing, here is some of it for the next chapter. A bit longer than the last to satisfy you until the next post.
Pouring rain met Olivia and Tyler the next morning as they hot footed it across to the mess for breakfast. Olivia had a smile on her face from ear to ear while Tyler was still looking decidedly dazed. Olivia had decided she'd had enough of playing the lady last night and had turned the tables on Tyler, pinning her to the bed and setting out on a journey of discovery that had Tyler equalling if not surpassing her yodelling performance from the night before. She was glad that Alex had moved to the other wing.
Darting into the outside kitchen she turned to wait for Tyler who was walking awfully gingerly, Olivia had to laugh. Poor babe, she didn't realise what she was getting into getting involved with her. She may not have been with a woman before but she was no wallflower and was usually aggressive in bed. If Tyler thought she was going to get some Femme little lady she was thinking again. Now that she had found her feet in the relationship Tyler was in for a run for her money.
Chuckling she opened the door into the mess and was instantly hit with tension, anger and a hive of activity and her smile fled. What the hell? She realised several things at once. Tate was sitting on a chair at one of the tables while Alex stood behind her with ice to the back of her head. Judy was hovering nearby fussing while Hank looked like he wanted to spit nails. Callum and Beau were off to the side talking while Sarah was in the kitchen trying to get some semblance of breakfast together.
She shot Tyler a worried look and they hurried forward to find out what was going on. Alex saw them coming and offered up a small smile. Olivia took note of a couple of suspicious bruises on her neck and would take that up with her later.
"What happened?" Olivia asked crouching next to Tate to get a better look at the young woman, she looked slightly dazed "Did you hit your head?"
"Yes Olivia, she managed to pick up the wood and smack herself on the back of the head with it" snapped Alex and Olivia shot her a look between narrowed eyes. What the fuck?
"Shit Tate, someone hit you?" Tyler stepped in, seeing Olivia and Alex about to snap "What happened?"
Tate shrugged then groaned, causing Alex to turn her attention to her and gently rub the shoulder that wasn't sore.
"I saw a light on in the barn when heading over to cook breakfast, it seemed odd so I went to check it out" she sighed "I got half way down the stalls when I heard a noise behind me. Thankfully instinct had me in self protect mode and I ducked as I turned. Took most of the blow on my right shoulder and arm or it could have been serious"
"It is serious" Alex ground out "Someone tried to hurt you, you could have been killed Tate"
"I'm fine" Tate growled "I just want to cook breakfast but everyone's treating me like a baby"
Alex growled and shoved the ice at Judy before storming off into the kitchen to help Sarah. She couldn't handle Tate minimalising the incident and it had really shook her up. She could have lost Tate. God help the bastard if they ever found who did it.
Tate watched her go, determined to be strong, she was not some weak little sap. Alex would come round. Yeah she could have been seriously hurt but all she got was a little bang on the head and a sore arm and shoulder.
"Did you get a look at the guy?" Olivia asked slipping into cop mode, missing Tyler's raise eyebrow.
"Only good enough to say it was a guy, and no one from the ranch" Tate sighed "All in black with face hidden by a ski mask of all things. Who wears a ski mask other than b rated robbers in movies?"
"Is there anything else you remember about him? Did he say anything? Smells? Anything distinctive on his clothing or shoes?" Olivia asked next and if Tyler wasn't so impressed she would have been a bit grumpy at Olivia stepping on her toes. She was out of her jurisdiction but Tyler realised she was very experienced and was asking all the right questions so sat back to listen and write notes in her notebook.
"Never said a word, the place smelt of horse dung" Tate sighed and closed her eyes making herself relive the moment and something of interest popped into her mind "His boots, they had very pointy toes with a silver tip"
"Good" Olivia nodded and looked up at Tyler who had her Police issue notebook out and was taking down notes "What about transport, did you see a truck or a horse anywhere?"
"No" Tate shook her head "I came from the direction of the main house, whatever he had, had to be out of sight from there"
"From the house?" Tyler frowned "What were you doing at the house?"
None of them missed the look Tate shot Alex, not even Judy or Hank. Alex had her back to her busy tinkering with her coffee machine. Tate sighed
"Alex was at mine last night when it started to rain so she stayed" she whispered "I walked her home this morning"
"Ah" Olivia grinned "Hence why she is covered in hickees"
"Mind your own business spotty neck" Tate growled "Leave Alex alone"
"Yes momma bear" Olivia chuckled and reaching out squeezed Tate's hand "You did good Tate, with remembering and with Alex" she gave Tate a hard look "Hurt her though and I will skin you alive"
"Right back at you Detective" Tate nodded, flicking a look at Tyler. Olivia grinned and stood, leaving Tyler to ask Tate more questions as she went over to Alex
"Hey" she murmured, noticing Alex stiffen in front of her and stopping her forward procession "Look before Alex.." she started but Alex shook her head and cut her off
"No, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped" she sighed "I'm just a bit shook up." She turned around and Olivia could see the worry in her eyes, the fear and the anger. She opened her arms and Alex sunk into them, needing the hug
"It's fine Lex" she assured "I'd be all punchy too if it had been Tyler" Olivia rubbed her back soothingly "She's come to mean a lot to me in such a short period of time"
"Ditto" Alex breathed and pulled back, looking over at Tate and Tyler who were having a serious discussion "I'm not sure how or why but..."
"You click, it feels right and it's just bloody amazing" Olivia grinned and Alex had to chuckle
"Well I don't know about that yet, we only did some intense kissing and slept but I'm sure it will be"
"No doubts?"
"No, just want to take it slow" Alex blushed "She told me she had a crush on me 5 years ago and no one has measured up since" Olivia whistled, that was a pretty big revelation. Alex had to smile.
"Let's not discuss it now. Come help. Sarah is making scrambled eggs. I'm in charge of the bacon, tomatoes, and toast. I'm too scared to do the bacon and tomatoes without Tate's guidance."
Olivia laughed.
"Sure. Go do the toast Lex, pull yourself together a bit OK. Tate's trying to be tough for you" she advised and Alex nodded. With a last hug she walked off to do the toast.
The ranch hands came in about then and everyone seemed to turn to them expectantly. Jimmy shook his head and the tension and frustration went up several notches.
"No sign of anything, definitely no vehicle" he scratched his head "Rain pretty much washed everything away" he growled and turned to Adam who stated
"I checked out the barn, tack room is OK, horses appear OK but we changed their feed and water just in case"
Callum nodded and scratched his head
"Adam, you and TJ need to check the hay, take a few samples into town and get it tested at the feed lot" he growled "Slick, you're with me, Beau and pa checking the stock. Jim I want every horse checked over with a fine tooth comb by you Tyrell and Dwayne. Someone has decided for whatever reason to come after us, they hurt one of ours. We need to be vigilant. From now on go armed just in case" he ordered then turned to Alex and Olivia
"Olivia, you know how to get to the lake and the rear border. You and Alex take Tyler's pick up and take one of Tyler's rifles, you know how to handle it I am sure" Olivia nodded "Report anything suspicious. When you've done that I need you to drive the North boundary fence. Go left out the drive. A few miles up there is a dirt road to the left, take that. It's gonna be slippery. It leads into a stream that feeds some of our watering holes. It's also easy access to some of our back pastures and the cattle there. They would be an easy target"
"No problems" Olivia nodded and she shot Tyler a glare when she went to protest. Tyler wisely kept her mouth shut. Alex had sent her own glare at Tate. Olivia had to bite back a chuckle. Alex was in her jeans and boots again today. She had a pullover on and Olivia spotted her brown Ranch jacket hanging over the back of a chair. She was all ready for a day on the Ranch. She was glad Alex could see her city clothes weren't practical on a ranch.
It was decided Sarah would go to work but be vigilant, always keep her mobile close. Tyler was going to get Hal to come out and take Tate's statement so there was no conflict of interest. She'd be watching her deputy though. There was no love lost between them. He'd wanted her job 6 years ago.
Judy was going to lock up the house for the first time in memory and spend time with Tate, watching over her and helping her cook once the decision was made that she wasn't suffering from concussion.
Breakfast was sombre and not quite up to Tate's usual standards. Tate shooed them out of her kitchen after the subpar effort. She promised the guys to have a nice beef and vegetable soup for lunch along with fresh corn bread and a hearty stew for tea. It would keep their insides warm. If they gave her ten minutes she would have several flasks of strong coffee to go. It was going to be fairly miserable riding in the rain.
Olivia kissed Tyler goodbye as she headed out, pulling her hat low and her jacket tight. Alex hesitated and looked at Tate who was trying to act busy and at the same time hoping Alex would come over and at least hug her goodbye. She sighed in relief and Alex straightened determinedly and walked up to her.
She didn't even try to hold back from the hug and tried not to wince when Alex's hand rubbed over the bruise on her shoulder. Alex placed a tender kiss near her lips
"Take it easy, let Judy help OK. I'll get Olivia to call in on our way to the North border" and before Tate could answer she pulled back and was gone, grabbing her jacket on the way out.
By the time Alex and Olivia raced across the slippery wet ground to where the F350 was parked Alex's hair was caked to her head and water had dripped down to inside her shirt. Olivia teased her that if she had worn her hat it would have prevented that. Once Alex realised she would be opening the gates she gave in and instructed Liv to stop at the house so she could get it.
Olivia took precautions with the truck, someone had been playing around in the sheds. She didn't start it up until she had checked the tyres, checked underneath and popped the hood to check all the hoses, battery, oil and water.
Then she drove them to the house, letting Alex race inside for her hat. Hank came out of the house carrying two rifles. Walking up to the truck he handed one to Olivia and pointed to the rack behind her. Olivia nodded and he moved on, not saying a word.
Olivia checked the gun, made sure the chamber was empty and the safety was on, she wanted no accidents. She turned and secured the gun in the gun rack behind her. Alex came back out, her own hat pulled low and Olivia smiled. She looked all cowgal and awkward with it as she climbed back in. Alex did a double take upon seeing the gun but knew it was there for practical reasons. There were a lot of animals out there. Of the four and two legged kind apparently.
Several minutes and a couple of gates later and Alex finally admitted
"Ok, you were right. The hat keeps the rain off. I don't have to like it though" she grumbled and Olivia chuckled.
They drove through the pouring rain, Olivia concentrating on the slippery roads. They kept an eye out for anything unusual.
"So, you spent the night with Tate" Olivia began "Seriously Alex are you sure?"
"Yes" Alex didn't even pause "I get that she is young Olivia but it doesn't seem to matter to me, it doesn't affect us when we are together. Except that she is inexperienced" Alex sighed and Olivia shot her a startled look
"You're kidding"
"No. She confirmed it" Alex looked down at her hands "Our first time should be interesting" she looked up, blue eyes sparkling "Talk about the blind leading the blind" she laughed and Olivia had to chuckle before all traces of humour slipped away "Just take your time Lex, do what feels right. You said you would stay as long as I am. I'm staying 4 months at least, maybe longer if it works out" Olivia warned
"Then I stay too" Alex nodded "whether it works out or not. I'm mainly here for you Liv. Your my best friend and family. I told you I was committed to reaffirming that"
"Good" Olivia nodded "Just one thing Lex, remember our honesty pact. We need to be honest. We're both hot heads, we'll fight but as long as we are honest we are good"
"OK." Alex nodded "Let's start with this. I honestly care for you a lot, I enjoy spending time with you and hope you can tear yourself away from Tyler enough times to spend some QT with me. On the topic of Tyler I think she is wonderful. You turn into a blushing schoolgirl around her. I've never seen that side of you"
"Nor have I" Olivia chuckled "I think I was a little overwhelmed with it all to start with but I am holding my own now. If Tyler wants femme she has to look elsewhere" Olivia smiled as she remembered Tyler's shock and awe from the previous nights events "I want us to spend quality time too Lex, I'll try and keep Tyler at bay if you do the same with Tate. I like her too by the way, a little young but she dotes on you, anyone can see that" Olivia teased and when Alex blushed she continued "See I'm not the only one who's acting like a schoolgirl and I never thought I would see you in Western gear"
"Shut up" Alex groaned "Tate just looked at me with these big puppy dog eyes and I just melted" she sighed "Besides it's practical. I can't wear skirts or pantsuits around the ranch, or my favourite blouse. Rest assured come Friday date night I will be wearing my usual best, not my Western. When I have to go to NY or Washington I am definitely leaving farm girl way behind"
"Well at least they are designer Lex, not store brand" Olivia laughed
"Hmm, definitely would have drawn the line there. Besides I stayed away from too much western. I think it's just more casual than anything"
"Whatever you say Lex" Olivia laughed as they pulled up to another gate "Whatever you say".
They did a sweeping check of the Lake and the boundary fence along Chase's border. Olivia's gut told her he may have something to do with it but he wasn't stupid enough to damage anything along a shared property line.
She told Alex of her suspicions and Alex took heed, she trusted Olivia's gut. She agreed that Chase had been chasing Tyler relentlessly for years and they both doubted it had anything to do with Tyler, as lovely as Tyler was, but more the land. What did the Triple B have that Chase's ranch didn't? They would have to ask Tyler or Callum.
They drove back to the sheds slowly, the paddocks were nothing but slop. Olivia couldn't believe that just two days ago Tyler had been complaining about a lack of rain. She hoped this helped.
They pulled up alongside the Mess at 9.30am and Olivia made sure to lock the doors of the truck, especially with the gun inside. They hurried into the outdoor kitchen, a lovely aroma hitting them and making their mouths water, it only got stronger as they entered the main kitchen.
Tate was sat on a stool while Judy stood nearby cutting up some carrots. Olivia figure they were for the stew later tonight. One way of making sure the boys got their vegetables. She could see two large pots on the stove which she perceived to be their midday meal of soup. A quick glance in the oven revealed several loaves of bread. Her mouth started to water and she looked at Alex when her stomach growled.
Tate heard and chuckled to herself, getting up she walked over to Alex and offered her a hug despite she resembled a drowned rat.
"No points for guessing who had gate duty" Tate laughed as she pulled back "Why don't you use that fancy machine you bought and make you and Olivia a brew. I'll make you something to satisfy that growling stomach"
Alex nodded and hurried over to the coffee machine after taking off her dripping jacket. Olivia took it and her own over to a coat rack beside the door. She winced when she saw the trail of water and mud they had left. Oops. She turned and jumped when she found Tate behind her with a mop in hand. With a guilty smile she took the mop and started to mop up the floor.