CHAPTER 13

Deception

As much as Cicely wanted to spend time talking to the handsome deputy, she knew there was a loose end that needed to be snipped. It had been easy to convince Calleigh to give her a sedative. All it took was a few tears and a sorrowful image of the nightmares that filled her sleepless nights.

It was some kind of custom that they all ate supper together at the Lady K. A thought which ordinarily would have been an irritation tonight was a God send. Cicely had pretended to be asleep when Calleigh came in to check on her. From her window, she watched as Newly led both horses from the barn and then the two of them rode off.

The tiny white pills Calleigh had given her were hidden in the pocket of her jacket. She was going to throw them away but then decided they might come in handy at a later time. As she mounted her horse, Cicely mentally went over her plan again.

Lady K Lady K Lady K

Kitty was exceptionally quiet during dinner but the rest of the family managed to make enough noise and laughter not to notice. Everyone but Matt. He was still waiting for the explosion.

Someone finally asked about Cicely and a profound sadness fell over the room. Calleigh explained why she had left the Lady K and of course Doc, Newly and Festus shook their heads in sympathy for the young girl. Matt simply let his gaze fall to the table avoiding eye contact with anyone. While Cooper lowered his head and peeked up at his mother.

"She really needs some rest. I gave her a strong enough dose of sleeping pills to keep her asleep all night." Genuine concern could be heard in the young doctor's voice.

"Should have given her-"

"Kitty." Matt quickly intercepted the nasty remark. "Are there any rolls left sweetheart?"

"I think so." His beautiful redhead sucked in a deep breath and forced a smile. "Let me get them for you." She used the time away from the table to shake off the anger that was building. By the time she returned, she was able to produce a genuine smile. She would bide her time.

Double O Double O Double O

Cicely had made it back to the Double O unseen by anyone. She had changed back into the gown that Calleigh had given her and slipped into the soft comfy bed with time to spare. It was done and now she could relax.

The grotesque smile looked out of place on the heart shaped face. Cicely snuggled down into the cool sheets pleased with how she had executed her plan so easily. Gaith was waiting for her just like he promised. That big dimple offsetting his eager smile.

Cicely quickly scanned the area while Gaith retrieved a blanket from his bedroll and spread it out for them. She spotted the rock immediately. Perfect for what she had planned, it was almost as if fate had put it there. The deceptive blonde knew that when she began to kiss him, he would lose all sense of his surroundings.

It was so easy. His eyes were closed, that smile in place and without making a sound, Cicely slammed the rock into the side of his head. Gaith uttered a deep guttural moan and then his hands fell to his side. At this point, he was just unconscious but Cicely planned to rectify that . Skipping on to the next step, she quickly pulled the blanket out from underneath him to keep the blood from soiling it. Once it was clear, the murderous woman sat on the young man's chest and with both hands lifted his head, crushing it down on the rock.

The blanket was soon refolded and packed back in the bedroll. Cicely was slightly out of breath as she stood over the body inspecting her handiwork. It annoyed her that he wasn't quite dead but if it was to look like an accident, she couldn't risk hitting him again. Careful not to get any of the blood on her dress, she knelt down beside the man that loved her.

"Well you're not dead." She whispered as she gingerly poked at the wound. "But the way you're bleeding, it won't be long." Cicely settled back on her heels and studied the handsome face. "It's too bad you weren't rich. But the truth is – Newly will make me a better husband."

The sound of the O'Brians coming home shook her from her reverie. Cicely blew out a long breath allowing her body to relax. She knew Calleigh would stop in to check on her and it was important that she appeared to be in a deep sleep.