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The James Gang Ch. 0

By: Sweetcheekss



Lying next to Trey, Megan’s left hand gradually lost its grip. A young deputy sheriff draped a small blanket over her nearly naked body before picking her up. The shotgun slipped from her hand, dropping into the mud.

“Jack Sutter’s ranch.” Megan mumbled. “The horses…”

“What Miss?” The deputy asked, leaning over her face.

Megan was lulled into near unconsciousness, unable to speak further. The deputy stretched her out on the gurney. Two EMT’s picked her up and wheeled her towards a waiting ambulance. Red, blue and clear lights reflected off the house and trees as they rolled her down the driveway. Looking in the distance, she could see another team of medical personnel working on Trey, still lying in the doorway.

“We’ve got another massacre on our hands!” A deputy exclaimed, standing next to the ambulance’s rear doors. “Looks like some sort of drug deal gone bad!”

The rear doors slammed shut blocking Megan’s view of the men working over Trey. As one of the medical technicians started inserting an IV into her left arm, she lapsed into unconsciousness. 

The next thing Megan remembered was being rolled down a corridor into the medical center’s emergency room. Looking up, the rows of fluorescent lights became one long, blurry stream of illumination. Her body felt cold and numb. She could move her hands but her arms ached terribly.

A doctor dressed in green scrubs, walked up to the examination table as the EMT’s transferred her from the gurney. He looked to be in his mid to late fifties. His tousled gray hair matched his short trimmed beard.

“I’m Doc Holliday.” He said, leaning over her and smiling. “No kiddin’! It’s my real name.”

The doctor removed the blanket from Megan, tossing it to a corner of the curtained examination area. Pulling her panties down for a quick look and seeing her breasts and face badly bruised he immediately asked for a second nurse.

“Cut her underwear off and remove her shoes and socks!” He commanded the second nurse. “And get me a rape kit!”

“We’ve got a real mess with this one.” The doctor muttered. “We need to make sure we get the bastard!”

“I shot him.” Megan mumbled.

“You shot him?” The nurse at Megan’s side murmured. “Good for you.”

“Trey……….” Megan mumbled, her raspy voice trailing off.

“This is gonna hurt Miss but I’ve got to see how bad off you are.” Doc Holliday warned, spreading her legs apart.

While one nurse held her ankles, the doctor spread her pussy open with a speculum. Megan’s body tightened up as the pain became unbearable. Crying out, she begged for him to stop. The nurse at her side, held her arms down against the table.

“She’s got severe vaginal lacerating and tearing.” The doctor stated. “She’s a goddamn mess! At least the bastard didn’t inseminate her. That‘s one thing to be thankful for.”

Doctor Holliday gave the nurse instructions on what he wanted and then told both of them to get Megan to the x-ray department for tests and scans. He also ordered a mild sedative and pain medication for her.

Two men burst into the examination area, demanding to talk with Megan. Both middle-age men wore dark suits and ties, identifying themselves as FBI agents from the Santa Fe office.

“She’s not talking with anyone till I say so!” Doc Holliday exclaimed. “So you can quit flashing your badges! I’m not impressed one damn bit!”

“We need to talk with the lady while the events are still fresh in her mind.” One of the agents stated.

“I said NO!” The doctor retorted. “And, no means no. Maybe in the morning. Hell, maybe not even then. No one talks with her till I say so.”

“There’s a break room with coffee and vending machines just off the lobby.” Holliday said, pulling back the curtain and pointing the way. “Get out of my emergency room!”

As the nurses started to move Megan, Christine rushed up to her.

“Oh God, Megan!” She exclaimed, hysterically sobbing and grabbing Megan’s hand. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”

Megan was helpless to respond. The pain medication and sedation were taking their toll on her. She tried to speak but she barely got her mouth to move. She wanted to find out about Trey, knowing he was seriously injured.

“John Henry!” Christine shouted with tears streaming down her face. “I want to know how bad she is!”

“She’s been raped, beaten and mauled.” Holliday responded. “How do you think she is?”

Megan drifted off to sleep, not waking till almost noon the next day. Moving her head to the side, she saw Maria sitting in a chair next to the bed.

“Ms. Reynolds, you awake?” She whispered, rising from her chair. “I’ll get Mrs. James.”

“Wait.” Megan muttered, grabbing Maria’s hand. “Trey. How bad’s Trey?”

“Mr. James is down the hall.” Maria replied. “He has bad head injuries. You should talk with Mrs. James.”

Megan lie there waiting for Christina. Although her thoughts were on Trey and his condition, she didn’t know what to say about her other son, Collin and her brother, Brock. Christina entered Megan’s hospital room, closing the door behind her. She looked terrible from lack of sleep. Her face was swollen from crying.

“How’s Trey?” Megan asked as Christina made her way to the side of the bed.

“He’s going to be alright.” Christina replied. “He’s got a concussion and some scalp lacerations. He took a bullet but luckily it just crazed his right shoulder. They’re gonna keep him for awhile for observation.”

“I’m…I’m sorry about what Collin did to you.” The woman muttered, wiping her tears. “I’m so sorry about all of this.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” Megan murmured, grasping the woman’s hand. “Everything just got out of hand.”

“How’s Clint taking it?” Megan inquired. “He must be taking it hard.”

“We haven’t told him yet.” Christina replied. “We unplugged the television in his room and we’re not allowing anyone in. The doctor’s going to help me get him through this.”

“How’s my patient doing this morning?” Doc Holliday inquired, smiling as he entered the room. “Much better I hope.”

“I…I’m ok.” Megan mumbled. “How soon can I get out of her?”

“Well, let’s have a look at you.” Holliday responded. “It’s certainly not going to be today if that’s what you’re shooting for.”

“You might want to step out while I examine Ms. Reynolds.” He suggested to Christina.

“If it’s alright with Megan, I’d rather stay.” Christina replied, still holding her hand. 

Megan nodded her head for the doctor to go ahead and examine her. Uncovering her from the waist up, Christina gasped seeing her covered with bruises. Seeing her reaction, Holliday ordered her to leave.

“She doesn’t need to see anymore.” The doctor said. “She’s gone through enough hell.”

Although Megan had quit bleeding from her vaginal wounds, she was still sore and in alot of discomfort. With the aid of a nurse, the doctor treated her internal wounds and ordered more pain medication.

“Those FBI guys are still waiting to talk to you.” Holliday stated. “You feel like talking to them so they’ll leave or do you want me to try and hold them off another day?”

“Let’s get it over with.” Megan responded. “I want them to go away.”

The two FBI agents entered the room. Christina was right behind them. They introduced themselves, displaying their badges and identification.

“We’d like to ask you some questions but it might be better if Mrs. James weren’t present.” One of the agents stated.

“It’s alright with me if she stays.” Megan responded. “It might be better. I won’t have to keep answering questions over and over.”

“We’d like you to start from the beginning of last evening.” One of the agents said. “Tell us exactly that happened and everything that was said.” 

“Don’t leave out any details.” The other agent spoke up. “We need to know everything.”

Megan started with her and Trey driving out to the ranch on Spider Road. She slowed down try to relate the conversations and everything she overheard. Going into details about the rape, she stuttered and stammered, remembering the terror, pain and mauling. Talking about the shooting, she changed one detail, stating she had shot the sheriff from her position lying on the floor. One of the agents caught her in the deliberate lie.

“You shot him with the same gun that killed Collin James. Is that right?” The agent asked. 

“Yes. The Glock .45.” Megan replied.

“According to the Coroner’s report, the sheriff was shot with a .38. Can you explain that?” He inquired.

Megan didn’t answer his question. She didn’t want Christina to know it was Trey who had shot her brother.

“Did Trey James shoot the sheriff?” He asked. “If it wasn’t you, it had to be him.”

Megan withheld answering; knowing the agents already knew the answer.

“Let’s say it was Trey so we can go on with your story.” He said. “It’s not the most important thing as to who shot who.”

Megan continued with her story, concluding with the shootout at Elaine Sutter’s home on the east side of Taos.

“We should have all the information we need for now but we’ll be contacting you in the near future, I’m sure.” One of the agents stated. “Where can we reach you?”

“She’ll be home with us on the Rockin J.” Christina spoke up before Megan could answer. “You can phone her there. But, only if you absolutely have to!”

As the FBI agents left her hospital room, Megan looked over at Christina standing next to the bed.

“I didn’t want you to find out about Trey shooting your brother.” Megan said. “I figured it best if I took the blame.”

“I had a chance to talk with the Coroner early this morning.” Christina commented. “He told me everything that was in his reports. I figured it had to be Trey who fired the shot.”

“I made arrangements to have Collin’s body cremated.” She added, her hands trembling. “They’re going to take him to Santa Fe as soon as they release his body to the funeral home.”

Holding hands, neither one said anything more, knowing words couldn’t soothe their emotional aches and pains. Megan drifted off to sleep late in the afternoon, before the doctor and Christina left to inform Clint of the bad news.

Later that evening, Megan got a visit from the deputy sheriff who’d been first to arrive on the scene at Elaine Sutter’s home. Removing his western-style hat as he entered the room, he asked if he could speak with her. Megan was apprehensive at first until she remembered his face. He was the young man who had covered her with the blanket.

“I want to thank you for covering me up.” Megan said. “Guess I was putting on quite a show.”

“Well, mostly everybody looked at the mess inside the building.” The deputy responded. “We don’t see many scenes like that here in Taos County. At least, I haven’t anyway.”

“The reason, I stopped by was to let you know, I remembered you mentioning Jack Sutter’s ranch.” He added. “It’s down in Socorro County.”

“You were right. Your horses were there. At least, all but three of them according to the theft reports.” He stated, smiling. “But, I’m sure we’ll find them.”

“That’s wonderful!” Megan exclaimed, reaching out to hug the young man. “Mr. James will be so happy!”

“Well Miss, I gotta be getting back on patrol.” He said, blushing when Megan released her hold on him. “We got so many federal agencies down at the county building, we can hardly find a parkin’ place.”

“Federal agencies?” Megan inquired. “Which ones?

“FBI, DEA. Even the ATF have got some people in town.” He replied. “We ain’t used to all this commotion.”

“ATF!” Megan commented. “Are they looking for firearms?”

“I’m not sure what all they’re lookin’ for.” The deputy responded, grinning. “Seems like they’re doin’ more arguing amongst themselves than getting anything done.”

The following morning, Christina came in to see how Megan was doing. She was smiling as she approached her bed. Megan took it as a good sign.

“How’s Trey?” Megan inquired. “Can I see him?”

“Trey’s much better this morning.” Christina replied. “He’s eating without getting sick to his stomach. Clint’s sitting in his room with him.”

“You told him what happened?” Megan muttered. “How’s he taking it?”

“It hit him hard at first, losing Collin and all.” She replied. “But now he knows that Collin WAS involved in the horse thefts and smuggling drugs in from Mexico.”

“He said he’s till got Trey.” Christina added. “He’s thankful he still has one son, an heir to the ranch.”

“But Trey’s not his biological son.” Megan mumbled, looking away from Christina. “It’s not the same. It‘s never the same.”

“Trey’s my son. Over the years, Clint’s adjusted to that fact.” She said, rubbing her hand over Megan‘s. “Right now, he’s probably closer to Trey than ever before.” 

“Did you hear they found our horses?” Christina asked. “They were down at Jack Sutter’s ranch near Socorro.”

“Yeah. One of the sheriff’s deputies stopped by last night an told me they’d found them.” Megan replied. “All but three he said.”

“Clint’s given me some phone numbers to call to see about getting them transported back to the ranch.” Christina commented. “I think I’ll wait till I get you home so you can help me. Ok?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.” Megan answered. “I hope they’ll release me today or at least, by tomorrow.”

“Not today!” Doc Holliday said, entering the room. “Maybe tomorrow and that‘s just a big maybe.”

“I can rest at the ranch as well as I can here.” Megan pleaded. “I can take care of myself. I need to be doing something instead of just lying here in bed.”

“Bet you just want one of those damn cigarettes, don’t ya?” Holliday remarked, grinning. “Well, you may as well kick the habit right now!”

“I will eventually.” Megan commented. “My butt’s getting tired from all this lieing around.”

“Can you stand up without help?” The doctor asked. “You wanna give it a try?”

After lowering the safety railing, Megan swung her legs over the side of the bed. A sharp pain shot up her back causing her to cringe. Grasping the bedsheets, she pulled them loose.

“It’s gonna be a couple of weeks before the back pain goes away. It’ll gradually ease up.” Holliday stated. “I’ll give you some pain medication to help you through it.”

With Christina’s assistance, Megan took her first steps in days. Her legs muscles ached but she put on a false smile trying to fool the doctor.

Sitting back down on the side of the bed, she asked the doctor if she could be released. 

“I’m willing to make a deal with you.” Holliday responded. “You spend another day in the hospital and I’ll release you tomorrow morning. But, only if you’ll agree to my terms and come back in three weeks for a complete physical. And, you have to quit cold-turkey on the smoking and absolutely no alcohol whatsoever. Drink lots of water, no soft drinks!” 

The doctor ran down a whole list of demands, getting Megan’s nod to each. Holliday told her she should walk with the aid of a cane until she could steady herself without effort. 

“Ok, I can handle all that.” Megan stated, smiling. “Anything else?”

“Well, no sex for a month, at least vaginal sex anyway.” Doctor Holliday replied. “You’ve got to really take care of yourself from now on.”

“I’ll see that she does everything you’ve asked her to, John Henry.” Christina remarked. “I’ll keep an eye on her.”

“There is one other thing I think you should know.” Holliday said, grinning. “We’ve been running some test on your blood and body fluids.”

“You’ve tested positive twice for pregnancy.” He added, smiling. “You’re gonna have a baby.”

“Oh my!” Christina exclaimed, shocked. “We’re gonna have a baby!

Megan sat stunned in disbelief. Her eyes dropped to the floor as she absorbed the disturbing news.

“Megan, this is wonderful! Christina shouted. 

“I’ll know more in three weeks.” Holliday commented, putting his hand on Megan‘s shoulder. “I’ll get you some brochures on prenatal care and things to do and not do during pregnancy.”

“I can’t be pregnant.” Megan mumbled. “I’ve been taking my pills.”

“Well, birth control pills aren’t a hundred percent effective.” Holliday remarked. “But, I’m sure you knew that.”

“I can’t be pregnant. I just can’t.” Megan responded. “I have to get out of here and back to Philadelphia right away.”

“Megan, you can’t leave!” Christina exclaimed. “You can’t just up and leave. There‘s no way!”

“It’ll be another month or so before you start showing.” Holliday stated. “Is that what you’re worried about?”

“I don’t want anyone to find out!” Megan exclaimed. “Especially not Trey! He’ll think I did it on purpose! I know he will!” 

“He won’t think any such thing!” Christina responded. “I’ll kick his butt if he does! He’s got just as much to do with this as you!”

“Got just as much to do with what?” Clint shouted, pushing the wheels forward on his wheelchair as he entered Megan’s room.

“You talking about Trey or me?” He inquired, grinning.

“Promise me you won’t say a word.” Megan whispered to Christina.

Christina nodded her head even though she desperately wanted everyone to know. She was thrilled at the exciting news and wanted to share it with someone.

“How about everyone clearing the hell out so Megan and I can talk in private?” Clint suggested, rolling up alongside the bed.

With just the two of them in the room, Megan felt trapped. She didn’t know what to expect from Collin’s father.      

“Mind telling me what you’re crying about?” Clint asked. “I know you’re worried about Trey but he’s gonna be alright. It’s just gonna take him time to get back on his feet.”

“I know. Christina’s been keeping me posted.” Megan responded. “I thought I’d walk down and see him later today. I guess he still wants to see me.”

“Hmmm. Mind telling me what that’s supposed to mean?” Clint curiously inquired. 

Megan shook her head, not wanting to answer. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she attempted to change the subject by talking about recovering the stolen horses.

“The hell with the horses!” Clint exclaimed. “Let’s talk about you and Trey and the Rockin J. That‘s what‘s important.”

“I don’t know what there is to talk about.” Megan remarked. “I need to get the airplane back and then I’m going back to Philadelphia where I belong.”

“Fuck that goddamn airplane! Put that out of your mind!” Clint retorted. “You’re not going anywhere but back to the ranch! I won’t have it any other way!”

Clint spun his wheelchair around, hurriedly proceeding towards the doorway. He appeared to be quite angry.

“You know, I’m getting used to this contraption.” He stated, spinning around and staring at Megan. “Soooo……..you better get used to living at the ranch.”

“I have spoken!” He said grinning. “And, I’m still the boss!”

Early that evening, Megan paid a visit to Trey in his room down the hallway. Christina walked with her to help steady her. The pain medication was making her weak and dizzy.

“We still have a promise to keep, don’t we?” Megan asked. “About my being pregnant.”

“Yeah. I just wish you’d accept it better.” Christina replied. “Trey deserves to know. Clint would be dancing! I know he would.”

“Maybe some day, just not now.” Megan commented before entering Trey’s room.

Trey was lying on his side. The left side of his head had been shaven and heavily bandaged. His bruised face smiled when he saw Megan approaching him.

“Finally decided to come pay me a visit.” He quipped. “Thought maybe you’d forgotten about me.”

Megan didn’t reply to his remarks. Lowering the safety railing on Trey’s bed, she climbed on the bed with him.

“Scoot over. Quit hoggin’ the bed.” She murmured, stretching out next to him.

“I don’t think the hospital’s going to let you two get away with this.” Christina commented, raising the safety railing.

“Give us an hour or two alone.” Megan muttered. “We need some time together.”

Christina left the room, closing the door behind her. Trey put his arm around her, pulling her in snug to his warm body.

“I love you.” Trey whispered in her ear, placing his hand on her tummy. “I should have told you much sooner.”


The James Gang Ch. 01



"Don't ya think that skirt's a little too short?" Jack Reynolds exclaimed, knocking Megan's feet off her desk.

"Why? I've got the legs for it!" Megan snapped back. "Nobody else is objecting!"

"That's cause they know it won't do any good to say anything." Jack responded, taking a seat across from her desk.

Jack Reynolds was the founder and president of his own security and investigation business. He was quite handsome for a gentleman in his early fifties. Even though his six-foot frame was showing slight signs of age, his light brown hair was still full and his bright green eyes still very clear. 

"So, what's up Pop?" Megan asked, brushing aside her hair.

"Don't call me Pop!" Jack exclaimed. "I hate that!"

"Ok. What's up Ole Man?" She kidded.

"And that either! I especially hate that term!" He retorted.

"Ok. Ok." Megan said. "So what's on you mind, DAD?"

"I need you to help out an ole army buddy of mind." Jack replied. "He's got himself in a hell of a financial bind and he's got some really serious problems at his ranch."

"I need you to get out to New Mexico as soon as possible and take control of the situation." He continued. "I've already told Clint you were coming."

"New Mexico!" Megan exclaimed. "That's out west!

"Yep. At least, it was the last time I looked at a map." Jack quipped, grinning.

"What's the matter, somebody hold up the stage coach, kidnap the school marm, rustle some cattle or burn down the saloon." She quipped.

"Are you finished with the wise-ass remarks?" Jack asked, getting exasperated with his daughter.

"I don't know all the details." He continued. "I do know he's losing money and he's got trouble with an insurance company paying off some claims."

"I've got some notes jotted down in my office." He added. "You can look them over. You probably should take them with you unless you want to commit them to memory."

"What if I don't wanna go?" Megan inquired, smirking.

"Then I'll boot your butt out the door!" Jack exclaimed. "I don't care what your mother would say!"

Slipping on her black high-heel shoes and smoothing the front of her skirt, Megan followed her father down the hallway to his office. Her father's office was much larger than Megan's, decorated with several posters of his favorite professional football team, the Eagles.

"Hope you can read my writing." Jack said, handing her a handful of notes. 

"Over the years, I've managed to decipher your handwriting pretty well although it does resemble hieroglyphics." Megan quipped.

While Megan read over the notes, Jack gazed at his daughter standing next to him. At twenty-six years of age, she'd never been married, not even engaged. It concerned her mother as much as it concerned him. She was a prize catch for any man although she seemed ever elusive. With two Bachelor's degrees from Penn State, one in business and one enforcement, her brains complimented her dazzling beauty.

At five-foot-eight, Megan had the face and figure men took notice of immediately, often admiring her beauty for lengthy moments. Her sandy-blonde, Farrah Fawcett hairstyle was a bit outdated but it was the way she liked it. She could bring it off perfectly. Her sculptured figure couldn't have been more perfect. She had everything going for her except her smart-ass attitude and constant smoking habit. Her father hoped she outgrow both and settle down.

Megan preferred living life to the fullest, building up her bank accounts and having sex whenever the mood struck her. Around the office, she was known as the "Wildcat". A term, her father frequently overheard amongst his other employees.

"Who's this Trey guy?" Megan inquired, interrupting her father's thoughts. "And this Collin guy?

"Those are Clint's two sons." Jack replied. "But, he only wants you to talk with him and Trey. He doesn't completely trust Collin for some reason so try and avoid him as much as you can."

"What's the Rockin' J?" She asked. "The name of his ranch?"

"Yep. Clint's last name is James." Jack answered. "Hence, the name Rockin' J."

"It's a wonder he didn't call his boys, Frank and Jesse." Megan smarted. "That would've been a helluva tag."

"How soon can you get your butt out there?" Her father asked. "A couple of days maybe?"

"I need to put some ideas together on my laptop, gather up some clothes and get my car serviced before I go." She replied. "Maybe a week."

"No good!" Jack exclaimed. "Three days from now I want your butt parked on Clint's front porch. He's even offered you accommodations at his home. It'd save me money on your expense account if you'd take him up on it."

"I'd prefer to stay at a Holiday Inn or something." She responded. "Course, they probably don't have anything but boardin' houses or rooms over the saloon."

"You can take my Suburban." Her father offered. "You'll need it for all the things you'll need to take with you."

"No thanks!" She exclaimed. "I'm taking my Vette. I don't need a damn truck!"

"One other thing." Jack warned. "Knock off that attitude with these people. At least, try and tone it down some. I'm counting on you to help these nice folks out. They don't need you pissing them off."

"I'll see what I can do." Megan said as she stepped out of the office. "But I'm not making any promises."

Back in her own office, Megan reread the notes her father had scribbled down. Not wanting to have to memorize them, she set up a database on her laptop to record the information. After transferring the notes onto her computer, she logged onto the internet to see if Taos, New Mexico might have a website. As luck would have it, there were several. She bookmarked them all.

Taos was best known for its Spanish history, cultural activities and skiing. Not much was mentioned about ranching or anything agricultural. Megan spent the rest of the afternoon downloading information and maps on the area. By mid-afternoon, she had her tan attaché packed with information she thought she might need, along with her laptop computer. Leaving the office shortly before 4pm, she stopped to have her car, a black '96 Corvette coupe, serviced. It was her pride and joy since it was one of the few things she owned. Opting for apartment living over home owning, Megan preferred not to be encumbered with responsibilities.

That evening she carefully selected and packed her clothes for the trip to New Mexico. Opening the gun safe secured to the bottom of her queen-size bed, she removed her Glock Model 21 pistol and three ten-round magazines. She rarely fired it except at one of the indoor shooting ranges, just to keep her marksmanship well-honed. Also, attached to the bottom of her bed was a Remington Marine Magnum 12 gauge shotgun with a custom pistol grip, which fired three-inch magnum rounds. Megan packed both guns carefully along with an ample supply of ammo for each weapon.

Early the next morning, she stopped by the office for a brief visit with her father before heading out on the long journey. Driving alone, it would take her two full days to make the nearly two-thousand mile trip from Philadelphia. Megan had booked reservations at the Hampton Inn, but at eighty-five dollars a day she might accept Clint James' offer to stay at his home if the assignment was going to prove lengthy.

Arriving late on the second day of her long journey, Megan was glad to check into her room at the hotel. After grabbing a quick shower, she dressed for dinner in the hotel's restaurant. The diningroom was elaborately decorated with numerous works of western art and historic displays. For Megan, it was all quite interesting. After dinner, she walked down the street towards town, working out the tense muscles in her legs. The historic part of town had numerous antique stores and quaint shops. Most of the structures along the extremely narrow streets were of adobe construction, obviously having gone through extensive restoration. 

The next morning, Megan dressed in a beige business suit for her initial meeting with Clint James at his ranch northwest of town. Grabbing her purse, attaché and map, she drove her Corvette along the winding, mountainous road. The scenery was breathtaking, causing her to slow down several times to take in the magnificent views. 

"This is sure alot different then Philly!" Megan thought. "This place is gorgeous!"

Arriving at the gated entrance to the Rockin' J ranch, Megan slowed as she drove down the winding asphalt driveway towards the house. Rounding a tall rocky outcropping, the beautiful southwestern style home came into immediate view. The expansive front lawn was landscaped as well as any country club golf course she'd ever seen.

"God damn! Now that's a house!" She thought.

The James' home was a large and sprawling two-story adobe structure with a bright orange tile roof. Large round timbers protruded from several walls along the front of the home. There were several archways, included one leading to an interior courtyard with a large fountain in the center. 

Megan eased the Corvette through the archway, then circled the fountain before parking near the double front doors of the exquisite home. She quickly retrieved her purse and attaché before exiting the sports car. 

Clint James came out to meet her on the veranda as she approached the house. His appearance was completely different than she'd pictured in her mind. Instead of being extremely rugged looking and wearing a cowboy hat and worn-out blue jeans, he presented the appearance of an Atlantic City casino pitboss. His salt and paper hair looked professionally coiffured. He was very handsome and quite dapper. He was slightly taller than Megan by a couple of inches and appeared to be in good physical shape. Wearing a beige business suit, similar in color to hers, he and Megan looked like a matched set of business people. Removing his designer sunglasses, she quickly noticed his piercing, bright blue eyes.

"Ms. Reynolds. I'm so happy you made it." Clint James greeted, smiling and extending his hand.

"Thank you!" Megan replied, shaking the handsome gentleman's hand. "You certainly have a beautiful home."

"I'm glad you like it. I hope you'll enjoy your stay with us." He responded.

Leading Megan inside the home on his arm, she was immediately confronted by a large indoor fountain discharging crystal clear water down its two-story configuration. 

"I see you like fountains." Megan commented. "They're both quite beautiful."

"My ex-wife was into water effects although I'll have to admit, I like them quite a bit myself." Clint responded. "This house was her design. She even supervised the construction."

"She's quite talented." Megan remarked. "I take it she's not here any longer."

"She moved back to Florida a couple of years ago." He muttered. "We seldom communicate anymore."

Leading Megan to his second floor office at the rear of the house, Megan got her first look at the rest of the ranch. One wall of the spacious office was solid glass from floor to ceiling offering an unobstructed view of the ranch. Countless horses grazed and pranced around behind white board fences. In the distance, Megan could see several huge barns and horse trailers lined up in a neat row.

"That's my youngest son, Trey, out by the barns." Clint pointed out, handing Megan a pair of binoculars. "He does most of the work."

Megan focused the binoculars as she peered out towards the barns. Spotting Clint's youngest son in the distance, she held the binoculars centered on the young man. She had to bite her lower lip to keep from making a verbal comment. Wearing faded bluejeans and a black western hat, he was working without a shirt. 

"Oh my God! He's a fucking hunk!" Megan thought. "I'd like to have his ass between two slices of bread for lunch!"

Stacking bales of hay just inside one of the barns, Megan could clearly see Trey James was built like an Adonis. His strong biceps and triceps were extremely well developed. His muscular shoulders were those of an athlete. When he removed his hat to wipe his brow, Megan got a good look at his face. His dark brown hair appeared thick and rich. His handsome, clean-shaven face was very similar to his father's. He was drop-dead gorgeous!

Megan quickly scanned over the multitude of horses in the pastures so Clint James wouldn't think she was staring at his son.

"Magnificent, aren't they?" Clint remarked. "The most beautiful animals on earth."

"Yes, they certainly are!" Megan agreed. "Absolutely gorgeous!"

While Clint was obviously referring to the horses, Megan was referring to his son, Trey.

Sitting down at his large and quite expensive desk ensemble, he gestured for Megan to sit in one of the leather casual chairs in front. Megan's eyes scanned over the office, noticing its expensive furnishings. Along one wall sat a trophy case with numerous awards, belt buckles and memorabilia. 

Offering her coffee, he buzzed the intercom to the kitchen, placing the order. Within minutes, a young Hispanic girl entered the office carrying a serving tray with two cups of coffee. She appeared to be in her very early twenties and quite attractive. Her dark skin was accentuated by her long and straight black hair that hung halfway down her back. The girl's dark eyes set off her very pretty face. She gave Megan a quick smile as she handed her the coffee.

"Maria's only been with me a few weeks." Clint stated. "Her father and brothers also work for me on the ranches."

"Ranches?" Megan inquired. "You have more than one?"

"Two ranches here, another up in Colorado." Clint replied. "Trey mostly takes care of that one."

"How many acres do you have all total?" She asked.

"Ten-thousand acres here, another five-thousand east of Taos." He answered. "A little over four-thousand acres just south of Alamosa, Colorado."

"WOW! That's almost twenty-thousand acres." Megan exclaimed. "We need all the pasture we can get." Clint remarked. "Out here, good pasture is like gold."

"Tell me about Collin." Megan said. "Why don't you want me to have any contact with him?"

"You'll have some contact with him. It can't be avoided." He replied with a touch of anger in his voice. "He lives here but doesn't pay a dime of expenses. Drives around all day in his German made car trying to sell real estate."

"You're not to discuss anything with him." Clint continued raising his voice. "I told him you were my new ranch manager."

"Ranch manager!" She exclaimed. "I don't know anything about managing a ranch. I know what a horse looks like. That's about it."

"Just play it by ear. Trey'll help you out." He responded. "He's been doing most of the work since he could walk. He knows just about everything there is to know. But he doesn't know beans about management."

"Won't Collin pick up on my inexperience?" Megan asked. "I'm sure I can't talk horses without saying something wrong."

"Well, just make general statements and hum alot. Nod your head if it sounds like he's making a positive statement." Clint suggested, smiling. "He rarely talks horses. He only talks real estate and women."

"One of my father's notes mentioned something about stolen horses and insurance claims." She commented.

Before Clint could answer her, a horn sounded from the driveway.

"That's Trey getting ready to leave." He said. "He won't come into the house if he's been out around the horses or the barns. He's afraid he'll track something in."

"Let's go out and I'll introduce you two." Clint suggested, rising from his leather desk chair. 

Clint escorted Megan down the winding staircase to the front door. Stepping out onto the veranda, she got her first close-up look at the younger of Clint's two sons. 

As Trey stepped from his flatbed truck, Megan observed him remove his western hat and work gloves before brushing his thick, dark brown hair back. He'd put on a checkered shirt but hadn't buttoned it. She could plainly see his partially bared chest and rippled stomach muscles. Standing in her high-heels, she was almost the same height as the young man.

"Trey. I'd like you to meet Megan Reynolds." Clint said. "She's Jack's daughter from Philadelphia."

"Ms. Reynolds." Trey spoke softly, with a hint of a smile. "I understand you're gonna be the ranch manager here at the Rockin' J."

"Yes." Megan replied, shaking his rough and calloused hand. "I'm going to give it a try anyway."

"Why don't you join Megan and I for dinner this evening?" Clint suggested. "Maybe you two can find a quiet place to talk afterwards."

Trey stated he was going up to the ranch at Alamosa and might not be back until late. His response didn't set well with his father. 

"Dinner's at 6pm sharp!" Clint retorted, raising his voice. "I expect you to be on time!"

Trey didn't reply. He was clearly embarrassed by his father's outburst. Putting his hat on, he climbed back into his truck before driving out of the courtyard.

"Sometimes I have to kick Trey in the nuts, if you'll pardon my language, to get him to do what I want." Clint stated with a slight grin.

Returning to the second floor office, Megan and Clint began their discussion again. As Clint talked, Megan jotted down notes. Later, she would add them to the database she'd previously started.

For the past six months, the Rockin' J ranches had lost numerous high-dollar horses to theft. Every horse on all three ranches had been appraised by two certified equestrian appraisers. Clint had filed claims on each of the horses that were stolen. The first three claims had been paid, totaling more than a hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. However, until further investigations could be made, the insurance company was withholding any more payments. To make the situation worse, Clint had received written notice they were terminating his coverage in thirty days. 

"Can you get another insurance company to cover your horses?" Megan inquired.

"No one will touch the Rockin' J." Clint replied. "All these damn insurance companies work together. They've all blackballed me."

"What about the police or sheriff's department? Haven't they been of any help?" She asked.

"Not one bit." Clint answered. "We live outside the city limits. All we've got to work with is the sheriff's department. With no more deputies than they have, they're covered up with drug investigations, domestic violence calls and traffic accidents."


"I have to sell a hundred-thousand dollars in horses every month to show a good bottom line." He stated. "With the notoriety I've been getting, I'm scaring off alot of good buyers."

"Ms. Reynolds. I'll lay it on the line." Clint stated. "If I don't get this mess straightened out right away, I stand a good chance of having to liquidate some assets. Maybe even this house!"

"I'll do everything I can to help you out." Megan remarked. "But, I certainly can't make any guarantees."

"You've got to help me. That's all there is to it." Clint retorted. "Failure is not an option!"

"I don't like being threatened, Mr. James!" Megan exclaimed. "I said I'd do everything I could and I meant it!"

"And another thing. If you ever talk to your son again like you did earlier this morning, I'm pulling out and leaving your ass hanging." Megan added, picking up her purse and attaché. "One thing I do know about horses is what a horse's ass looks like."


"Ms. Reynolds, I apologize for my actions." Clint muttered. "I'll be sure to contain myself around Trey in the future."

"I do hope you'll still join me and my sons for dinner." He said in a much calmer voice.

"Yes, I'll be here by 6pm." Megan responded. 

Before leaving, Megan put her purse and attaché in her car, then walked out to get a closer look at some of the horses. Seeing them up close, gave her a sense of their spirit and their beauty.

Returning around 5:30 that evening, Megan was greeted at the door by Trey's smiling face. Wearing dark dress slacks and a soft blue sport shirt, he looked even more handsome than she remembered. Megan had to force herself to take her eyes off him.




The James Gang Ch. 01



"Collin won't be joining us this evening." He said, grinning. "We can eat in peace without listening to him prattle on."

While Clint apologized for his eldest son's absence, Trey seemed more than just a little pleased. During dinner, the conversation was all about ranching and horses. Nothing was said, not even mentioned, about the stolen horses. Megan thought it was quite odd since it was a serious problem that had to be addressed. She wasn't about to bring it up if neither of the men were.

"I was thinking Trey could give you a tour of the ranches tomorrow after you get moved in." Clint suggested. "It'll give you a chance to see what you've got to work with."

"Lock your bedroom door!" Trey mumbled, looking down at his food.

"Pardon?" Megan said.

"I didn't say anything." Trey replied, giving her a funny look.

Megan took it as a cue not to ask him to elaborate on his remark. After dinner, the trio walked out onto the terrace to share an after-dinner drink. Megan was dying for a cigarette but hesitant to light one up in front of her host. When Clint lit up a small cigar, she took the opportunity to grab a smoke. Trey gave her a look of disapproval but didn't say anything. They stood out on the terrace for quite awhile, watching the horses off in the distance.

"Well Dad, I need to be getting home." Trey commented. "Tomorrow's another day and I've got alot to do."

"I was hoping you and Megan could discuss our situation this evening." Clint responded, sounding quite disappointed.

"We can talk tomorrow while I'm showing her around the ranches." He replied.

As he turned to walk back into the house his arm brushed against hers. Megan took it as a signal that he wanted her to leave too. Politely excusing herself and making an excuse that she was still quite tired from her trip, she followed Trey out onto the veranda. He escorted Megan to her car, opening the door for her.

"Nice car." Trey commented. "I've always wanted a Corvette."

Megan sat in the seat, awkwardly swinging her legs in behind her and trying not to show too much leg. She noticed Trey taking the opportunity to get a good look anyway.

"Follow me." He murmured, keeping his voice from being overheard.

Megan started her car, waiting while Trey led the way out of the courtyard. She followed him back through town to a small trailer court on the south edge of town. Parking alongside one of the trailers, she pulled in behind him.

"Don't tell me this is where you live!" She commented, getting out of her car.

"I'd call it a hovel but it'd have to be upgraded to reach that level." He quipped. "It's just a place to sleep and eat. That's all I use it for."

Entering the mobile home, Megan was pleasantly surprised at its tidiness. Standing in the livingroom, she glanced around at the sparse furnishings that appeared to be almost as hold as she was.

"I see your tastes run different from your father's." She remarked. "No bubbling fountains!"

"Well, the kitchen faucet drips occasionally, so does the shower." Trey responded with a slight grin. "That's more than enough water effect for me."

"I'm curious. What was that remark about locking my bedroom door at your father's house?" She asked.

"Just make sure you lock it." He answered. "I won't be there to keep an eye on you at night."

"How come you don't live at the house?" Megan inquired. "Sure beats this place and it'd be closer to your work."

"I keep my distance from Dad." Trey replied. "And, I try to stay completely away from my brother."

"I put together a box of books for you to look through." He said, pointing towards a storage box on the kitchen table. "There's information on ranching and horses. Read them and you should be able to talk the lingo a little better."

"I talked quite a bit with your father today." Megan stated. "You and I need to talk too."

"We can talk tomorrow while I'm showing you around." Trey responded. "I'm not going to say much till I feel more comfortable with you. I don't trust anyone till I get to know them better."

"So I take it, you don't trust me then." She remarked.

"I may in the morning." Trey said. 

"What's that supposed to mean?" Megan inquired.

Instead of answering her questions, Trey slowly walked towards her. His handsome face displayed a sinister smile. Looking into his soft blue eyes, Megan became mesmerized. Trey put his hands at her waist, pulling her into him. Their moist lips met for the first time in a soft and tender kiss. Megan melted into his arms, her thoughts completely erased from her mind. Trey lightly ground his lips against hers, prolonging the passionate kiss. Placing her hands on his broad, muscular shoulders, she held him tightly as the kiss continued. Her heart was pounding.

"You're not wearing a wire, are you?" Trey asked, when their lips finally parted.

"Huh! A wire!" Megan muttered, stunned and slightly short of breath. "Why would I be wearing a wire?"

Reaching for the top button on her blouse, he quickly unbuttoned it. 

"Mind telling me what you think you're doing?" She asked looking down; watching as his hands swiftly unbuttoned her blouse.

"Checking for bugs." He murmured, slipping the blouse from her shoulders and tossing it onto the couch.

"You're not serious!" She exclaimed, feeling his hands sliding the zipper down on her beige skirt.

Trey pushed the skirt down over her hips. Holding it with one hand, he tapped her on the leg.

"Step out of it." He commanded.

"This is ridiculous!" Megan retorted, putting her hands on his shoulders to steady herself as she lifted each leg from the skirt.

Trey tossed the skirt onto the couch, next to her blouse. She stood before the handsome rancher clad in just her white lace bra and matching panties. Her beige high-heels certainly did nothing to offer any coverage!

"Nice undies." Trey murmured. "You've got one helluva body."

"Well, I hope you've seen enough." Megan snapped, embarrassed and angered.

"Whatta you think?" He said, reaching for the clasp behind her back.

Swiftly unhooking her bra with one hand, he watched as it slid down her arms. Trey's eyes widened as he got his first look at her firm breasts. He stared at them for several moments, making her feel quite awkward and embarrassed. Megan bit her lip as she watched him ogle her.

"Do the cuffs match the collar? Trey muttered, tugging on the front of her panties.

"Well, damned if they don't!" He exclaimed, looking down at her sandy blonde pubic hair.

"I hope you've seen enough!" Megan retorted, pulling his hand from the elastic waistband on her lace panties.

"Whatta you think?" He replied with a smile.

"Is that all you ever say, whatta you think?" She asked.

"You're even more beautiful when you're angry." He murmured. "I guess you know that."

His words caught her off-guard. She didn't know what to say next. She stood there motionless as her anger slowly faded.

"You can get dressed if you want." He stated, stepping away but still staring at her.

Megan's hands covered her bare breasts as she walked towards her clothes strewn about on the couch. Her anger was slowly returning.

"I've never been so humiliated!" She exclaimed as she picked up her bra.

"I'm going to bed." Trey stated, unbuttoning his shirt. "You can sleep here if you want."

"I wouldn't sleep in this tin box if it were the last place on earth!" Megan shouted, her anger nearing its boiling point.

Trey approached her again after laying his shirt over a chair. He jerked the bra from her hands, tossing it back onto the couch.

"Now what? You gonna rape me?" She barked.

"Whatta you think?" He responded, picking her up and tossing her over his shoulder.

Entering the bedroom at the rear of the trailer, he tossed her onto the bed. Propping herself up on her elbows, she watched him remove her high-heels, letting them fall to the carpeted floor. 

The bedroom was dark except for the livingroom lights spilling a trace of illumination down the hallway. Trey slowly slipped out of his clothes, deliberately taunting her. Still wearing his tight black boxers, he climbed onto the bed with her. 

Embracing Megan against his warm body, the two kissed passionately for several minutes. Trey was in not hurry to consummate their first sexual experience together. Megan's breathing was hard and fast, her sexual desires awakening and craving to be satisfied immediately. Trey slipped his tongue between her lips, flicking softly at hers. Megan sucked on it like she was milking a hard cock. Breaking their prolonged kiss, Trey worked his lips along her neck, slowly making his way towards her sensitive ears.

"Oh God………..Trey…………I need you" She murmured. "I need you now. Oh God please!" 

Her plea fell on deaf ears as he continued placing hot kisses on her neck. His lips gently nibbling on her ears practically sent her into orbit. Megan's hands clenched Trey's upper arms, her fingernails digging into the muscular flesh. She was softly moaning, feeling her hot juices flowing through her pussy.

Cupping her firm breasts, Trey nibbled lightly at each of her nipples, bringing them to erection. Even in the darkened bedroom, she could see his handsome face and well-developed body. She lay her head back on the pillow, letting the erotic sensations take control of her. She ground her ass hard against the sheets as Trey's fingertips lightly brushed across her flat tummy. Slipping his hand beneath the lacy material, his fingers rubbed gently over her pubic mound. 

"Oh God…….Trey………..don't tease me." She begged, muttering the words.

Trey's fingers slipped between her legs, feeling the wetness dripping from her pussy. Ever so slowly, he slipped a finger between the lips of her pussy, penetrating her. Swirling the digit around slowly inside her, he brought her to a sudden and intense orgasm. Megan's back arched off the bed, lifting her ass into the air. 

"ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" She cried out. "OHHHHHHHH GODDDDDD"

The prolonged orgasm seemed to go on forever, aggravated by Trey's finger teasing her hard clit. Megan gradually lowered herself back onto the bed, her legs tightly clenched around Trey's hand. Waiting till she regained a steady breath, Trey slipped her panties down her legs, tossing them away. Megan's pussy was flowing her cum down onto the sheets. 

Trey spread her legs far enough to allow him to stretch out between them. His tongue licked freely at her juices like a kitten lapping up warm cream. Megan felt tingling sensations racing through her body like streaks of ice. Within moments, her pelvis was pushing against Trey's face as his tongue swirled just inside her wanton pussy. Her hands, saturated with perspiration, grasped the back of his head. Trey feverously tongued her sensitive clit, sending her into a mind-boggling orgasm. Her entire body shook as the sensation ravaged her body.

"OHHHHHHH TRREEEEEEEYYYYYYYYY" She screamed. "HOLD MEEEEEEEEE"

Trey held Megan's legs to keep her from kicking him. Her hands gripped the sheets pulling them loose as the orgasm continued on. The orgasm finally waned, leaving Megan lying lifeless. Her strength was completely zapped from her body. Her eyes barely focused on Trey as he climbed off the bed. Removing his black boxers, Megan got to see his magnificent cock for the first time. Long and thick, it protruded from him like a saber.

Positioning himself between Megan's legs, he leaned over her, kissing her passionately. She felt the head of his hard cock at the entrance to her pussy as their kiss continued. The folds of her pussy parted as she welcomed his throbbing cock inside her. Trey worked his cock slowly and deliberately in and out of her. Each stroke brought a gasp from her throat as his thick cock stretched her tight pussy.

"Oh, God……………don't stop……….please, don't stop" She begged as Trey fucked her slow and gently.

Megan's juices were flowing freely, lubricating Trey's hot cock. Her hands on his shoulders were grasping him tight as another orgasm starting building. Megan was loosing control of her body to Trey as he began fucking her faster. His cock was plunging into her like a jackhammer. His hot balls slapped against her ass with each stroke.

"OHHHHHHHHH GODDDDDDDDD NOOOOOOO…….ARGHHHHHHHH" She moaned in a loud guttural voice. "OHHHHHHHHHH GODDDDDDDDDDD"

The phenomenal orgasm shook her body with a force of its own. She seemed to attain super strength as her muscles tightened. Pulling herself up, she forced Trey back onto his heels. Her action drove his cock deeper into her pussy. Trey held her to him, continuing to pump his cock into her. His loud moan and paralyzing grip on her signaled his climax. Hot, thick cum spewed from his cock, flooding her pussy. Feeling his cream inside her, mingling with hers, gave Megan a feeling she'd never experienced before. At that moment, she felt so very close to Trey.

Maintaining their position, Trey and Megan both fought to regain their breaths. Perspiration was pouring from both of them. Megan put a hand behind Trey's head, burying her face in his neck.

"You ready to go again?" He whispered.

"You're kidding, Right?" Megan muttered, still short of breath.

"Whatta you think?" He murmured.

Laying her gently back on the bed, Trey started fucking his still hard cock in and out of Megan. With her legs cradled in the crook of his arms, she looked down as her lover stroked his glistening cock in and out of her pussy. She couldn't take much more! 

After a lengthy period of continuous intense and vigorous fucking, Trey shot another load of his steaming cream into her. His teeth clenched tight and his face cringed as his climax paralyzed his perspiration-soaked body. Slowly, he lowered himself to Megan, giving her a long tender kiss. Rolling to one side, he wiped perspiration from his face. His chest heaved as he slowly regained his breathing. Pulling Megan into his arms, he cuddled her close. She put her soft hand on his chest, soothing him.

"Mind telling me how old you are?" She murmured, apprehensive of his answer.

"Twenty-one." He muttered. "Why? How old are you?"

"Too old for you." She whispered, now knowing he was five years younger than her.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He murmured, holding her tighter.

"Nothing. Just forget I said it." Megan mumbled.

Early the next morning, Trey gently woke Megan from her sound sleep.

"It's morning, almost 6am. You can get in the shower." He said. "There's still plenty of hot water."

After showering, Megan fixed her hair and put on her make-up. Trey was standing in the kitchen watching her get dressed. 

"I've got to be getting out to the ranch east of town." He stated, handing her a cup of fresh coffee. "I'll meet you at Dad's later on. We'll saddle up a couple of horses and I'll give you a tour of that ranch first."

"Saddle up horses!" Megan exclaimed, lighting up a cigarette. "I've never ridden a merry-go-round, let alone a horse!"

"Well, if you're gonna manage the ranch, you'll have to learn how." He responded. "May as well be today as any."

"I've got to stop by the hotel and get my things." She commented. "I shouldn't be long."

Trey and Megan kissed before they left. The thought of their age difference crossed her mind momentarily. She wished Trey was older than twenty-one although she admired his maturity. 

Gathering her things from the Hampton Inn and packing them in her car, she proceeded out to the Rockin' J. Approaching the gated entrance to the ranch, Megan saw a silver, late model Mercedes-Benz sedan speeding down the driveway. Without slowing, the luxury sedan pulled out onto the two-lane road, speeding towards her. She barely got a glimpse of the driver, but it appeared to be Clint James, only much younger. She quickly assumed it was Collin, Trey's older brother.

Parking in the courtyard, Megan grabbed her purse and attaché to take in with her. Maria met her at the front door in a panic. The young girl seemed quite distraught as she grabbed Megan by the hand.

"It is Mr. James! He is hurt!" She exclaimed.

Megan rushed into the house following Maria upstairs to the master bedroom. She found Clint lying on the floor in his bathroom with a large bruise on his forehead.

"I'm alright." He muttered. "I just stumbled and fell."

Megan put her hand on his chest. Clint James heart was beating a mile a minute and he was very feverish. Looking at his face, she noticed his right eye was drooping while his left eye was clear. With Maria's assistance, the two women managed to get the man back to his bed. He was complaining of a severe headache. Without hesitation, Megan called for an ambulance to be dispatched to the ranch. As she was about to call Trey on his cell phone, she saw his truck pass by the house.

"Maria, go get Trey out at the barns!" She commanded. "Tell him to come to the house right away."

Maria ran out of the room and down the winding staircase. She could hear the girl running across the marble floor in the foyer as she ran towards the front doors. Sitting on the bed next to Clint, she noticed him getting quite pale. She tried talking to him but he didn't appear to be listening to her.

As Trey rushed into the bedroom, Megan could hear the ambulance sirens as it sped up the driveway.

"What is it?" Trey asked, out of breathe from running. "What's happened?"

"I think he's had a stroke." Megan replied. "I'm not sure but he has all the signs."

Two emergency medial technicians followed Maria into the bedroom with their medial equipment. They immediately started checking Clint James' vital signs

"Maria, will you go down to my car and get my things out. Just bring them into the house for now." Megan asked. 

Maria scurried back down the stairway to do as Megan had asked. Trey was standing at the head of his father's bed, looking down as the technicians inserted IV's into his dad's arm. 

"Let's pack him up quick." One of the technicians spoke out.

Trey and Megan followed the men out to the ambulance as they loaded Clint into the back.

"Come on. We'll take my car." Megan stated. "You're in no shape to be driving."

The two followed the ambulance to the medical center in Taos. At the emergency room, Trey and Megan were shown to a waiting area off to the side.

"You should call your brother and let him know what's happened." Megan suggested, handing him her cell phone. "He should be here with his father."

Trey phoned his brother, Collin, but all he got were excuses as to why he couldn't come to the hospital. He was leaving it up to Trey alone to make any medical decisions that might arise. Trey didn't seem surprised at his brother's reaction.

"He's not coming. Says he's got a house to show in an hour and then a meeting with some mortgage company later on." Trey muttered. 

"He doesn't give a damn whether Dad lives or dies." He added. "He just wants his share of the ranch so he can sell it off."

An hour passed before a doctor came in to talk with them. He was smiling as he sat down. Megan took it as a good sign.

"You can see your father in a few minutes." The doctor said. "They're getting him situated in a private room right now."

"Was it a stroke?" Trey choked out the words. 

"We've run a complete battery of tests on him but even without seeing the scans, I can tell you it was a stroke." He replied. "The tests will show us just how severe it was."

"The good news is that we were able to give him a new stroke medication that had some immediate reversing effects." The doctor continued. "You were lucky you got your dad here as soon as you did."

Although the news was better than Megan hoped for, Trey was still quite upset and worried. A few minutes later, a nurse showed them to Clint's hospital room on the second floor. He was lying flat out with two IV's and several monitors wired to him. Seeing his father laying there, Trey grew extremely pale. He grasped the bed railing to steady himself.




The James Gang Ch. 01



"Hey." Clint murmured, looking up at the couple. "See you're still with me."

Trey was unable to speak. He just mouthed words that never came out. Megan pulled a chair up to the side of the bed and got him to sit down. 

Clint looked better than when they'd brought him in to the hospital. His color was better and he was breathing easy with the aid of an oxygen tube. His eyes were glassy but he seemed coherent. He put his left hand up for Megan to take hold of it. She noticed he still wore his wedding band even though he and the boy's mother had been divorced for more than two years.

"Trey looks like I feel." He mumbled, trying to force a smile.

Clint's hand grasped Megan's but he didn't have much strength. He looked extremely tired but he was trying to fight off sleep. Megan assumed he was afraid he might not wake up. After a short period of time, the medication won the battle and Clint dosed off. A nurse came in to check on the monitors and adjust the IV flows. 

"He's resting comfortably. He'll probably sleep for quite awhile." She said. "You can stay or we can call you when he wakes up if you'd like."

Megan left a list of phone numbers for the hospital to call in case an emergency arose. Trey felt better knowing his father was getting the best care possible. His color returned as they walked out of the hospital towards Megan's car. Driving back to the ranch, he rode with his window down to draw in the fresh air.

Arriving back at the ranch, Trey walked out to the barns to assist the hired help at getting their chores done. With Maria's help, Megan took her things up to the bedroom next to Clint's and put them away. Maria was still upset even though Megan assured her that Clint James, her employer, would be alright.

That afternoon, Megan phoned the hospital to check on Trey's father. He was still sleeping and not further complications had set in. It was a huge relief to hear the good news. 

Later, Trey and Megan sat out on the terrace, drinking a soft drink as they watched the horses grazing. Trey was feeling better although he was greatly concerned about his father.

"My father owes you his life." Trey muttered. "He might not be here if it wasn't for you."

"Well, a stroke isn't always fatal." Megan stated. "But, it can be very debilitating."

"Promise my you won't leave till we get everything settled and Dad's back on his feet again." Trey asked. "I just can't handle all this by myself."

"I promise." Megan responded. "I won't leave till you want me to." 

Although she'd made Trey the promise, she had serious doubts his father would ever regain his former health. Mentioning it to Trey would only upset him so she kept her thoughts to herself.

That evening at the hospital, Trey and Megan found Clint James still sleeping. Trey sat in a chair next to his father's bed watching Megan viewing the monitors.

"How do they look?" Trey asked.

"I can't really tell, but his heart rate and pulse look alot better than they did this morning." She answered. "But, I'm far from being a medical expert."

"Megan." Clint James mumbled in a dry voice as he woke from his sleep. "Is that you?"

"Yes, it's me, Mr. James." She replied, grasping his outstretched hand.

"You guys been here all this time?" He inquired.

"No. Trey and I have been at the ranch getting things taken care of." She answered. "Everything's fine."

"Make sure the ranch gets taken care of." He muttered. "That's what's most important."

"Why don't you get some rest?" Megan spoke softly. "Getting you back in the saddle is what's most important."

Clint nodded his head slightly, acknowledging her statement. Trey stood up and leaned over his father. 

"Take care of Megan." He murmured. "Move back home where you belong."

"I will." Trey responded, grasping his father's hand. "I promise."

An attractive, middle-aged female doctor came into the room, interrupting the conversation. Trey stepped aside allowing her to check on her patient. She gently brushed his hair back, soothing his apprehensiveness as she softly spoke to him. Her words of encouragement brought a smile to Clint's face.

"Why don't we step outside so we can talk?" She suggested.

Standing outside in the hallway, the doctor updated Trey and Megan on Clint's condition. He'd remained stable for most of the day. The medication they'd given him had done its job, immediately halting any further brain damage. She was suggesting the physical therapy department start working with him to rebuild his motor skills.

"What does that mean?" Trey asked.

"Several specialists have read your father's tests and brain scans." She answered. "He's had a severe stroke. Although his speech and thought waves weren't affected, the part of his brain that controls the lower extremities took the brunt of the stroke. That's probably why he fell."

"We've got a good team of physical therapists and I know they'll do everything they can." The doctor continued. "But, you two might want to prepare yourself for the fact, Mr. James may never be able to walk again."

Trey's face grew pale; it looked like he was going to be sick. The doctor firmly grabbed Trey by the arm to steady him.

"You have to realize that not being able to walk isn't the worse that could have happened to him." She said. "He could have ended up completely paralyzed and not having any motor skills at all. He could be mute or even worse, catatonic."

"He'll be in a wheelchair, won't he?" Trey muttered. "He's not going to get any better."

"Don't give up hope." The doctor responded. "I just want to prepare you for the worse. Whatever you do. Don't let on to your father know how serious his condition is. If he gives up hope, we won't be able to help him regain his health or his strength. The worse he can do is give up on himself."

Returning to the hospital room, one of the nursing staff was elevating Clint's bed so he could eat. Both Trey and Megan put on deceptive smiles as they approached him. Megan noticed Clint's hands tremble as he attempted to feed himself. She wanted to help him, but thought it might upset him having to be fed.

"I want to talk to both of you." He said. "Especially you, Megan."

After giving Trey some direction on things he wanted him to get done at the ranch in Colorado, he asked him to step out of the room so he could talk privately to Megan. Reluctantly, he agreed, not wanting to upset or anger his father.

"Megan, sit her on the bed with me." He suggested, pushing his food tray away.

Megan pulled the tray table to the end of the bed, then lowered the safety railing. Sitting on the side of the bed, her denim skirt rose well above her knees.

"You've got great legs!" He stated, putting his hand on her knee. "I just wanted you to know that."

"I need you to do some things for me." He added. "And, I need them done as soon as possible."

"Ok." Megan responded, smiling. "I'll get right on them first thing in the morning."

"First, I need you to get ahold of ole Charlie McConnell. He's my personal attorney." Clint said. "The only lawyer in this damn town that can be trusted."

"Tell Charlie I want him set up a living will." Clint continued. "And, see if he'll come to the hospital so I can make some changes to my other will. He'll come. Just tell him I've got a cooler full of beer in my room."

Megan laughed a little at his remark. Her response brought a grin to the man's face.

"Tell Charlie I want him to draw up an unrestricted power of attorney." He added. "You know what an unrestricted power of attorney is?"

"Yes. I know what it is." Megan replied. "My father has one for his parents. They're both in their early eighties and their health isn't the best."

"I wish your father were here." Clint muttered. "Jack's the oldest and closest friend I've got."

"I'm sure you have lots of friends." Megan remarked. "Maybe you just don't realize it."

"If your father were here, I'd assign him the power of attorney." Clint said. "I know he'd do it for me."

"I'm sure he would too." Megan commented. "He talks about you two being in the service together quite often. Although, I'm sure he leaves out some of the risqué stories."

"Since Jack's not here, I want you to have my power of attorney." He stated with a somber face.

"And, I won't take no for an answer." He quickly added.

"Mr. James, do you think that's really appropriate?" Megan asked, surprised at his statement. "You do have Trey and Collin."

"Don't even mention Collin, I could never trust him again." He retorted. "Trey's too immature to handle the business. Maybe in a few years, but not right now."

"You will do it for me, won't you?" Clint asked, pleadingly. "I know I can trust you and I know you've got some sort of degree in business management. Besides, no one has ever talked to me the way you did and got away with it."

"If that's what you really want, I'm willing." Megan stated, not wanting to make the commitment.

"One last thing." Clint said. "Tomorrow morning, I want you to phone Christina, the boy's mother. Tell her I want to see her as soon as possible. There's a Rolodex on my desk. Her phone number's on it."

"What if she won't come?" Megan asked. "You did say you two have been divorced for a couple of years."

"Tell her what's happened." He replied. "But don't beg her to come. I don't want you to have to do that."

"I'll get her to come." Megan said, reassuring the man. "I promise I won't let you down."

"I believe you." Clint responded. "You'd like Christina. She was a wonderful wife and a damn good mother."

"Anything else before I go and let you get some rest?" Megan inquired, holding Clint's hand.

"Take care of Trey. Try to get along with him." Clint murmured. "I think he kinda has a thing for you. He's a good man, just a little young is all."

"I don't know about him having a thing for me but he is a very nice young gentleman." Megan responded. "I'm sure he gets that from you."

"I saw him put his arm around your waist when you two walked out with that doctor." Clint commented. "He had it around you when you came back in too."

"Nothing escapes you, does it?" Megan remarked, grinning.

"Not when it comes to my sons, it doesn't." Clint replied.



The James Gang Ch. 02



Leaving the hospital with Trey, Megan ran the instructions from her employer over in her mind.

“I need to stop at the trailer and grab some clothes for tomorrow.” Trey stated.

“Ok.” Megan responded, tossing him her car keys. “You feel like driving?”

“Sure.” Trey replied, catching the keys against his chest. “Sure, you trust me?”

“No, but I’m tired so I’ll take the chance.” Megan kidded.

At Trey’s mobile home, Megan helped Trey gather up enough clothes and personal items to last a few days, not just one. 

It was late when the couple finally arrived back at the Rockin’ J. Pulling into the courtyard, Megan spotted Collin’s silver Mercedes E500 sedan parked near the home’s main entrance.

“God damn it! I was hoping he wouldn’t be here!” Trey exclaimed, tightly gripping the steering wheel of the Corvette. “I hate that son of a bitch!”

“Kinda strong words for your brother, isn‘t it?” Megan commented.

“Not for Collin. And, you stay away from him too!” Trey retorted.

Maria met the couple at the door, inquiring about Clint. Megan reassured her that her boss was on the mend and his condition had greatly improved.

“Will he be coming home soon?” She asked.

“Yes, but I’m not sure how soon though.” Megan answered.

“Trey’s moving back home.” She added. “That’s good news.”

“Yes. Yes it is good news.” The young Hispanic woman stated. “It is his father’s wishes. No?”

“Yes, his father asked him to move back.” Megan replied.

Megan saw a shapely auburn-haired woman enter the kitchen near the rear of the house. Wearing a skimpy black bikini, she opened one of the refrigerators and took out two longneck bottles of beer.

“Who’s that?” Megan inquired.

“She is one of Mr. James’ girlfriends.” Maria replied. “I do not know her name.”

“Maybe I should introduce myself.” Megan suggested. “It’s about time I met this Collin guy.”

“You will not like him.” Maria commented. “Nobody likes him.”

Following the path of the young woman, Megan could hear the sounds of hottub jets bubbling and the soft sounds of music playing in the distance. Entering a small area just off the terrace, she saw Collin James and the woman relaxing in the spa. Collin was the spitting image of his father only without the salt and pepper hair. He was strikingly handsome with hair as black as coal and neatly groomed. His broad shoulders were well developed. The swirling water kept her from seeing the rest of his body below the water’s surface even with the spa’s submersible lighting.

“Well, well, well.” He spoke, seeing Megan standing before him. “You must be the new ranch manager the ole man’s been blathering about. Ms. Reynolds, isn’t it?”

“Yes, I’m Megan Reynolds.” She replied. “Thought you’d like to know how your father is.”

“He’s still alive, isn’t he?” Collin remarked. “That’s all I need to know. You can’t kill that ole bastard.”

“He’s doing alot better.” Megan stated. “He’s still got alot of recuperation ahead of him though.”

“I could use a little recuperation.” Collin smarted off, his fingers untying the top of the woman’s bikini. “Why don’t you slip outta that outfit and join us.”

“I could show you a few things most women only fantasize about.” He added, tossing the woman‘s wet bikini top to the far end of the hottub. “Elaine here won’t mind. She’s into watching.”

“No thanks. I’ve seen all I want.” Megan responded. “I would like to talk with you sometime though.”

“How about later this evening?” Collin suggested with an evil grin. “I could come to your room.”

“Not hardly.” Megan replied. “Maybe in a few days ….. in my office .….. with your clothes on.”

Megan ascended the circular stairway to the second floor. Entering her bedroom, she saw Trey putting his clothes away.

“What do you think you’re doing?” She asked.

“Putting my clothes away. Why?” He answered.

“Not in my room, you’re not.” She said. “You get your own bedroom.”

“I thought we’d sleep together.” Trey commented. “You got a problem with that?”

“Yes I do have a problem with that.” Megan retorted. “I’m not here to take care of your sex drive. I’m here to run the ranch and find out what the hells going on.”

“Maybe you are too old for me!” He exclaimed, throwing his clothes in a pile. “That’s it, isn’t it?”

“No. That has nothing to do with it.” Megan replied. “It wouldn’t look right if we started sleeping together right here in your father’s house. Especially with Collin here.”

“So that’s it!” Trey yelled. “You just had to go meet him! You probably can’t wait to fuck that son of a bitch, can you!”

Enraged, Megan slapped Trey extremely hard across the face, setting him back a step. Infuriated, Trey started to retaliate but caught himself before slapping her back. Trey’s face was bright red; his teeth were clenched as tight as his fist. Grabbing up his clothes, he hurriedly stomped out of the bedroom.

With her emotions all worked up, it was a couple of hours before she managed to fall asleep. Collin’s bedroom was across the hallway. Loud moaning, obviously from Elaine and Collin having sex resounded several times throughout the night, awakening her. Megan was glad she’d made sure her bedroom door was locked.

Rising early the next morning, Megan quickly showered and dressed. As she exited her bedroom, she saw Collin’s bedroom door slightly ajar. Peering in, she could see Collin lying prone on the bed, uncovered. His girlfriend, Elaine was partially covered by a thin sheet. Her long, slender legs stretched out and partially spread allowed Megan to get a glimpse at her auburn pubic hair neatly trimmed into a V. Collin’s bare butt looked firm for a guy she assumed to be in his late twenties. Lying on his stomach, Megan couldn’t see much of anything else she hadn’t seen the night before.

Entering the kitchen, Maria beamed a big smile at Megan. Offering her a cup of fresh coffee, she gladly accepted.

“Why don’t you get a cup for yourself and we’ll go out on the terrace?” Megan suggested. “I need a cigarette.”

“Me. You want me to drink coffee with you?” She inquired, quite surprised.

“Sure. Why not?” Megan replied. 

“I don’t drink coffee but I’ll sit with you if you like.” The Hispanic woman said.

Sitting at the large table on the open-air terrace, the two watched the horses grazing in the distance. Megan saw Trey out at one of the barns, working on a piece of equipment with one of the ranch hands.

“I heard you two arguing last night just as I was leaving.” Maria said. “You two have a big fight. No?”

“No. We didn’t have a fight.” Megan replied. “We just had a little disagreement is all.”

“He is very good looking.” She stated. “You two would have very beautiful children together.”

“Well, that sure as hell isn’t going to happen!” Megan responded with a slight laugh. 

As the two talked, Megan asked the woman about Clint. Maria seemed to like her employer alot, rambling on about kind things he’d done for her family. She mentioned an automobile accident Clint James had been involved just after the first of the year. Megan asked her about it. Clint had been driving into town when he his car was struck on the driver’s side by a dump truck. The airbag had failed to deploy. He’d suffered only minor injuries, the worse being a severe concussion. It was discovered the dump truck had been stolen from a nearby construction site. The driver had eluded capture and was never identified. Listening to Maria talk about it, she thought it sounded suspicious and the concussion might be a delayed cause of Clint’s stroke.

Later in the morning, Megan phoned Clint James’ attorney, Charlie McConnell. He wasn’t aware that his long time friend and client had suffered a stroke. Without a moment’s hesitation, McConnell stated he’d run over to the medical center and get the legal matters taken care of.

Searching through Clint’s Rolodex, she found Christina James’ cell phone number. She thought a few minutes about what she would say to get the woman to come back to Taos and be with her ex-husband. Fears that the woman might have remarried, her greatest concern. Making the call, she got her voicemail instead of an answer. Afraid the woman might not return her call, she decided not to leave a message. As she was about to make another attempt she heard Trey sounding his horn outside the house. Remembering it was his signal that he was leaving, she ran downstairs to see him.

“I gotta run down to Santa Fe and get some parts for the Bobcat.” Trey stated. “I’m gonna stop by the hospital before I go and see how Dad’s getting along.”

“Ok. I’m gonna go see him as soon as I talk with your mother.” Megan commented.

“Mom! Why you calling her?” Trey asked, surprised.

“Your father asked me too.” She replied. “He wants her to come back to Taos and see him.”

“She’ll never come back!” Trey exclaimed. “He ran her off. He treated her worse than he does me!”

“I’ve got to at least try.” Megan responded. “It seems important to him so I’m gonna give it my best shot.”

When Megan put her hand on his arm, Trey immediately jerked it away. Giving her a stern look, he quickly drove away. It was clear he was still angered at her from the night before. He would just have to get over it, as she wasn’t about to give in and change her mind.

As she entered the house, Collin and his girlfriend Elaine brushed passed her, seemingly in a big hurry. 

“I may be back later so we can talk.” He shouted as he got in his car. “Put on something sexy!”

Megan held back from responding to his remark, brushing it off. 

Sitting in Clint’s office, she made another attempt to phone Christina. The woman answered the phone amid alot of noise in the background on her end. It was difficult to talk with the woman wherever she was so Megan asked her to phone back later when the two could chat easier. While she waited for the return phone call, she sifted through Clint James’ Rolodex, just to see who some of his contacts might be. Most of the phone numbers, addresses and fax numbers were those of ranches, horse buyers and business associates. She found the Christina’s business phone number, noticing a little heart-shaped drawing near the bottom. She surmised that Clint might still be in love with her. After all, he had requested she call the woman in Florida and ask her to come back.

A half hour later, Christina called back. Instead of Megan getting right to the point, she’d decided it best to inform the woman who she was and what she was doing at the ranch. It might help develop a rapport between the two of them. After awhile, it seemed like she was beating around the bush about phoning her.

“The reason I’m calling is that Clint has asked me to see if you’d come back and see him.” Megan stated, preparing to flinch in case the woman hung up on her.

“Why doesn’t the bastard ask me himself?” She asked with a heightened sense of anger.

“I’m afraid Mr. James has had a severe stroke.” Megan replied. “He’s at the medical center here in Taos.”

“How bad is he? Is he conscious?” She quickly inquired. “How’s Trey taking it?

Megan answered all her questions, trying to ease her concerns. Surprisingly, the woman appeared to be sincerely worried about her ex-husband. Unfortunately, Christina was in the midst of a big landscaping project and couldn’t get away although she did agree to fly out as soon as she could, sometime within the coming week.

“I’ll tell you husband, you’ll be here as soon as you can get away.” Megan stated.

“Ex-husband.” Christina corrected her. “We do have a divorce decree.”

“I’m sorry. I meant, I’ll tell Mr. James you’ll be coming soon.” Megan recounted.

Although Megan had slightly embarrassed herself, she had succeeded in getting the woman to return for a visit. The thought that she hadn’t asked about Collin crossed her mind. She hadn’t even mentioned his name! Maybe she shared her ex-husband’s opinion of him.

Arriving at the hospital shortly before noon, she found Clint James sitting up in bed, talking with his attorney. She excused herself to come back later but Clint insisted she stay.

“Charlie, I want you to meet Megan Reynolds.” Clint said. “She’s the young lady I was telling you about. I want her to have my power of attorney.”

Shaking hands with the elderly attorney, she got a sense of feeling for the elderly man. Although he appeared to be in his late sixties, he seemed quite up to date on legal matters. The three of them talked for quite a lengthy time about Clint’s legal matters. It was evident that she was to be informed of everything including Clint’s financial status.

“If you’ll stop by my office later this afternoon, Ms. Reynolds, I’ll give you some documents you’ll need to study and be familiar with.” The elderly attorney said. “I’ll get in touch with Clint’s accountants and set up an appointment for you to meet with them as soon as possible.”

Charlie McConnell had barely left the hospital room before Clint motioned for her to sit on the side of the bed. Lowering the safety railing, she sat down on the bed facing him.

“How bad am I?” He asked. “I can’t move my legs.”

“You’re doing fine.” Megan answered. “You’ve got to go through rehab and let them see what they can do, that‘s all.”

“I’ll be stuck in some damn wheelchair for the rest of my life!” He retorted. “I know that’s what’s going to happen!”

“You can’t just give up.” Megan remarked. “That the worse thing you can do.”

“At least I’m still alive. I’ve still got the ranch.” He commented. “Guess that’s something.”

“Listen. About calling my ex-wife. I’ve been thinking.” Clint continued. “You don’t need to call her. She’d never come back unless it was to shoot my ass!”

“Think so?” Megan inquired, biting her lower lip to keep from grinning.

“I know so.” Clint replied. “She thinks I treat Trey like dirt and Collin like gold. That’s one of the reasons we got a divorce.”

“Do you treat your sons that way?” Megan inquired. 

“Yeah, I guess. I need to make a drastic change.” Clint answered. “Trey’s the only one who’s come to see me. He’s the only one who cares about his ole man and the ranch.”

“Maybe Christina and you can work on that together.” Megan suggested. “When she gets here.”

“She’s comin’!” Clint exclaimed. “You’re kiddin’!”

“I would never kid you about something like that.” She replied. “She seemed quite concerned about your health.”

“Hot damn!” Clint shouted. “That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time.”

“Well, that and when your father said you were coming to get me out of this mess.” He added.

Megan asked Clint about his automobile accident earlier in the year. He seemed surprised that she knew about it. After telling him about her and Maria’s talk earlier that morning, she got Clint to relate his side of the story. It jived with Maria’s almost word for word. She could tell Clint thought the accident was suspicious although he never came right out and said it. 

Megan left after Clint had his lunch. He seemed to have gotten tired from the morning’s activities. Lowering the head of the bed till he was comfortable, she left him about to drift off to sleep. 

Megan stopped in at the courthouse to check on some public records and make copies of those that might be important. It was late in the afternoon, when she left for Charlie McConnell’s law offices. Located in a refurbished old home, Charlie’s office was quite cluttered. It appeared as though he never threw anything away. Charlie and Megan briefly discussed some contracts that Clint James was involved in. It was all pretty much dealing with horses and breeding. Neither of which she knew anything about. Before she left, the elderly man handed her a file box packed with records and legal documents. It felt like it was filled with bricks!

“I’ve got you set up with Clint’s accountants the day after tomorrow.” He stated. “Hope 10am is alright with you.”

“Yeah. That’s fine.” Megan responded. 

“You and I will meet with ole Clint tomorrow morning at the hospital.” Charlie said. “I’m gonna have two doctors attest to Clint’s mental stability just in case Collin tries to contest the power of attorney or changes to the will. I’m not leaving any chance to that bastard!”

Returning to the ranch, she followed Trey up the driveway. Instead of turning into the courtyard, he drove on past towards the barns. Megan parked her car near the front door and carried in the materials she’d gathered during the day. She decided to put them in her bedroom rather than Clint’s office in case Collin started snooping around.

During dinner, Megan remained quiet hoping Trey would start talking. He was being stubborn, avoiding eye contact with her. Megan finally decided she would break the silence.

“You mother’s coming for a visit.” She stated. “Might be a week before she can get away from a project she’s working on though.”

“They’ll fight the whole time she’s here.” Trey muttered. “I just know it.”

“What’ll they fight about?” Megan inquired. “You and Collin and the way your father treats both of you?”

“How’d you know that?” He asked, surprised.

“Just a lucky guess.” She answered. 

“I don’t need her fighting my battles.” Trey remarked. “I don’t need any woman doin’ anything for me.”

“That’s why God gave you hands and fingers.” Megan quipped, slightly grinning. “So you can take care of yourself.”

Later that evening Megan sat on the bed in her bedroom, sifting through the documents Charlie McConnell had turned over to her. She heard footsteps ascending the stairway to the second floor. As the figure stood in her doorway, she looked up to see Collin grinning at her.

“See you did slip into something sexy, like I suggested.” He smarted off as he approached her.

“Too bad I’ve already made plans for this evening.” Collin spoke, pulling on the top of her shorty sleeper. 

“Nice fuckin’ tits. 36C’s. Right?” He commented, peaking beneath the thin material.

“There breasts, not tits. And, yes they‘re 36C.” Megan responded, pulling her top from his hand.

“Now get the hell out of my room before I call for Trey!” She exclaimed.

“Go ahead. Call him. I can still whip his ass.” Collin remarked. “Always have and always will.”

Collin exited the bedroom proceeding towards his across the hallway. She heard the shower running briefly and then his voice trying to sing, as he got dressed. Collin’s singing ability matched his treatment of women to a tee. Frank Sinatra would surely turn over in his grave!

After Collin left the house, Megan continued with her reading. The more she delved into Clint James’ legal matters, the more she gained knowledge of the man. Clint was definitely a man who got what he wanted but he did it legally and shrewdly. Charlie McConnell had seen to it that everything was well documented and within the law.

One set of documents caught her attention more than the others. It was a purchase agreement for an airplane. It was signed and dated almost one year previous. Clint James had purchased a 1998 Piper Malibu Mirage for six-hundred thousand dollars cash! It wasn’t so much the purchase of an airplane that struck her as odd as much as it was the deal being consummated in cash instead of a cashier’s check or electronic transfer. 

Gathering the handful of documents, she headed down the hallway to Trey’s bedroom. Not thinking about knocking, she walked in on him. Catching Trey in the act of taking care of himself, she embarrassed both of them.

“Don’t you ever bother knocking?” He shouted, quickly pulling a sheet over his midsection.

“Sorry. Didn’t know you were busy with anything important.” She responded.

“What is it you want?” He asked, his face blushed.

“Did you know you’re father purchased an airplane about a year ago and paid cash for it?” Megan inquired.

“Yeah, I remember him mentioning it.” Trey responded, not seeming to be surprised. “Why?”

“Does your father have a pilot’s license? Does Collin? Do you?” Megan asked.




The James Gang Ch. 02



“Nope. Nope. And, not hardly.” Trey replied, trying to be smart. “Collin took a couple of flying lessons I think but that’s about all.”

“A couple of lessons won’t get you a pilot’s license.” Megan stated. “Where’s the plane now or do you know?”

“I don’t know.” He replied. “Probably at the airport north of here.” 

“I’ll check in the morning. I wanna see this plane in person.” Megan said. “Paying that amount in cash isn’t a good business practice.”

“Let’s see the papers.” Trey said. “I wanna check something.

Megan sat on the side of the bed while Trey scanned over the multi-page contract. She caught him peaking down the front of her shorty sleeper.

“The documents are in your hand, not down the front of my top.” She smarted off. “What are you looking for anyway?”

“Just checking to see if it’s Dad’s signature or a forgery.” Trey replied. 

“Is it your Dad’s signature?” She inquired.

“Yeah, I think so. If it’s not, it’s a damn good forgery.” He replied.

“Well, I’ll ask him about it tomorrow.” Megan stated. “Surely he’ll remember spending that kind of money and in cash to boot.”

“I’m gonna run in early and see him.” Trey commented. “I’m got to get up to Alamosa and check on things there afterwards.”

“I better get back to my room so you can get some sleep………or whatever else you have to take care of before then.” Megan said, grinning.

Getting up from the bed, Trey grabbed her wrist, pulling her back down hard.

“We’re gonna take care of each other!” Trey exclaimed. “I’ve had more than enough of your crap………..and your damn rules!”

Trey’s lips pressed hard against hers, driving his tongue between Megan’s clenched lips. She tried to push him away but his strength was much to great. Further resistance would only prove futile knowing she would need all her strength to satisfy her young lover‘s lustful desires. 

Megan’s hands slid up Trey’s bare arms to grasp his shoulders. Their mouths ground together much harder as their kisses grew more passionate. Within moments, Megan was gasping for breath. Trey slipped the sleeper top up over Megan’s head, tossing it to the floor. His lust-filled eyes gazed at her bare breasts and extended nipples. His hands cupped her breasts, gently kneading the firm flesh. Tugging lightly on the nipples, he gently twisted them with his thumbs and forefingers.

“I take it you like my breasts.” Megan smarted off.

“Shut Up!” Trey exclaimed. “The only thing I wanna hear from you is screams and moans.”

“What! No Begging!” She responded, trying to be a smart-ass. 

“Just shut the fuck up!” He murmured before his lips locked on hers to keep her silent.

Pushing Megan back on the bed, Trey kissed along her neck. His moist lips and warm breath sent tingling sensations throughout her body. His rough hands lightly brushed across her hard nipples, causing her entire body to shudder. She was whimpering, wanting him to take her hard. Trey restrained her hands along her sides as he continued to taunt and tease her body. 

Arching her back, she lifted herself upwards as Trey kissed her tummy and flicked his tongue at her bellybutton. Firmly grasping both of her wrists with one hand, Trey shoved her panties down. The moist lips at her pussy were fully blossomed. Megan was begging for him to fuck her but her pleas fell on deaf ears. Trey continued teasing her with his tongue, flicking it hard against her budding clit, then licking up and down slowly at the folds of her pussy.

“Ohhhhhhhhhh Godddddddddddddddd Treyyyyyyyyyyyyyy” She screamed. “Ahhhhhhhhhhh” 

The orgasm building deep within her was begging to be exploited. Trey knelt between Megan’s legs. Lifting her upwards, he positioned her till she was almost vertical with her shoulders pinned against the mattress. The backs of her thighs were resting on his broad shoulders. Trey stabbed his hard tongue in and out of Megan’s pussy; tongue-fucking her till he brought her off. Her legs flailed as the extraordinary orgasm consumed her wanton body.

“Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh” She cried out. “Godddddddddd”

Trey’s strong hands held her suspended as the orgasm ran its course. It seemed like it was never going to end. Gradually her sexual bliss waned, leaving her breathless. She was fighting for each breath. Trey lowered her gently back down on the bed. Waiting till her breathing was less effortless, he taunted her again.

“God gave you hands and fingers too.” He murmured. “I wanna see you get yourself off.”

“No. I won’t do it!” Megan choked out the words. 

Trey grabbed both of Megan’s hands, putting them to her pussy.

“Do it!” He shouted, holding her wrists. “Finger yourself till you cum!” 

Megan was almost in tears, feeling humiliated by her young lover. Moving her index fingers slightly, she rubbed them over her sensitive clit.

“Put a finger in you pussy! Trey commanded. “I wanna see you fuck yourself!”

Megan did as she was ordered but she wasn’t enjoying it. Trey wasn’t watching her fingers sliding in and out of her pussy. He was staring at her face as she bit her lip to keep from breaking down.

“Not so funny is it?” Trey jeered. “Nothing like having the real McCoy is it?

Megan didn’t reply. Clenching her teeth, she continued fingering her pussy. Trey forcefully pulled her hands away, pinning them over her head. 

“Guess ole Trey’s gonna have to finish the job afterall.” He jeered at her.

Guiding his hard cock to her pussy, her pressed into her gently. The swollen lips of her pussy parted, welcoming him inside her. Trey worked his hard cock into her slowly till his balls were nesting against her butt. Rocking slowly, he fucked her till he felt Megan reacting to his movements. Releasing his grip on her wrists, Trey let her put her arms around him as he fucked her slowly and rhythmically. His stamina lasted for almost an hour as he brought her to orgasm multiple times. Each orgasm they shared shook both their bodies. As their combined energies were expended, they drifted off to sleep holding each other.

“Wake up Ms. Reynolds. Wake up.” Maria murmured, shaking Megan gently from her sound sleep.

“Huh! What’s the matter?” Megan muttered, pulling the sheet around her. “What time is it?”

“It is 8am.” Maria replied. “Mr. James said to wake you up at 8am.”

“Trey?” Megan inquired. “Yes, the other Mr. James not come home last night.”

“Where’s Trey at now?” She asked.

“He went out to the barns for awhile then changed clothes.” Maria replied. “Maybe he went to see his father.”

“Oh yeah. He did mention something about going to see his father this morning.” Megan said.

“I’ll change the sheets if you want to get showered.” Maria offered.

“Oh….a…..no.” Megan stammered. “I’ll change the sheets.”

“I don’t mind. It is part of my job to change bedding.” Maria stated. “I change alot of bedding for Mr. Collin.”

“Not anymore you don’t.” Megan responded. “At least not for me or for Trey.”

“I’m gonna shower and then you and I are gonna have coffee out on the terrace.” Megan added.

“Mr. Trey asked me to move his belongings to your room.” Maria spoke out. “Is that ok with you?”

“Yeah, I guess.” Megan replied hesitantly. 

“Yes, go ahead and move his stuff in with me. It’s alright.” She quickly added with a smile.

Sitting out on the terrace with Maria, the two chatted about their day’s activities. Megan enjoyed their morning talk sessions. Maria did too, the soft smile on her pretty face never faded when the two sat together. She felt the young Hispanic woman wanted to ask her about her relationship with Trey but she was reluctant to ask.

Arriving at the medical center, Megan found Clint and Charlie McConnell talking over old times and joking with each other. Clint’s color looked good and the monitors were turned off.

“Here she is now!” Charlie spoke up, seeing Megan standing in the doorway. “Come in. Come in.”

Megan entered the room, setting her purse and attaché down in a chair. Clint patted the side of the bed, wanting her to sit with him. Megan brushed his hair back on the sides with her fingertips.

“You’re spoiling me. I hope you know that.” Clint said, his face beaming a big smile.

“I’ve already had the doctors sign documents attesting to Clint’s mental state.” The elderly attorney stated. “I just need you to sign the power of attorney along with Clint. I‘ve made six copies but you should only need three right off.”

Megan read over the three-page document before affixing her signatures to the half-dozen documents. Clint’s hand appeared much steadier than it had two days previous as he scribbled his signature.

“Done and Done!” Charlie said after Clint signed the last one. “I’ll keep one for my records in case either of you need additional copies.”

After Clint’s attorney left, Megan inquired about his knowledge of an airplane purchase, trying to sound casual so as not to alarm him.

“Oh yeah. It’s something Collin wanted.” Clint answered. “Says he can fly clients in to look at real estate and property investments.”

“I think he just wanted the plane to impress his lady friends.” He added. “I gave him the money although I told him it was just a loan. Course, he hasn’t paid it back yet. He probably never will either.”

“Why cash?” Megan inquired. “Why not a cashier’s check or electronic transfer.”

“What the hell’s an electronic transfer?” Clint asked. 

Megan gave him an overview of electronic banking and monetary transfers. She briefly described its conveniences and safety issues.

“Damn! That does sound like a good thing, doesn’t it?” Clint exclaimed. “Well, anyway. The guy Collin bought the plane off of wanted cash so he wouldn’t have to pay income taxes on the money.”

Even though Clint James thought it common to transact business in large amounts of cash, Megan didn’t! Not wanting to dwell on it and maybe alarm him, Megan changed the subject to ranching and horses. She listened for over an hour as Clint regaled her with one story after another about horses and business dealings. Ranching had been his whole life and he had enjoyed most of it as she soon found out.

As she was driving back to the Rockin’ J, Megan’s cell phone rang. It was Trey, calling from the ranch in Colorado.

“There’s three more horses missing!” He exclaimed. “I’ve got the sheriff’s department here now filling out a theft report! Dad’s gonna have a fit!”

“Don’t you dare tell your father!” Megan exclaimed. “Don’t you even mention anything about it! It’ll only make his condition worse and right now he can’t handle anymore stress.”

“What the hell are we gonna do?” Trey asked, distraught and angry. “We gotta stop it!”

“Do what you gotta do there and then get the hell back to the ranch.” Megan commanded. “We’ll come up with a plan of some kind.”

Sitting in Clint’s office, Megan started searching through the rancher’s files. Finding a folder containing the theft reports filed with the two sheriff’s departments, she started reading through them. She was looking for common factors that might point towards clues. A few hours later, Trey pulled into the courtyard at the house. Rushing into the house, he called out for Megan.

“I’m up here in your father’s office.” Megan shouted out. 

Trey ran up the stairs to the office. His breathing was labored from all the running.

“Sit down cowboy.” Megan remarked. “Let me see a copy of the theft report you just filed.”

“I’m gonna shot the son of a bitches responsible!” Trey exclaimed, his face cringing with anger.

“Let’s not go off halfcocked.” Megan responded, scanning over the theft report Trey had just filed with the sheriff’s department up in Alamosa.

“I’m gonna start packing a gun everywhere I go.” Trey stated. “We’ll lose this ranch if I don’t do something.”

“Whatcha gonna do, shot everybody?” Megan remarked. “We don’t know who’s behind it or how many people we’re even dealing with.”

“The first thing I want you to do is settle down and help me piece these reports together.” Megan added. “You can’t help me if all you’ve got on your mind is revenge. Just calm down.”

Megan and Trey worked at the conference table in the spacious office, sorting through the numerous theft reports. Megan was astounded as she tallied up the total loss so far. To date, over a million dollars in valuable horses had been stolen. The two continued their investigation till dinnertime.

“Do you know of anyone who might want to put your father out of business?” Megan asked while they ate.

“No, not really. Dad gets along with everyone.” Trey answered. “There’s no animosity amongst any of the ranchers. We all get along and help out each other.”

“But none of the other ranchers are getting hit. Right?” Megan inquired.

“Nope, just the Rockin’ J. Although the other ranchers are afraid they might be next.” Trey replied.

“Have you got any suspects?” He asked.

“Just three.” Megan responded. “You, your father and Collin.”

“Me! Why me and why Dad?” He exclaimed.

“Everyone’s a suspect. I’m just eliminating them as I go along.” Megan replied.

“I don’t get it. Whatta you mean?” Trey inquired.

“I suspect everyone till I can prove they’re not involved.” Megan answered.

“I suspect you father because he’s in financial trouble. Collecting insurance money would be a way to get back in the black.” She stated.” I suspect you because you’re the one who supposedly finds the thefts and your sleeping with me to get on my good side.”

“That’s NOT why I’m sleeping with you.” Trey remarked. “You know why. You just won’t accept it.”

“Won’t accept what?” Megan asked.

“Why do you suspect Collin?” Trey inquired instead of answering her question.

“Collin’s a spoiled-rotten asshole!” Megan replied. “He loves to spend money he doesn’t make.”

“Dad’s money, you mean?” He said.

“Your dad’s and someone else‘s.” Megan remarked. “I checked the public records at the courthouse the other day. Your brother hasn’t sold much real estate since the first of the year yet he always seems to have a wad of money and he’s buying up land in Colorado like it was goin’ outta style. And, he‘s got several bank accounts.”

“You think he’s stealing the horses and selling them out from under the ranch?” He remarked, stunned at the news.

“Don’t go off on me. But yes, I think Collin’s involved.” Megan replied. “I just have to prove it before I can confront him about it.”

“Your father may be involved too.” She added. “I don’t want to believe it but I can’t let my personal feelings get in the way of the investigation. I‘ll know more tomorrow when I meet with his accountants.”

Although the couple slept in the same bed that night, Trey didn’t make love to Megan. Lying on his back with his arm around her, he barely closed his eyes. Megan’s attempts to soothe him with light kisses and running her fingertips across his bare chest weren’t getting the response she wanted.

“Tell me what you’re thinking about.” She murmured in his ear.

“I’m………….I’m just worried Dad might be involved, that‘s all.” Trey muttered, putting his hand to his forehead.

“Just put it out of your mind for now.” Megan whispered, rubbing his chest. “Think about me or something pleasant.”

“You worry me too.” He murmured. “You worry me more than anything.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Megan asked in a soft voice.

Trey didn’t respond. Pulling her in closer to him, he kissed her on the forehead.

The next morning Megan met with Clint James’ accounting firm in Taos. They were reluctant at first to turn over all of their client’s records and files. Showing them her power of attorney and threatening them with legal action and unfavorable publicity, they finally complied.

As they packed the last of Clint James’ documents into her car, Megan informed them the Rockin’ J would no longer be using their services in the future.

“We’ve been Mr. James’ accountants for the last five years.” One of the men stated.

“You knew I was coming this morning and that I had Mr. James’ unrestricted power of attorney, yet I had to threaten you with legal action to get all these documents.” Megan responded. “And, as his accountants you allowed him to make extremely large purchases in cash. As his accountants, you should have at least warned him against such business practices, yet you neglected to do it.

“You fuckers can go count someone else’s beans from now on!” Megan added, opening her car door. “We no longer require your services! Case closed!”

Clint’s office at the ranch was beginning to look like a paper recycling facility. There were boxes and files stacked everywhere. Megan sat cross-legged on the floor in a yoga position reviewing the latest financial statements and business transactions. The bottom line, Clint James was a very rich man! He was so far in the black, if he were cut, he’d probably bleed ink!

Megan couldn’t figure out why Clint was claiming he was about to lose the ranch. There were no mortgage liens or outstanding loans using the properties as collateral. He had enough ready cash to start his own bank and he’d sold all of his stocks and bonds before the markets took a dump a couple of years prior. Nothing made sense till she remembered his having a stroke. Megan remembered her grandfather going through monetary worries years before his having a stroke. Clint’s doctor had mentioned she suspected him of having mini-strokes since the car accident. It eventually led up to the severe one he’d just suffered.

She phoned Trey on his cell phone to let him know what she’d discovered.

“Just thought you’d like to know, your father’s no longer a suspect.” Megan stated. “He’s financial stable and damn well off. There’s no reason for him to be involved.”

“Thank God!” Trey responded. “That the best news I’ve heard in a long time. That just leaves me and Collin.”

“I don’t suspect you either, not anymore.” Megan said. “Last night, you said you were worried about your father possibly being involved. Well, if you were involved you would have known if your father was or wasn‘t. Your statement unknowingly cleared you.”

“I’m just glad you finally believed in me.” Trey remarked. “I was worried it’d affect our relationship.”

“Well, I’ve got your financial records too.” Megan stated. “You don’t make squat, you don’t have squat and you sure as hell don’t spend squat.”

“And we don’t have a relationship.” She added. “We’re just very close friends, that‘s all. That’s all it’s ever going to be.” 

“We’ll see.” Trey retorted. “I know how to make you see things my way.” 

“How’s that, by screwing me blind till I can’t even think straight?” She replied.

“Woohoo! I didn’t realize I was that good!” Trey quipped. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Just come home when you get done working.” Megan responded. “We should go see your father this evening and see how he’s doing.”

What Megan had said was true. While Trey worked everyday of the week, his father only paid him two-hundred and fifty dollars a week, well under minimum wage for the amount of hours he actually worked. He paid Collin the same amount for not lifting a finger to help. 

The rest of the afternoon, Megan started backtracking through Clint James’s financial records. One thing she discovered was that he spent alot of his money unwisely. He wasn’t much of a shopper or researcher. 

“Guess when you’ve got the kind of money he’s got, you don’t care how you spend it.” Megan thought. “This is something I’ll have to work on after we nail Collin’s ass and get the horses back”.

That evening Megan and Trey visited his father at the medical center. Clint’s spirits were at an all time low to say the least. He’d just attended his first day of physical therapy and things weren’t progressing like he’d hoped.

“I can’t move my fuckin’ legs at all!” He shouted. “I’m gonna be a Goddamn cripple for the rest of my life!”

“I don’t want you to give up.” Megan responded, trying to calm him down. “You’re recovery isn’t going to happen overnight.”




The James Gang Ch. 02



“It’s never going to happen. I just know it’s not.” Clint muttered, his eyes welling with tears. “I’m gonna lose everything, just like I lost Christina.”

“Mom’s coming back as soon as she can.” Trey remarked. “She just can’t get away right now.”

“How many horses have we lost?” Clint asked, after a few moments of silence.

“We haven’t lost anymore since the last theft.” Megan stated, deliberately lieing. “In fact we’re just about to bust the case wide open.”

“You’re kidding!” Clint exclaimed. “You know who the bastards are?”

“We should have it wrapped up in a couple of weeks, maybe less with luck.” Megan commented, still lieing to the man.

“Hot Damn!” Clint shouted. “What about the horses? Think we’ll get them all back?”

“I don’t see why not.” Megan replied, noticing her lies and bragging were raising the man’s spirits and hopes.

“Hell, we can even reimburse the insurance company.” She added.

“I like the WE part.” Clint commented, wiping his eyes. “I knew that cute little butt if yours would be able to help get Trey and me out of this mess.”

While his spirits were up, Megan decided it best to leave before something was said that might bring him down again. After giving Clint a kiss on the forehead, the couple left to go back to the ranch.

“You made Dad alot of promises back there.” Trey said. “Hope you know what you’re doing.”

“I haven’t got a clue but I know they’re right in front of us.” Megan responded. “We just can’t see them. We‘re overlooking something!”

“As for all the promises. I had to say something positive to get his spirits back up.” She added. “Anymore bad news could throw his system out of kilter and he could have another stroke.”

Not able to sleep, Megan worked on the theft reports till early morning while Trey got some much-needed sleep. She kept the office door shut and locked in case Collin came in to see what was going on. She wasn’t having much luck and soon all the reports started looking alike.

That morning as Megan and Maria were having coffee on the terrace, she came up with the idea of having the girl look over the theft reports. Perhaps a fresh set of eyes would turn up something. It was worth a shot and it certainly couldn‘t hurt!

It took the Hispanic girl less than an hour to come up with a clue; actually it was more of a pattern instead of a clue. 

“Two, One.” Maria kept saying. “Two thefts at Taos, then one at Alamosa.”

Megan watched closely as Maria pointed out each report by date. There were two thefts at the ranch east of Taos, then the thieves would strike the ranch at Alamosa. The pattern repeated itself three times. Since the last theft occurred two nights previous at the Colorado facility, the next two would be at the Taos ranch. She would just have to lay in wait till they struck again.



The James Gang Ch. 03



With Maria's discovery of the horse thief's pattern, Megan couldn't wait to relate the news to Trey. Looking out the window of Clint's office she saw his truck approaching from the barns. When Trey turned into the courtyard to let her know he was leaving, she was already waiting on him.

"Maria figured it out!" Megan exclaimed, excitedly. "There's a pattern to the thefts. It's gonna be the ranch on the east side that gets hit next."

Megan quickly explained to him how the thieves would twice steal horses from the ranch on the east side of Taos and then make a theft from the ranch up at Alamosa. They would then inadvertently repeat their pattern.

"Why a pattern?" Trey inquired. "Surely they know someone would eventually figure it out."

"That's a good question. You're right." Megan agreed. "There must be a reason why they keep sticking to the same routine."

"If they're gonna hit the other ranch, we should set up an ambush." Trey suggested. 

"I'm going with you." Megan stated, as she ran around to the passenger side of the truck.

The drive to the Rockin J's facility on the east side of Taos took nearly a half hour. The narrow streets lined with shops and art galleries were packed with tourists flocking in for the weekend. Arriving at the gated entrance to the ranch on Spider Road, Trey jumped out and unlocked the gates, swinging them open.

"Are the gates always locked?" Megan inquired as Trey drove through them.

"After the first theft, we started locking the gates." He replied. "We never had to lock the gates before then."

"Awful trusting, aren't you?" Megan remarked.

"That's just the way we are." Trey responded. "We hardly have any kind of livestock thefts."

Trey drove up the hill towards an old dilapidated house that looked like it was built in the twenties, maybe even before then. It was a single story structure with a wooden porch running the full width of the house. The porch roof was sagging all along the front and large holes in the home's roof were clearly visible.

"You building your own house?" Megan quipped as she exited the truck.

"I do stay out her occasionally." Trey remarked. "Especially if one of the horses needs alot of medical attention."

"You're kidding!" She exclaimed. "This place looks like it could fall in any minute."

"It probably could but it beats sleeping on the ground." Trey responded. "I've got an old bed frame and a kerosene stove inside. I hook up the generator on the truck to the house so I can have lights. That's about all I need."

"What about the barn, don't you need lights there?" She inquired. 

"I drive the truck back there and plug in the generator if I need to." He replied. "I'm afraid of having a fire if I put it too close."

"You kinda like things kept simple, don't you?" Megan asked.

"Well……..I guess." Trey answered. "It's still alot more than what the original settlers had."

"Let's saddle up a couple of horses and I'll give you a tour." He suggested. "Time to make a cowgirl out of you."

"We could just walk." Megan countered. "I'm game."

"Walk five-thousand acres! You've got to be kidding!" Trey exclaimed. "We'll ride!"

Saddling up two horses, Trey gave Megan some brief instructions on how to rein and ride.

"Princess is a team-penning horse and gentle as a lamb." Trey remarked. "You'll like ridin' her."

As the couple rode away from the barns, Trey pointed out fence lines so Megan could get an idea of the ranch's vastness. The mountains, rocky crags, unspoiled terrain and rich pastures enriched the ranch. Megan caught herself admiring the magnificent views more than looking for a good place to set up an ambush.

"It's nice out here, ain't it?" Trey remarked, as they rode along.

"It's gorgeous!" Megan exclaimed, riding alongside him. "It's like a paradise!"

"Bet you don't see anything like this back in Philadelphia." He commented. 

"Nope, you sure don't." The Alleghenies are west of Philly." Megan responded. "They're no match for this though."

"Think you'd like to live out here?" He asked, staring at her with a grin.

"I think I know what you're getting at Trey." She answered. "There's no way I'm going to stay here. Once I'm done with everything, I'm going back home."

"Unless I change your mind." He countered.

"You're not going to change my mind so don't waste your efforts." Megan stated. "Let's just make the most of the time we have together before we go our separate ways." 

The disappointed look on Trey's face pretty much told the story of how he felt about her decision. At least Megan had been truthful about her intentions. She wasn't going to lead him on, then crush him when she left to go back to Philadelphia.

Later in the afternoon, the two rode back to the barn. Although Megan had a good overview of the ranch, she still hadn't seen everything.

"Well, whatta ya think?" Trey asked breaking his long silence. 

"I love the horses!" Megan exclaimed. "This ranch is magnificent!"

"I meant about setting up the ambush. That's what I was talking about." He retorted with a stern look on his face.

"Let's have a look at the house." She suggested. "I'll need a clear view of the barn's main doors."

"You mean we!" He responded. "You're not doing this alone."

"Ok, we then. Have it your way." Megan replied. "But, I'm the only one who's gonna have a gun. I don't want you accidentally shooting me."

"Gun!" Trey exclaimed. "You got a gun?"

"A couple." Megan answered. "What'd you think I was gonna do, throw fuckin' rocks at em?"

"I thought we'd get the sheriff's department involved and let them handle it." He replied. "And watch that mouth of yours. You talk like some old whore!" 

"That's because I am an old whore!" Megan smarted off. "So just get used to it!"

"You're not a whore so don't say you are!" He barked. "And, I found out you're only twenty-six, so quite saying you're old."

"Let's take a look inside the house." Megan mumbled, walking away from him. "It might be as good a place as any to hide."

Entering the old house, Megan was surprised at its decaying conditions. Besides the wooden bed frame and kerosene stove, the only other furnishings were an old wood table and two plastic lawn chairs. It was just one large room with no partitions.

"Where's the bathroom?" Megan inquired.

"It's out through the back door." Trey replied. "Just pick a spot and go."

"No thanks, I'll wait till I get back to the ranch." She responded. 

That evening, Megan and Trey gathered up their gear to spend the night at the ranch on Spider Road. Megan checked her guns, packing extra ammunition in one of Trey's backpacks. Collin hadn't come home so the two worked freely without anyone getting suspicious. Loading up Trey's truck they headed back out to the ranch just after sundown.

Megan stored their gear in the house while Trey parked his truck in the barn where it would be out of sight. After locking the gates, he returned to the crumbling structure. Megan was sitting at the table smoking a cigarette and drinking bottled water she'd packed in a cooler.

"I wish you'd quit smoking." Trey muttered. "It smells up the place."

"Well, you can keep wishing till your balls dry up." Megan quipped. "Besides, cigarette smoke could only make this fuckin' outhouse smell better."

Trey responded with something inaudible but Megan couldn't make any of it out. She didn't ask him to repeat it knowing it was something she didn't want to hear anyway.

Midnight past and no one even so much as drove by the ranch's locked gates. An hour later, Megan decided to try and get some sleep while Trey stayed up to act as lookout. After unrolling one of the sleeping bags out on the wooden bed frame, she started getting undressed. Trey stared at her as she slipped off her blouse and jeans. Removing her bra, she placed it on top of her clothes. She folded the top of the sleeping bag back then slid in between the two layers.

"Gonna keep them panties on?" Trey smarted off. "Thought you'd be sleeping in the nude."

"Well, we still might have company tonight and I want to look sexy for them." She countered. "Besides, I don't want to give you any ideas."

A few hours later, almost 3am, Trey shook her from her sound sleep.

"Something's spooking the horses, maybe coyotes." He stated. "Grab your hat and let's get going."

Trey ran out of the house, his cowboy boots making loud footsteps on the wooden floor. Megan slipped on her sneakers, not bothering to tie the laces. Her Glock 21 handgun was sitting on the table next to Trey's western hat. Grabbing both, she ran out onto the porch and jumped down to the ground. Trey was halfway to the barn as she rounded the old house. Loud, eerie howling filled the air. It was a pack of coyotes prowling around the barns, scaring the horses!

Two adult coyotes came running out of the barn, scurrying away towards Trey's left. Raising her .45 caliber pistol, Megan squeezed off two rounds, dropping both animals dead in their tracks as they ran. The gunfire resounded off the hills, almost echoing. Trey froze in his tracks, afraid to make a move. Another adult coyote came running down the side of the barn towards the fence line. Megan fired two shots, even though the first one lifted the animal completely off its feet. The shots echoed, then quickly faded. Silence followed as the resonating faded.

"You could have shot me!" Trey yelled.

"I thought about it!" Megan yelled back. "To me, one howling asshole's just like another!"

"You're the one who's gonna have to bury them!" He shouted. "You shot em, you bury em!"

"You're forgettin', Cowboy. I'm the one with the gun." She shouted back. "You do the digging. I'm gonna go pee."

"Nice outfit!" He exclaimed, gesturing at Megan wearing his hat. "You oughta wear that more often!"

She did look quite sexy wearing just black bikini panties and a black cowboy hat!

An hour later, Trey came back into the house. Megan was curled up in her sleeping bag but she wasn't asleep. He noticed her eyes were open. On the table, sat his cowboy hat with her black panties lying on top.

"It's almost 4am. Doesn't look like anyone's gonna do anything tonight." He remarked.

"Does that include you?" Megan murmured, pulling back the top portion of the unzipped sleeping bag.

Trey didn't have to be taunted twice. Seeing the beautiful woman lying there, wearing nothing but a sexy smile, was invitation enough. Quickly getting out of his clothes, he slipped into the sleeping bag with her. 

Lying on his back with Megan in his arms, she leaned over him as the two kissed passionately. Her firm breasts crushed against his chest as her moist lips sucked his tongue into her mouth. Trey's right hand glided up and down her bare back while she continued sucking on his tongue.

Nibbling at his lips, Megan traced her fingertips down over his muscular chest and taut stomach. Stopping her hand just at the edge of his curly pubic hair, her lips nibbled gently at his nipples. They responded to her lips immediately. Megan's hand brushed over Trey's course pubic hair, knowing his magnificent cock was already hard.

"You lookin' for something?" He murmured, grinning.

"Thought I'd see if there was any salami to snack on." She whispered.

"Hmmm. Found it!" She added moments later, grasping his hard cock. "Nothing like fresh meat for breakfast."

Shucking back the top of the sleeping bag, Megan's lips locked onto the head of Trey's stiff cock. Licking the tip with her tongue, she slowly swirled all around the mushroom-shaped crown. Low, throaty sounds of pleasure came from him as she slowly slid her clenched lips down the hard shaft. Her hand cupped Trey's warm balls as she slid her mouth up and down his cock. Swirling her tongue side to side along the rigid flesh, she taunted him till she had him about to cum. Pulling her mouth from his cock, she looked at it, covered with her thick saliva.

"I'm gonna ride me a cowboy!" She smarted off. "Gonna bust me a bronco!"

Straddling Trey, Megan held his cock while she eased her already swollen pussy onto him. 

"Oh my God!" She muttered, easing down on Trey's cock. "It's sooooooo fuckin' good!"

Working the long, thick shaft into her pussy, Megan began fucking herself up and down on Trey's cock, rocking her pelvis with each thrust. Trey's rough hands, gently massaged her breasts, flicking his thumbs over her already hard nipples.

"Oh Godddddddddddddddddd…………Treyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy" She murmured, over and over.

Trey matched each of her slow thrusts with his till he was fucking into her, lifting her knees off the bed. Her first orgasm came sudden and unexpected, flooding her pussy with thick juices.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr" She moaned aloud. "Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh"

Trey's strong hands at her waist steadied her as he pounded his hard cock upwards. Another orgasm quickly formed deep within her. She felt the strong erotic sensation rising towards its peak. Trey arched his back, lifting his butt upwards till Megan was completely suspended off the bed. Her incredible orgasm shook her entire body. Her head flung backwards as her gaping mouth emitted a scream.

"ARGhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Godddddddddddddddddddddddd" She screamed.

Extremely weakened by the second orgasm, Megan put her arms on his chest to keep from collapsing down on her lover. Trey gave her one last thrust that almost bucked her off. Her perspiration soaked hands slipped upwards towards his shoulders but failed to grasp him. Her spent body collapsed hard on top of him.

"Oh God………………Trey" She mumbled, her head resting against his chest.

"Didn't bust this bronco!" He exclaimed.

Rolling Megan gently off of him, Trey positioned her face down on the sleeping bag.

"Now, I'm gonna break me in a filly!" He muttered.

Lifting Megan's body up till her knees were directly under her, Trey firmly held her waist, pulling her back onto his hard cum-covered cock.

"Arggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" Megan moaned. 

Trey fucked his cock into her slowly, gradually increasing the tempo by pulling her back onto his cock. Megan's face was buried in the sleeping bag, muffling her constant moans. Trey's cock felt like a magic stick as he brought Megan off twice more. Feeling his climax nearing, Trey pounded Megan hard till her ass was bright red. As his hot cream spewed from his cock, he gave her one last, hard trust. 

"Oh Goddddddddddddddddddddddd" Trey moaned through clenched teeth.

His body was paralyzed as his cum kept pouring from his balls. Releasing his grip on her waist, Megan fell forward, slipping off Trey's hard cock. A long, thick strand of cum dangled from the head of his cock, breaking off as it fell to the wooden floor of the old house.

"And, that's how we cowboys take care of you fillies!" Trey exclaimed, slapping her on the butt. 

Megan lay breathless on her tummy, sprawled out on the sleeping bag. Her eyes, barely opened, watched as Trey took a bottle of water and poured it over his cock, washing himself off. Saturating a paper towel with water, he came back to the bed and washed her pussy and legs.

"You cityslickers are never gonna learn." Trey whispered. "When it comes to breedin', we know what we're doin'.

"I'm goin' out and check on the horses, get a few things done while I'm here." He quipped, washing the perspiration from her back. "You stay here and get some rest. You've had a hard night bustin' them broncos."

Megan did drift back off to sleep within moments. It was almost mid-morning, before he came back inside the old house. Waking her gently, he waited while she dressed. Back at the main ranch, Megan showered and dressed to go see Trey's father at the medical center.

Clint was in fairly good spirits. The physical therapy department had just brought him back from a session and he was quite tired. Megan sat on the bed with him, which is where he preferred her to sit. He chatted about ranching and horses, which was pretty much all he knew about, till he got tired. He mumbled his ex-wife, Christina's name as he drifted off to sleep.

Megan spent the rest of the day going through Clint James' legal documents and financial statements. Stretching out on the floor of Clint's office she watched the blades of the ceiling fan slowly spinning.

"I'll never get through all this!" Megan thought. "I'll be drawing Social Security before I'm done!"

That evening Megan and Trey again returned to the ranch on Spider Road, hoping their luck would change. Entering the house, Megan spotted a snake slithering across the floor at her. Screaming, she ran out of the house. Trey attempted to calm her by informing her the snake was harmless but Megan wasn't budging from her decision not to reenter the dilapidated building. That night, the couple spent the night inside the barn, sleeping in the haymow. Although a few vehicles passed by the ranch, none stopped or even slowed down. Early the next morning, Trey and Megan decided to call it a night and make love like two crazed animals before returning to the main ranch. At least, the night wasn't without a reward!

The following night was just like the previous two. While Trey was getting disgruntled about not catching the thieves, he wasn't complaining about the hot, passionate sex. Being the more patient of the two, Megan wasn't complaining about either issue.

Later, close to mid-morning, Megan received a call at the house. It was Christina, Clint James' former wife and the boy's mother. Phoning from Albuquerque, she was just about to board a commuter flight to Taos. She asked if Megan would pick her up at the airport. Readily agreeing, Megan prepared to leave immediately. Megan drove Clint's Suburban to the Taos Airport so there would be ample room for her luggage.

Apprehensive as to what the former Mrs. James would be like, Megan was pleasantly surprised when she saw a very attractive blonde-haired woman step off the small commuter plane. She was much younger than Clint, appearing to be in her late forties. Her short-cropped hair was tightly curled to her head. She walked with grace and style wearing a white, tailored business suit. The woman had a trim figure, evidence that she took great care of herself. She smiled as she approached Megan in the lobby of the small airport.

"You must be Megan Reynolds." The woman said, pushing out her hand. "I'm Christina James."

"Yes. I'm Megan." She responded, briefly shaking the woman's hand. "I'm glad we finally got to meet."

"Too bad it couldn't be over more pleasant circumstances." Christina remarked. "How's Clint doing?

"He's doing better. They're working on trying to get him to stand and walk." Megan reported. "His spirits are down but I'm sure you'll be able to cheer him up."

"Honey, only one thing cheers that man up. And that's money!" Christina replied with a stern look on her face.

Collecting Christina's luggage, the two women packed it in the rear of the Suburban. Driving back to the Rockin J, Megan noticed the woman carefully looking her over.

"How's Trey and Collin handling all this?" Christina inquired. 

"Trey's handling it pretty well. It was rough going at first." Megan replied. "Collin hasn't stopped in to see his father since we took him to the medical center."

"Well, that's no surprise. Collin I mean." Christina commented. "Probably best if he stays the hell away from Clint anyway. He'd only come with his palms up wanting money."

"You got everything under control at the ranch?" She asked bluntly. "Trey's helping you I assume."

"Yes, everything's pretty well under control. Trey's been wonderful." Megan responded, biting her lower lip.

"Has Collin been bothering you any? You know, hitting on you?" Christina inquired.

"Ah no, not really." Megan replied. "I just brush off whatever he says. I wouldn't take anything he says seriously."




The James Gang Ch. 03



"He's a little prick, is what he is! A money-grubbing little prick!" Christina exclaimed.

Megan didn't make a comment, feeling it inappropriate to agree or disagree with her statement. The rest of the journey to the ranch was made in silence. Christina looked and smiled as she remembered her former hometown. 

Arriving at the ranch, Maria came out to help carry in Christina's luggage. The two women hugged each like they were old friends. Megan assumed Christina must have known her before she came to work for Clint as his housekeeper. The two spoke in fluent Spanish and smiled alot so their conversation must have been friendly.

"Which room do you wish to stay in?" Maria asked.

"How about the bedroom next to the master." Christina suggested.

"That is Ms. Reynolds and Trey's room." Maria blurted out without thinking.

"My! My! Trey has been wonderful, hasn't he!" Christina exclaimed, grinning at Megan. 

"Well, put me in the master bedroom, Maria. I'm sure Clint won't mind." She added.

"I'd like to freshen up a bit and then go see Clint." Christina remarked. "Will you drive me?"

"Sure. I'd be happy to." Megan responded.

While Maria had let the cat out of the bag, Christina seemed to have accepted the breaking news pretty well. Megan felt she'd still have some quick explaining to do eventually. Any mother would want to know who her son was sleeping with.

Christina fixed her makeup and hair before changing into a stylish western dress accentuated with white lace. Her tall, calf-high tan boots clicked as she and Megan descended the circular stairway.

"I see ole Clint still keeps the fountains flowing." The woman remarked. "He hated them when I first had them built."

"We only shut them off at night. Other than that, they're always running." Megan replied, smiling. "They really add alot to this home."

Standing in the foyer before leaving, Christina hesitated briefly.

"You think I look alright?" She asked. "Maybe I should change into something else."

"You look fine Ms. James. I'm sure Clint will love what you're wearing." Megan responded, complimenting her.

At the hospital, Christina and Megan paused just outside Clint's room. The woman took several deep breaths before entering.

"Well, here goes." She muttered.

"I'll wait out here so you two can talk. It'll give you a chance to make an entrance." Megan suggested.

"No way! I'm not going in there alone, not after two years." Christina responded. "We may need you as a referee."

The two women slowly entered Clint's hospital room. Christina took Megan's hand, squeezing it firmly in hers. Clint's face beamed seeing his ex-wife for the first time after a lengthy absence. Putting out both arms for her, she rushed to his bed, releasing her grip on Megan's hand. Embracing her, Clint murmured something in her ear after kissing her. Her eyes teared as she slipped from his embrace. Taking a tissue from her purse she attempted to compose herself.

"How're you feeling, Mr. James?" Megan quickly asked to draw away his attention for Christina.

"I'm doing much better. Much better now that Christina's here." Clint answered, smiling.

"Come and sit with me." He requested, patting the safety railing.

Megan sat on the bed with Clint, trying to keep him distracted, giving Christina a little more time to compose herself. She wasn't handling the situation as well as Megan thought she would. Her strong and dominant façade had failed her.

Clint asked about the ranch and how things were going with recovering the stolen horses. Asking about Trey, he never mentioned Collin. Megan answered all of his questions in a positive nature to keep his spirits up. 

Christina lowered the railing on her side of Clint's bed and sat down alongside him. Her long, slender fingers brushed lightly over his chest. Clint put his hand at her waist, squeezing it lightly.

"I should go and let you two talk." Megan suggested. "I'm sure you've got alot of catching-up to do."

Giving Christina her cell phone number, Megan slipped out of the room. Driving out to the ranch on Spider Road, she spotted Trey's truck sitting up by the barn. Trey was cleaning out several of the stalls and putting down fresh bedding when she walked in. His smile warmed her when their eyes met.

"I just left your mother at the hospital." Megan announced. 

"How's she doing? How'd she take seeing Dad?" Trey quickly inquired, his smile turning to a more serious look.

"She looks great. She broke down a little seeing your father in his condition but she's handling it pretty well."

"Be nice if she'd come back to the ranch." Trey remarked. "Even better if they'd get remarried. But, that's asking for way too much, I know."

"Mind telling me why she left in the first place? Or is that too personal?" Megan asked.

"They fought constantly about me!" Trey exclaimed, gritting his teeth. "It was always a fight about me!"

Megan waited for Trey to go into greater details but he didn't say another word. Instead, he went back to cleaning the stalls, working furiously as he took his anger out on the shovel.

"I'm going back to the main ranch. Your mother's going to call me when she's ready for me to pick her up." Megan stated. "You need anything?"

Trey ignored her question. He never even so much as looked her way. His anger seemed to be growing. Megan decided it best to leave before they got into an argument.

Driving back to the ranch, Megan felt there was much more to Clint and Christina's decision to go their separate ways than just Trey. It wasn't her place to pry but she hoped Christina would confide in her as they became closer.

It was late afternoon when Christina phoned from the hospital. Megan drove into town to pick her up and bring her back to the Rockin J. Christina was waiting for her near the entrance. Getting into the Suburban, she had to fabricate a smile to cover her worry and anger.

"Take me to Collin's real estate office, will ya?" She asked.

"Sure." Megan replied. "How's Clint doing?" 

"He's sleeping." Christina answered. "He'll be alright once I get him back to the ranch."

Megan pulled out of the medical center driving towards Collin's office located in the heart of an upscale business district. Pulling up to the front of the building, Christina opened her door before Megan got the SUV completely stopped.

"You better come in with me!" She exclaimed.

Megan had to rush to catch up to the woman. Entering the office, Christina rushed up to the receptionist. Before the young girl had a chance to say anything, Christina showed her anger.

"I wanna see Collin and I wanna see his ass right now!" She shouted.

"I'm sorry but he's busy with some clientele right at the present." The girl murmured in fear.

"I'll bet the fuck he is!" Christina exclaimed, proceeding towards a closed door. 

As she was about to reach for the doorknob, Collin opened the door from his side. Megan could barely see an elderly couple sitting in front of the man's desk.

"Mom! What are you doing here!" Collin exclaimed, stunned.

Christina's response came in the form of a hard slap across the face that dropped him to his knees. The harsh slap could have dropped a horse to its knees for that matter! Collin didn't move except to cover his reddened face with his hand to protect himself.

"OUT! I WANT YOU OUT OF THE HOUSE BY THE END OF THE FUCKIN' DAY!" Christina roared. "YOU HEAR ME?"

Megan jumped back as the woman appeared to be about to kick the young man while she had him on his knees. A small trickle of blood dropped beneath Collin's hand onto his dark blue sport shirt. Christina's slap was sufficient enough to break the tender skin on Collin's lips.

As Megan and Christina exited the office, Megan looked back seeing Collin still kneeling in the doorway, almost as if he were paralyzed with fear. The receptionist was hiding behind her desk fearing retaliation from the infuriated woman.

"I could use a good stiff drink!" Christina exclaimed as she got back into the Suburban. "Let's hit one of the bars along the outskirts of town."

"Are you alright, Ms. James?" Megan inquired, speaking softly.

"Much better now!" Christina responded, smiling and shaking her right hand as if to cool it. 

Sitting in a booth at a quiet and almost deserted little tavern, Christina wrapped her swollen right hand around a tall glass filled with crushed ice. In her other hand she grasped a double scotch, drinking it down like it was water. Catching the bartender's eye, she raised her empty glass.

"May as well bring two this time Bud, save yourself some shoe leather!" She exclaimed. "And, another beer for Megan too!"

Megan had yet to finish her first beer as she sipped on it slowly, remembering she had to do the driving.

"You think Collin will move out without causing alot of trouble?" Megan murmured.

"Yeah. He better anyway. He knows I'll call my brother on his ass if he doesn't." Christina replied.

"He's the sheriff of Taos County, or did you already know that?" She added before Megan could ask.

"No. I didn't know that." Megan responded.

Putting two and two together, she figured that might be why the sheriff's department hadn't tried to help Clint catch the thieves and recover the stolen horses. It was more of a family dispute over the divorce than a matter of being shorthanded.

"Tell me about you and Trey." Christina blatantly stated. "I wanna hear what you've got to say."

"Well….Trey and I have been working together…we've been trying to…" Megan stammered.

"Not that. Clint told me about the stolen horses." Christina interrupted. "I wanna know about how you feel about my son."

"Oh." Megan muttered. "Well…………..I think alot of your son. He's just……I feel he's just a little young for me and………….."

"Fuck the age difference!" Christina exclaimed, taking a gulp of her drink. "He's twenty-one and you're twenty-what, six?"

Megan nodded her head acknowledging the woman's correct guess. Lighting up a cigarette, her hands trembled. Christina reached for Megan's cigarettes and lighter.

"I see we share a love of something else." She muttered, lighting up a cigarette.

"I'm seven years younger than Clint." She said. "Age never stopped us from loving each other."

"You do love Trey don't you?" She asked. "I can see it in your eyes."

Megan nodded her head, her hands trembling so much she couldn't hold onto her cigarette.

"I don't want him to know." Megan mumbled. "I can't let it him know how I feel about him."

"Why?" Christina inquired, speaking softly. "Are you afraid he doesn't love you?"

"I think he does." Megan murmured, shrugging her shoulders. "I don't know……maybe."

"Clint proposed to me on our first date." Christina stated, grinning. "And, I said yes right off. It was the best thing I ever did. It was also the worse."

"Whatta you mean?" Megan asked.

"Marrying Clint was the best thing I've ever done but it only brought about Collin." Christina replied. "And, he's the worse thing I could have done."

"But, it also brought about Trey." Megan remarked. 

Christina didn't respond to the remark. She looked off in the distance, taking a deep breath.

"Clint's not Trey's father." The woman stated. "A man named Cole Eastman is Trey's biological father. He used to work for us as ranch foreman."

Megan was stunned! Christina went on to tell her about an affair she'd had with the man while Clint was away on an extended business trip in Montana. Clint had been neglecting her sexually, his interest were more on the business and ranching. It was an accidental pregnancy. Clint wanted her to put the baby up for adoption but she threatened to leave him if he forced her to give the baby away.

"Are you sure Trey's not Clint's son?" Megan inquired, wanting to hear more.

"Clint had a vasectomy shortly after Collin was born." Christina answered. "One boy to carry on the James' family name was all he ever wanted."

"Trey got the James' family name only because of me, not from Clint." She added.

"Does Trey's real father know about him? Where's he at now?" Megan asked.

"Oh, he knows about me having his son." Christina replied. "He left shortly after I got pregnant for some ranch up in Wyoming. That's the last I heard of him. Hard telling where he is now."

"Did you love this Cole guy?" Megan questioned.

"I loved him but I was still in love with Clint." She answered. "Cole was just the Right Now guy. Know what I mean?"

"Yeah, I think so." Megan muttered, listening intently to the woman's every word.

"Cole fathered another child besides Trey while he worked at the Rocking J." Christina continued. "Maria's also Cole's. Her mother worked as our housekeeper at the time."

"Woohoo!" Megan exclaimed, lighting up another cigarette. "There was alot of hanky-panky going on back then, wasn't there!"

"Horses weren't the only ones getting bred!" Christina exclaimed, laughing. "But we were all getting the real thing……..not artificially inseminated."

Her remark got Megan laughing as the two continued their talk about Clint and the Rockin J. It was dusk when the two women left the tavern. Christina was still fairly steady on feet as she made her way to the Suburban. Megan lost count as to how many drinks the woman had consumed.

Christina James was a hard drinker, fast talker and a chain smoker with a right hand that could probably bring any animal to their knees. Megan was enthralled with her.

"You want me to drive?" She asked, laughing. "You've had two beers."

"I'll drive." Megan responded, grinning at the woman. "We can always call your brother if we get stopped on the way home."

Megan wheeled the SUV into the courtyard at the house, making the short trip without incident.

"What you and I talked about today has to stay just between the two of us!" Christina said. "I don't want you to ever mention a word we said to anyone, not to Trey and not to Maria."

"I promise." Megan responded, putting her hand over Christina's. "It's something we'll share just between the two of us."

It was after 7pm before Trey drove into the courtyard at the Rockin J. Megan met him at the door with a kiss that seemed to slightly embarrass him.

"Careful! Mom might see us!" He murmured, smiling.

"Your mother knows we're sharing a room." Megan responded. "She knows all about us."

"She's cool with it?" Trey exclaimed with a surprise look on her face.

"There's that boy of mine!" Christina shouted, running towards them as they stood in the foyer.

Putting their arms around each other, they hugged for a lengthy time. Neither wanted to let go of the other. Christina's face streamed tears and makeup onto Trey's workshirt as he embraced her tightly.

"It's good to have you home, Mom." Trey muttered, fighting off tears.

"It's good to be back." Christina spoke softly. "Just wish it were under more pleasant circumstances."

Trey asked his mother about her visit with his father. He was pleased to hear his father was doing better and the two had spent the better part of the day together. The worry lines in his handsome face seemed to disappear.

Collin's silver Mercedes sped into the courtyard, coming to a screeching halt in front of the house. He wasn't alone. The auburn-haired Elaine was with him. Rushing past them standing in the foyer, Megan noticed Collin's lower lip swollen and discolored. He and the woman rushed up the circular stairway to the second floor.

"What's that all about?" Trey inquired, looking at his mother.

"Collin's finally moving out." Christina replied with a coy smile. "I took him out in the first round."

Trey didn't understand what she was referring to but he didn't ask her to go into details. Megan, Trey and Christina sat out on the terrace while Collin and his girlfriend packed up his belongings.

"Clint told me you two were working on catching these horse thieves and recovering the stolen horses." Christina stated.

Megan waved her hand in the air to get Christina to stop talking. Her eyes quickly looked towards Trey. Seeing the disappointed look on his face, she immediately figured out that Collin was the chief suspect.

"Oh God!" She murmured. "He's still stealing from his father!" 

Waiting till after Collin and Elaine left the house, Trey and Megan reviewed with Christina what the two of them were trying to accomplish.

"I'll call Brock in the morning and get him involved." Christina stated. "Family differences or not, he's the damn sheriff so he should be doing his job."

"I don't think its wise to get the sheriff's department involved." Megan remarked. "I'm not sure but there's a possibility someone on the force could be involved. If that's the case, he could be tipped off."

"Not Brock!" Christina exclaimed. "He's as honest as the day is long."

"Maybe not your brother but one or more of his deputies." Megan surmised. "With no one trying to help in the past and this mystery airplane, I've got suspicions there's alot more going on than any of us is aware of."

"Mystery airplane?" Christina exclaimed. "What airplane?"

Megan told her about Clint purchasing an airplane for Collin and paying six-hundred thousand dollars in cash for it. She also told Christina that Clint's accounting firm did nothing to stop the transaction and that she had taken the Rockin J's business away from them.

"We should be heading out to the ranch in case they pick tonight to steal more horses." Trey suggested.

"I don't think anything's going to happen tonight. Collin's too busy settling in somewhere to be out stealing horses or whatever else he's up to." Megan responded. "But all this could drive him to retaliation. We've got to be careful."

After a good night's sleep in their own bed, Trey rushed out to the ranch on Spider Road to check on the horses. He phoned back to let Megan know everything was secure and none of the horses were missing. Her assumptions had been right. Maybe their luck was changing!

While Christina spent most of the day with Clint at the medical center, Megan continued reviewing the Rockin J's financial records. More and more she saw alot of wasteful spending even though the bottom line was still well into the black. 

"Think of how much the James' family could be making if only they'd spend their money more wisely." Megan kept thinking. "There's more work here than I can possibly handle. Maybe Christina can give me a hand with this mess."

That evening after sunset, Trey and Megan went out to the ranch east of Taos and set up for the ambush. Megan checked over her Glock handgun and Remington 12 gauge magnum shotgun, making sure they were ready in case they needed them. Trey paced up and down the wide aisleway between the stalls checking on the horses.

"Princess alright." Megan inquired, trying to get him to calm down.

"Yeah, she's fine." Trey replied. "You kinda like her don't ya?"

"Yes. I do." Megan responded. "She's fun to ride."

Just as Trey was about to speak, a small aircraft flew low and directly over the barn.

"Wow, he's close!" Trey exclaimed. 

"The plane!" Megan shouted. "That was a plane!"

Handing Trey the shotgun, Megan tucked the handgun inside the waistband of her jeans and grabbed the binoculars she'd taken from Clint's office.

"Let's go!" She exclaimed. "This may be it!"

The two ran out of the barn looking towards the north. The airplane was making a long slow banking turn to make another flyover. Megan and Trey ran towards a cluster of trees close to the fence line to seek cover. 

Looking up, they saw the plane's landing lights come on as it dropped in altitude to just above the top of the trees east of them. The plane's speed decreased drastically as it crossed over the road and made a dusty landing in a wide ravine a few hundred yards or so north of the barn. Trey and Megan's hearts were both pounding in their chests.




The James Gang Ch. 03



A truck pulling a horse trailer came up the road but stopped well short of the gate before shutting its lights off. In the distance a clap of thunder resonated off the mountains. Rain clouds were starting to roll in from the southwest, blocking out the moonlight. Crouching under the trees wasn't the safest place to be in case of lightening but Trey and Megan couldn't make a run across the open ground for the barn. They'd made a drastic mistake, their first of the night!

About ten minutes later, a silver Mercedes pulled up behind the horse trailer. It too, shut its headlights off. In the darkness, looking through the binoculars, Megan couldn't see clearly who was driving the car but it had to be Collin. She could make out the figures of two men sitting inside the pickup.

"Oh fuck! This isn't good." Megan muttered. "We're caught right in the middle."

"We'll shoot our way out." Trey murmured, his finger resting on the trigger of the shotgun.

"Just be sure you hold on tight to it." Megan reminded him. "It'll kick itself right out of your hands."

The interior light of the Mercedes came on briefly as the driver stepped out. Megan got a quick glimpse of Elaine, Collin's girlfriend, in her binoculars.

"It's that fuckin' redhead!" Megan muttered. 

"Elaine. Elaine Sutter?" Trey questioned. "Where the hell's Collin?"

"Right behind you!" Collin shouted as he struck Trey across the side of the head with a handgun.

Megan's head snapped back as another man, a hulking figure, grabbed her by the back of her hair.

"Take them both inside the house!" Collin ordered. "We'll deal with them once and for all."

Collin and the other man, almost twice Collin's size, drug the pair towards the house. Megan saw the pickup with the horse trailer pass by them as it proceeded towards the barn. The side of Trey's head was covered with blood. Right now, he was her main concern but she was helpless to get to his aid.

Collin threw Trey down on the wooden bed frame striking him with the gun for a second time. Megan screamed out but her outburst only enraged Collin more. Striking her across the face, he knocked her backwards towards the wood table.

"Now Missy, I'm gonna show you what a real man's like!" He growled, ripping her t-shirt and bra off."

"No! Don't!" Megan screamed as the other man threw her down on the table. 

Looking up, she could see he was wearing a deputy sheriff's uniform. A glint of light reflected off his badge. Collin ripped her jeans off, tossing them aside. Pulling her cotton panties down, he left them dangling off one ankle. Struggling to get away, the deputy held her shoulders pinned to the table.

"Collin! You fucking asshole!" Elaine screamed, running into the house. "Do you have to fuck every woman!"

"Just get the damned coke loaded in the car!" Collin shouted, panting for breath. "I'm gonna teach this bitch a lesson before I kill her."

"Just get your ass back to the house!" Elaine replied. "We gotta get this shipment bagged and up to Denver. Jake's in a hurry. You can bury their bodies down at his ranch.

Elaine ran out of the house towards Collin's Mercedes. Collin was sneering as he pushed his dress slacks and briefs down. Megan started kicking, trying to break away, but her shoulders were pinned hard against the table.

Looking down, she could see Collin's huge cock. It looked as big as her lower arm! 

"OH GOD NO!" Megan screamed, flailing her legs wildly.

Collin grabbed her ankles, spreading her legs wide. She felt his huge cock penetrate her pussy, ripping her apart. Cringing from the excruciating pain, she fought for each breath. Collin began brutally fucking her.

"Check out these tits!" The deputy remarked, mauling them with his grubby fingers.

As the deputy leaned over her, the butt of her Glock, tucked inside his pants, struck her in the forehead. With her hands free, she made a desperate grab for the handgun pulling it out. Firing wildly upwards, the second shot caught the deputy below the chin, blowing the top of his head off. Blood rained down on her, covering her body. 

Collin stood stunned, his mouth dropped in awe, as Megan pointed the gun at him. He still held her legs spread wide as she squeezed off three quick shots, blowing his heart out and most of his chest away. He fell backwards, ripping his cock from her pussy. Hearing footsteps on the front porch, she quickly rolled off the table, landing flat on the floor. The man was wearing a uniform and carrying a sawed-off shotgun. With the clouds blocking out the moonlight it was difficult to see the man's face shaded by his western style hat.

"Collin! Collin!" He shouted.

Trey, barely able to move, quickly grabbed Collin's handgun from the floor and fired at the figure, knocking him off the rickety porch. A loud clap of thunder resonated off the mountains, quickly followed by an eerie silence.

Trey struggled to his feet, his hand holding the side of his head, covered with blood. Megan pulled her panties on as she helped him to the front door. Lying in the dirt, his feet still on the porch lay Christina's brother, Brock.

"How'd you know to shoot him?" Megan inquired.

"He called out for Collin instead of me." Trey muttered. "He gave himself away."

"Now, let's go after that Sutter bitch!" He exclaimed.

"Let me get the shotgun!" Megan shouted, running towards the cluster of trees.

Trey drove his truck out of the barn striking the pickup near the front wheels. The collision ripped the sideview mirror off the truck as it caved in the driver's side door. Stopping at the side of the house, Megan jumped in with him.

Taking a fresh clip from the backpack, Megan changed out the nearly spent magazine from the Glock handgun. Trey sped down the dark two-lane road with only one headlight still working. He was holding the side of his head with his elbow resting against the door.

"You gonna be alright?" Megan asked, not realizing how stupid it sounded.

Trey was hurt alot worse than he was letting on but his adrenalin was pumping through his body like a wildfire out of control. Trey pulled into the long lane at Elaine Sutter's house on the east side of Taos. He drove past the house, seeing Collin's Mercedes parked by an outbuilding. 

Jake Sutter, Elaine's estranged husband ran out of the building. Seeing Trey and Megan jump out of the truck with guns in their hands, he quickly turned and ran back inside.

"Grab the guns!" He yelled at Elaine.

Trey was the first to enter the building, pointing the Glock at Jake. Megan was right behind him with the Remington shotgun. Jake had dead aim on Trey at close range. Without hesitating, Trey fired two quick shots before Elaine shot him with her .38. Megan squeezed off a shot, the magnum sounding like a cannon inside the metal building. The round hit the package of cocaine on the table exploding the white powder into the air. The second round struck the woman in the neck, taking her head off. The shotgun kicked upwards, knocking Megan backwards. Tripping she fell next to Trey, laying in the doorway.

Megan looked over to see Trey was still breathing, his chest heaving. In the distance, sirens wailed and loud claps of rolling thunder shook the ground. Rain started pouring down hard. Trey's eyes were opened and he was smiling. They were both laying flat on their backs with rain soaking them.

Megan reached towards Trey. Finding his hand, she held it firmly. Her back was aching terribly and her insides felt like they were on fire.



The James Gang Ch. 0



“I love you too.” Megan murmured, putting her hand over his.

The two lay there in silence, comforted in the fact they were safely together. Neither said another word as they drifted off to sleep. 

It was some time later when Christina came back to take Megan back to her room. It was difficult for both of them to leave each other, but they knew the hospital wouldn’t consent to them sharing a bed overnight.

“Can I ask you a favor? Let me tell Clint about your being pregnant.” Christina asked as she helped Megan into her own hospital bed. “It’ll help him through all this chaos.”

“Ok….I guess. But, not Trey!” Megan muttered, too tired to dispute her request.

Sleeping through most of the night, Megan’s dreams were of having Trey’s baby. Although she was getting over the initial shock of the news, she still wasn’t sure of what to do about it. Having the baby and keeping it was not a problem. Keeping it a secret from Trey seemed virtually impossible.

Christina arrived at the Taos Medical Center bright and early the next morning. Checking first on Trey, she informed him Megan was going to be released and going out to the ranch. Clint was eating his breakfast when Christina entered his hospital room. 

“I miss Maria’s cooking.” Clint stated as Christina took a chair next to his bed. “I’ll be glad to get back to the ranch so I can have whatever I want to eat.”

“Megan’s going to be released this morning. John Henry wants to do one last examination before he signs the release.” Christina commented.

“Whatever you do, make sure she stays at the ranch.” Clint responded. “She’s got some confounded idea about getting that damn airplane back and then running back to Philadelphia.”

“Says that’s where she belongs.” Clint continued. “She belongs with Trey and at the Rockin J! That’s where she belongs!”

“Megan’s pregnant with Trey’s baby!” Christina blurted out, her face grinning.

Clint froze at hearing the news. Looking at Christina with the pleased look on her face, he knew she wasn’t putting him on.

“My God, That’s Wonderful!” Clint shouted. “Goddamn! We’re gonna be grandparents!”

“Is it gonna be a boy?” He asked.

“Clint, she’s only a few weeks along.” Christina answered. “It’s gonna be at least a few months before they can tell what sex it’s gonna be.”

“Oh, ok. We’ll accept whatever they have.” Clint remarked. “It doesn’t matter.”

“She doesn’t want me to tell Trey.” Christina stated. “She’s afraid he’ll think she’s trapped him.”

“That’s pure bullshit!” Clint exclaimed. “I could tell right off Trey was nuts about her. He should tell Megan how he feels about her and get it out in the open. Quit horse-assin‘ around!”

“They slept in the same bed together last evening for a couple of hours.” Christina stated, grinning.

“Woohoo!” Clint responded, his face beaming. “Right here in the hospital?” 

“Yep. Course they didn’t do anything, just cuddled.” Christina remarked.

“I remember when we used to cuddle.” Clint muttered. “It’s one of the few things I never forgot.”

It was close to noon before Megan and Christina got out to the ranch. The two women walked out to the pasture to watch the horses grazing. Walking up to them, the horses seemed as glad to see Megan as she did them.

“Well, let’s get up to the office so I can get busy on ranch business.” Megan suggested, tapping her cane on the ground. 

“First, we need to arrange transportation to get all those horses back up here from Socorro County.” She added. “Then I want to work on security for the other two ranches. We can’t just rely on a couple of ten dollar padlocks to keep the horses safe.”

“Whoa there! Slow down!” Christina warned. “You need to take it easy. Don’t forget, you’re havin’ a baby.”

“I need to keep busy. I’ll feel better if I do.” Megan responded. “You and I need to work on getting things on track.”

While Christina and Maria gathered up the financial documents and straightened up the office, Megan worked on the list of changes she wanted to make. Her fingers danced over the keyboard on her laptop as the list grew longer and longer. When Christina and Maria stepped out of the office for a few minutes, Megan pulled the file on the airplane purchase from the storage boxes. She shoved the documents in one of the desk drawers so she could work on it when she got time alone in the office.

“Pregnant or not, I’m gonna get that airplane back if it kills me.” She thought. “Six-hundred thousand dollars isn’t something I’m just gonna put out of my mind. I don‘t care what Clint says.”

Two days later, Christina and Maria brought Trey home from the medical center. The bruises on his face had faded some but it would take months before his hair would grow back and cover the scars on the left side of his head. During the day he sat in the office with Megan, often looking out at the hired hands working around the barns. Mostly, he just watched her working at his father‘s desk. 

Trey was receptive to Megan’s suggestions and changes she wanted to bring about to the Rockin J’s ranching operations. When the commercial transports arrived from Socorro with the horses, he was sitting out by the barns, thoroughly checking each horse for injuries and any special attention they might require. Megan would watch him through the binoculars, making sure he didn’t get too tired. She knew Trey didn’t know when to quit. 

Working all day on the computer and arranging for changes to take place was taking its toll on Megan. Even with Christina’s full time assistance, the list was slowly dwindling at best. The increased fatigue, a common symptom of pregnancy, wasn’t helping matters. The medication Doc Holliday had prescribed for Megan was helping her through bouts of nausea and her back pains.

Three weeks passed. Megan was due for her check-up with the doctor and Clint was going to be released to come home. Although he still wasn’t able to walk, his ability to stand had greatly improved. Clint resigned himself to the fact; he would more than likely spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. If his spirits were down, he was doing a good job of hiding it. 

Christina suggested Trey and Megan get away from the ranch for a few days, maybe take a trip somewhere. Trey was apprehensive about leaving the ranch with his head looking lopsided. Megan fixed him up with a bandana to cover his head. Of course, she had to start calling him “Chico” to agitate him into smiling. Christina’s suggestion was the perfect alibi for Megan to get away from the ranch and drive down to El Paso. 

A small airport on the northern outskirts of El Paso was where Collin had purchased the airplane. Megan was hoping, she could talk with the seller and find out if he knew the present whereabouts of the aircraft. The drive would take them five hours to complete but Megan wasn’t going to pass up the chance to get away.

Leaving early on Monday morning, Megan drove her and Trey down to Santa Fe to pick up Interstate 25 to the Texas border town. The green landscape soon gave way to desert well south of Albuquerque. While Trey had seen it numerous times before, it was something totally new to Megan. She couldn’t get over how beautiful it was. Arriving in El Paso mid-afternoon, the couple checked into the Hawthorn Inn.

“What’s first, lunch I hope?” Trey inquired, grinning.

“Ok, then I want to get out to the airport and see if I can find someone.” Megan replied. 

“Who’re you looking for?” He asked.

“The guy who sold Collin that airplane.” She answered. “His name’s Rick Anderson. He’s an aircraft dealer. Hopefully, he’ll know the current whereabouts of the plane.”

“You think it was the same one that landed at the ranch?” He questioned.

“I’m betting on it.” She answered. “At least there’s a possibility it was the same plane.” 

“Even if it’s not, you father paid for it. By rights it belongs to the ranch.” Megan added.

After a light lunch in the hotel’s restaurant, Trey and Megan drove out to the airport. Finding Anderson’s place of business, they spotted a handwritten note taped to the door. Anderson was out of the office but supposed to return in an hour. Trey and Megan looked at a few of the airplanes lined up in front of the office while they waited.

“Kinda small aren’t they?” Trey commented, peering inside the cockpit door on one of the aircraft.

“Yeah, but that’s what makes them unique.” Megan responded, getting exasperated having to wait. She was feeling quite tired from the long drive and her back was bothering her some.

“You know.” Trey remarked. “With one of these on the ranch, I could fly from Taos to the ranch at Alamosa in no time.” 

“Forget it.” Megan retorted. “You’re not flying any damn airplane through the mountains to Alamosa. There’s too many factors that could put you in danger, especially if you’re inexperienced. Besides, a helicopter would be better for the commute. Either one would scare the horses. So forget it!”

“I was just making a comment!” Trey retorted. “Didn’t ask to have my head bitten off!”

“Sorry. I’m just not feeling all that great.” Megan apologized. “This heat isn’t helping matters much either.”

It was quite warm, with the temperature reaching into the mid-nineties. Megan’s feet were burning as she traipsed back and forth impatiently. Standing in the shade close to the building, she spotted a small plane taxiing towards them. She hoped it was Rick Anderson, the owner of the business.

“You folks interested in buying a good airplane or just looking?” The pilot inquired, as he stepped off the wing of the Cessna twin-engine aircraft.

Rick Anderson was a short, slightly balding gentleman in his late forties. He was a little overweight, his stomach protruding somewhat over his belt buckle. Removing his aviator style sunglasses, he approached the couple.

“We’ve already got an airplane.” Megan replied. “We’re just trying to find the damn thing.”

“Ah…I take it, it was stolen.” Anderson commented. “That’s not unusual for these parts.”

“Not exactly stolen, more like borrowed and never returned.” Megan quipped. “I want it back.”

“And, how does that affect me?” The man asked, seemingly confused.

“You sold it about a year ago.” Megan answered. “I was hoping you might know where it might be now.”

“Let’s step inside and get out of this heat.” Anderson suggested, noticing Megan perspiring profusely. “You look a little overheated.”

Following the business owner into his cramped office, Megan and Trey were instantly hit with cold air flowing briskly from the air conditioner. A chill shot through Megan, causing her to shiver for a second. 

“I don’t recall seeing you before.” Anderson stated. “When did you purchase the plane?”

“I’m not the one who made the purchase.” Megan replied, tossing xerox copies of the purchase agreement on the man‘s desk. “Collin James from up in Taos bought it about a year ago.”

“The guy that got his ass shot all to hell!” Anderson exclaimed. “Heard it was a drug deal gone bad!”

“This is Trey James, Collin’s brother.” Megan quickly stated before Anderson made any more remarks.

“Oh…I’m sorry to hear about your brother.” Anderson muttered, looking down at the documents.

“How you figure on getting it back?” He asked.

“Depends on where it is, I guess.” Megan said. “That’s what I’m hoping you can tell us.”

“Well…I’m not sure if I can help you out or not.” Anderson responded, trying to keep from grinning.

“Will a thousand dollars cash change your mind?” Megan asked reaching into her shoulder bag.

“The plane comes in here for servicing occasionally, but rumor has it they fly out of San Elizario.” Anderson immediately rattled off.

“Where’s San Elizario? Mexico?” Megan asked.

“Yeah. About thirty-five miles south of here.” Anderson answered. “It about two miles east of the Rio Grande River.”

“Nothing much there.” He added. “It’s not a tourist town by any means.”

“How much to fly us down there? Just a slow flyover so we can have a look.” Megan inquired. 

“I don’t really care much for flying across the border.” Rick replied. “The DEA watches all aircraft, especially small planes like mine.”

“Two-thousand dollars if we leave right away.” Megan offered.

Anderson quickly pushed the chair back from his desk and stood up. He gestured towards the door for Trey and Megan to follow him. Boarding the Cessna 421C twin-engine airplane, Megan sat in the copilot’s seat while Trey sat directly behind her. Within minutes, they were in the air and heading south. Flying over the Rio Grande, Anderson banked a slow turn to the left following the river’s path.

Ten minutes later, Rick Anderson banked into another left turn. The dusty little town of San Elizario appeared almost out of nowhere. Numerous buildings stood along both sides of the wide two-lane paved road that ran through the small town. At the north end, Megan noticed a mobile home with several late-model SUV’s parked in front of it. To the east side of the trailer was a wooden three-sided building, open along the west side. Directly behind the mobile home sat two small airplanes. 

“Fly down low and slow so I can read the numbers on the planes.” Megan commanded. “I wanna see if one of them’s ours.

Anderson made a slow banking turn, gradually reduced his altitude. Cutting the engines’ speed, he flew back over the mobile home.

“That’s it! It’s the plane!” Megan exclaimed. “N2660! That’s the Piper!”

“Congratulations.” Anderson smarted off. “Now all you gotta do is ask the nice gentlemen to give it back.”

“We’ll get it back.” Megan retorted. “I’ll steal it back if I have to.”

“Wonder where the runway is?” Trey inquired.

“More than likely they use the paved road.” Anderson replied. “It’s right at their front door.”

Megan looked down at the asphalt road as the dusty little town disappeared from view behind them. Using the two-lane road for a runway did make sense. It appeared to be hardly traveled.

Back at the El Paso airport, Megan paid Anderson his money, slipping him an extra thousand dollars.

“What’s the extra for?” He inquired, grinning.

“That’s for keeping your mouth shut.” She replied. “I’m buying your silence. We do have a deal, don’t we?”

“We sure do!” Anderson exclaimed, grinning. “I could do business like this all day.”

“Just make sure you keep your end of the deal.” Megan warned as she and Trey walked away.

Back in their hotel room, Megan sat down on the side of the bed, slipping her shoes off. Her feet were swollen and tired. Trey suggested calling room service for dinner instead of dining in the restaurant. Megan gladly agreed.

“You sure you’re alright?” Trey inquired. “You look a little pale.”

“I’m alright. Just tired.” Megan muttered. “This damn heat isn’t helping matters any.”

“You wanna go back in the morning?” Trey asked. “We don’t have to stay here if you don’t want to.”

“Nah. Maybe tomorrow won’t be quite as hot.” Megan answered. “I’ll feel better in the morning, I’m sure.”

Stepping into the shower after dinner, Megan let the warm spray wash over her tired body. Trey pulled the shower curtain open and stepped in with her. 

“You gonna shower with that bandana on, Chico.” She quipped, grinning.

“Maybe ole’ Chico wanna make sure his little filly gets everything clean.” Trey smarted back as he soaped up a washcloth. 

“This little filly could use a little internal scrubbing but I can’t till I see Doc Holliday.” Megan responded. “You’re just gonna have to wait.”

Trey soaped Megan’s back and down her legs. The soft washcloth and warm spray felt soothing and refreshing. Reaching around her, he washed her breasts and down over her tummy. As his hands made slow circular motions over her pelvic area, Megan grabbed his hand, pushing it away.

“Hey! What’s the matter?” Trey asked. “You used to like me doing that.”

“I know. It’s just my stomach’s a little upset is all.” Megan muttered. “I’m sorry.”

After showering, Megan turned in for the night while Trey stayed up and watched television. It was late when he finally came to bed, snuggling up close to her. 

The couple spent the next day walking through the quaint souvenir and gift shops. Sitting in one of the cafes, Trey asked her about the airplane.

“You really gonna try and steal it back?” He inquired, keeping his voice low.

“Yeah. I know some people who are into covert activities.” Megan replied. “It just takes money and alot of careful planning.”

“Is it worth it? Really worth it, I mean?” Trey asked.

“Your father paid six-hundred thousand for the plane a year ago.” Megan responded. “If it cost us fifty-thousand to steal it back and figuring in depreciation, it should still be worth half a million.”

“You don’t dare tell your father, or anyone else for that matter, what went on down here.” Megan warned. “He’d have another stroke if he ever found out.”

“After all this is over with, you and I need to sit down with your father and go over his finances.” She added. “Your father’s alot better off financially than he’s letting on.”

“Then, there is money in the bank!” Trey exclaimed.

“Tons of it.” Megan remarked. “Your father’s a multi-millionaire several times over. I’m still working on the figures. Those accountants your father was using were lazy-ass dunces!”

Arriving back at the Rockin J ranch Thursday morning, Megan barely had time to shower and change for her appointment with Doc Holliday at the medical center. Christina accompanied her, anxious to find out about Megan’s health.

“Hey there gunslinger!” Holliday greeted the women as when they entered his office. “Shot anyone today!”

“Nope! But, the day’s not over!” Megan smarted back.

After performing a thorough examination and taking blood samples, the doctor allowed her to get dressed. Sitting in his office with Christina, she was anxious to hear his findings.

“Your scarring has healed. You can get horizontal with your boyfriend again.” Holliday quipped. “Just don’t get too aggressive. Try and take it easy. Ok?”

“Your slightly anemic. I’m gonna put you on a diet and prescribe some medication.” He added. “I’ve got another packet of information, you need to read over. Also, I’m recommending an ob/gyn who’s on staff here. Set up an appointment with him sometime within the next couple of weeks. The two of us will work together to make sure you have a healthy baby.”

“I take it I’m still pregnant then?” Megan asked, stupidly.

“DUH! What’d you think it was? Some kind of twenty-four hour flu bug.” He replied, grinning. “I’d say seven weeks. Sonograms and scans will give you a better idea. Right now, the best thing you can do is stay active but get plenty of rest. And, no cigarettes and no alcohol.”

“Are you hesitant about having the baby?” Christina asked as they left the doctor’s office.

“Not hesitant so much as I am worried.” Megan replied. “This couldn’t have come at a worse time.”

“What the hell’s that supposed to mean?” Christina inquired. “What’s time got to do with it?”

“What’s the latest news?” Clint asked, when the two arrived back at the ranch. “

“Seven weeks along!” Christina blurted out, grinning. “And no, we still don’t know if it’s gonna be a boy or not!”

“That’s great! I couldn’t be happier!” Clint exclaimed, slapping his hand on the arm of the wheelchair. “Let’s go tell Trey.”

“No, not yet!” Megan quickly replied. “I want to pick the time and the place.” 

“Maybe in a couple of weeks I’ll be better prepared to let him know.” She added. “Just not right now.”

Megan left Clint and Christina in the livingroom to go up to the office. Peering out through the binoculars, she watched Trey grooming one of the horses outside one of the barns. She was still not sure if she was even going to inform him of her pregnancy. 

If she could pull off getting the plane back and returning to Philadelphia within the next couple of weeks, she wasn’t going to let Trey know.