Rayne Comes to Town by Alwayzdreamin

CHAPTER 1

The lone figure sat astride the large bay looking out over the vast area, the sun shining high in the sky was already too hot for most. Thoughts of a nice cool stream, or some shade were teasing the tall figure in the saddle. "What I wouldn't give for a cold stream right about now!" the low voice commented to the bay, who just snorted and shook his head. "Yeah, I know. Come on let's get goin, if all goes as it should we'll hit town by sundown. That means a nice stall with fresh hay for you and a hot bath, home cooked meal, and soft bed for me. Maybe even a beer if there's a decent saloon." The bay nodded his head, and struck the ground with his front foot as if to say, 'then let's get movin.' With that the rider gave the horse a gentle nudge with the heel of her boot and off they went, the horse and rider moving as one. With a few stops now and then to rest the bay, and give herself a break from the saddle eventually made it to the town just before sundown as predicted.

The town was like every other she had been in, the only difference was, on the outskirts of this town stood a small house with some ground that was now hers. As she rode into the town, she looked for the hotel, and the livery, finding those she would be happy. A little way into town she spotted what looked to be a saloon, at least if looked that way with all the dusty, rowdy men goin into and coming out of. Deciding to try there first she rode up to the hitching post that stood in front and tied her horse to it. Swinging her leg over the giant animal, her foot touched solid ground, she pulled her hat low over her eyes, adjusted the gun belt she wore around her hips and walked with confidence into the establishment. Like any other saloon, the minute the swinging doors opened and she walked in the sounds of laughter, music, and empty mugs being slammed down on the bar, assaulted her ears. With a self-assured swagger she made her way to the bar.

"What can I get for ya mister?" The short man behind the bar asked without looking.

"I'll have shot of whiskey and a room if you have it." The husky voice replied.

The bar keep, not use to hearing voices sounding like that looked up, ready to refuse service. After all it was a bar, a place for MEN and loose women that was until he looked into the cold ice blue eyes that looked back at him. They said, go ahead challenge me, refuse me, and the smirk that formed on the lips of the dark skinned woman, honestly gave the short man cause to think. So instead of the 'No get lost,' that was about to form on his lips, he said "Comin right up. Room's are four bits night."

"Where might I find a decent priced room and bath, and get a decent meal?" She asked in a low voice.

"Miss Bessie serves a fine meal three doors down, and her rooms are two bits."

"One last thing, where can I find the livery?"

"Down the street take a left and it's on the end of the block. Ralph should still be there."

"Thank you. I'll be back for that bath and room." The tall stranger said after she swallowed the amber liquid. She tossed out enough coins to cover the drink, the bath and the room and turned and walked out the swinging doors. Grabbing the reigns off the hitching post, she walked to the side of the large bay, place her foot in the stirrup and swung her leg over then lead the horse down the road in the direction the bartender told her. As she rode, she spied the big building at the end of the road. She reached the entrance and dismounted, with reins in hand she walked in.

"Howdy, what can I do for ya?" She heard.

"Lookin for a stall and a bucket of oats for Apache here." She answered.

"Got one off to the left there." Ralph said as he walked over to the tall woman, reaching out his hand he continued, "names' Ralph."

Reaching her hand out she said, "Nice to meet ya Ralph, names' Rayne, and this here is Apache." Ralph reached out and petted the large bay, who just nodded his head as if to say 'hello' himself. Ralph took a good long look at Rayne as she started to un-strap the saddle and bridle.

"You look familiar, been in these parts before?" he asked.

"Years ago when I was a small sprout, visitin my aunt and uncle."

"Mathews, you're Luke Mathews kin ain't ya." Ralph said as he saw the family resemblance. "Yeah I am." Rayne said as she continued to take care of her horse. "I'm real sorry about their passin. Real good people they were." The stable hand said as he offered his condolences. Luke and his wife Martha had passed on the winter before and word was they left their small spread one of Luke's family members. From time to time the local attorney would ride out and make sure everything was in good condition and waiting for the new owner to take possession of it. The cattle of course had been sold to cover the burial expense and Wilson's legal fee's, and what little was left, was put into an account for Luke's kin.

"Thanks, do you know if... I understand it was a wagon accident that took em; do you know...can ya tell me if it was quick?"

"Folks say they left town heading home one afternoon with plans on returnin to Gillum's mercantile, and when they didn't show for their order, he sent someone to deliver it, and they's the ones that came up on the upset wagon and your kin. Maybe Doc Adams could tell ya more... you can find him over at Bessie's right about now. You ask me them two might as well get hitched, shoot neither of them can see straight when the other is around."

"Well getting hitched isn't for everyone ya know." Rayne said quietly. "How much for the night?" She asked as she finished brushing Apache down.

"That'll be a bit for the night, includes bucket of oats in the morning too." Ralph answered. Rayne reached into her pocket and pulled out a coin and handed it the young man.

"Much Obliged." She said, "I'll be back in the morning to pick him up. Thanks for the information, and you have yourself a fine evening Ralph." She finished with a week smile.

"Thank you!" he said as he pocketed the money, "Welcome to Willow Creek, hope you enjoy livin here.

"Thanks Ralph, I think I will. Seems to be a friendly town already!" Rayne said as she put her hat back on her head and walked out heading down the street towards the dining room.

True to every small, word of her arrival spread like wildfire, and by the time she walked into the small dining room everyone in there was eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the newest member of the community. Word had it that the new owner of the Mathews place was a woman. Most men in the room were eager to meet her for the sheer prospect of picking up the ranch for half if not less of its true value. As far as they were concerned a woman had no business ranching, and they were more than willing to take the land off her hands. Jeremiah Sprigs was the most eager of the bunch and he made it no secret that his intention was to become the new owner and he wouldn't take kindly to anyone who tried to out bid him. His eyes were the first to spot the tall woman as she walked into the room. His eyes roamed up and down her body, taking in the dust that clung to her, and as much as his distaste for the fact that she was covered in dirt, he felt a strong stirring in his groin. 'Get her cleaned up and in the proper attire and she would make a mighty fine looking woman worthy of any mans attention.' He thought to himself. Then the thought began to form in his mind, 'A man needs boys to carry on his name, I can kill two birds with one stone here.' And his lips curled into a smile.

Rayne walked into the dining room and looked around for a place to sit. As she scanned the room, a woman in her mid forties walked up to her with a big smile. "Well hello there and welcome. You must be Luke and Martha's kin! Bet your hungry and tired, come on lets get some food into you and then I'll have Jessie show you to your room and bath. I'm Bessie by the way, heard about your arrival and took the liberty of getting you a room already. Now what would you like? Judging for how scrawny you are you need a nice thick steak, some fried potatoes and a nice tall glass of iced tea. How does that sound?" Rayne immediately liked the woman, and broke out in a smile and decided to relax a little then said jokingly, "Best take a breath there wouldn't want you to go passin out on me, especially since I don't know which man in here is Doc Adams!" With a laugh she continued, "Sorry I couldn't resist, Ralph down at the livery was very vocal about the two of you. I'm Rayne Mathews by the way, pleased to meet you."

"Oh that youngun needs to mind his own business and get busy on finding a wife for him self!" Bessie said as she too laughed, and the two walked to a table where Rayne was seated and Bessie went off to the kitchen to put in the order. Just as her tea arrived, she heard someone behind her clear their throat and she turned and looked up to see a tall man standing there with a smile.

"May I help you?" She asked.

"I don't mean to interrupt your dinner, just wanted to introduce myself and welcome you. I'm Jeremiah Sprigs; you must be Luke Mathew's kin."

"Name's Rayne...nice to meet you." She said as she studied the man who held his hand out waiting for her hand.

"Yes, well..." he started as he cleared his throat again, "Welcome to Willow Creek, if you need anything, help with the ranch, someone to show you around town...a dinner companion, feel free, I'd be honored." Jeremiah said as he began to feel uncomfortable under the woman's scrutiny

"Noted." Rayne said as she went picked her glass of tea up, still looking at the man who abruptly nodded and turn on his heel and proceeded to leave the dining room, nearly knocking Bessie over in the process.

"Oh dear, not even here a day and already the vulture is circling. So sorry you had to experience him on your first evening in town. Trust me when I say that we are not all like him."

"He was just offering his services as a dinner companion if I should feel the need. Um do all the snakes around here try to be charming?" Rayne asked Bessie as she placed a nice thick steak and fried potatoes in front of her.

"Well no, Jeremiah Sprigs is one of a kind I'm pleased to say. Lord help us, he does seem to think he is God's gift. Such a shame he is more like a wart on toad than lord's gift." Bessie replied, an answer which caused Rayne to choke on the swig of tea she had just taken.

"Bessie, I do believe I like your sense of humor! Might I be able to talk you into resting your feet for a minute or two, while you give me the low down on who to avoid in this town?" Rayne asked while she flashed her most charming smile.

"Well it doesn't seem to be to busy, don't mind if I do! My, my, talk about a charmer! Why I believe you could talk the skin right off of a snake if you set your mind to it." Bessie said with a laugh as she sat down.

"Well Bessie, I would surely try to give that snake a run for its money!" Rayne said with a smile. And with that the two women were well on the way to becoming fast friends. Bessie gave Rayne the general gossip, along with a list of who to stay away from and who to befriend, a list that Rayne thanked her for, and after an hour Rayne was done eating and Bessie decided it was time to return to work.

"Thank you for the mighty fine meal Bessie, I reckon I've kept you from work long enough, I think I'll head on up to my room and that nice hot bath you mentioned." Rayne stated quietly.

"Of course Sweetie, let's go find Jessie, she will show you up!" Bessie stated with a huge smile. Together the two walked out to look for the young woman who saw to rooms and baths for the dust cover travelers who sought soft beds for the night. At the front desk the two new friends parted company as Jessie took the tall dark haired woman up to her room and hot bath. Bessie watched as she thought to herself, "Oh my I have a feeling Willow Springs is about to become a whole lot more interesting.

The morning sun shined bright into the street below and into her window, signaling the new day. With a deep stretch and yawn Rayne slowly swung her legs over the bed and onto the floor. Feeling better than she had in weeks, she got dressed and headed down for breakfast and then had to stop at the towns attorney's office to let him know she was in town and taking possession of her ranch, not that he didn't know already she thought with a smile. "God love small towns." She said as she walked into the dining room, her smile growing bigger as Bessie headed her way.

"Good mornin to ya! How did you sleep?"

"Like a log I have to say. Don't think I've ever had a bed that felt so good," Rayne answered."

"Good that's what I like to hear! Now how about some breakfast before you head on out to your place...maybe a nice stack of flapjacks, some bacon and eggs and hot strong coffee?" Bessie said with a smile that showed her pleasure at hearing the tall dark woman had slept well, and the eagerness to feed her before she left.

"Well that sounds mighty fine!" Rayne said as she allowed Bessie to lead her to a table in the corner."

As the woman sat waiting for her coffee and the mouth watering meal that Bessie described for her, she watched as the town's people slowly entered the establishment. She especially took notice of the one that seemed to take a lingering look in her direction. Mostly men, ranchers she imagined that were just itching to take her land off her hands. Of course there were those that looked at her with lust barely concealed in their eyes, and she imagined had she been inclined some were some what handsome enough. What caught her attention was the fact that some of the people she noticed sneaking glances at her were women. "Don't bother even imagining that, you brought on enough troubles on yourself back in Boston. Besides, they are probably more curious about what I'm doing, or whether I have my sights set on their man," she shivered when she thought of what they would think if they knew the truth.

Boston seemed so long ago, when in reality it had only been five years since she left her home and her family. The years had been hard and lonely; the only family members that had spoken to her had been her Aunt Martha and Uncle Luke. They were the only ones that didn't turn their backs on her; well the only one's that she knew of, it was hard to say what her two sisters had thought. To be fair Aunt Martha and Uncle Luke were the only one's she even bothered to try to keep in touch with. She was scared to let her mother know, had no clue as to how her father was and she was sure the law was looking for her. The events of that evening came back full force.

"You will marry Martin Sinclair in a week it's all been arranged."

"But father, I don't know him nor do I love him," She had argued.

"You will grow to child. He is a well respected man in this community and he needs a wife. You are old enough to marry and he has promised to make you a decent husband."

"Father please..."

"There will be no more said on the subject girl."

"Father, please don't make me do this," she begged and then the hand came up and struck her on the left side and she saw stars as she heard the deep voice say, "DO NOT argue with me. You will do as I say without question!" She realized then that another beating was on the way and with the look that was in her father's eyes she wasn't at all sure she would walk away from this one, let alone live to marry any man. As she was forced backwards, she bumped into the heavy desk, and her hands reached behind and felt around for something with which to defend herself. Her fingers wrapped around the first solid object she could find, it happened to be a heavy paper weight. Without conscious thought her arm rose up and came down hard against the side of her fathers head. She hadn't meant to strike him, but she had been terrified and tired of the beatings. Her father went down and blood pored out of the gaping wound on the side of his head. As reality invaded her mind so did panic. She ran to the other side of the desk opened the second drawer and grabbed what money was there and she ran.

"Rayne...sweetie, are you alright?" she heard Bessie asking.

"Sorry what did you say Bessie?" she asked.

"I asked if there was anything more I could get you."

"Oh...no I'm stuffed, besides I need to head out to my uncle's farm...I mean my farm. That's going to take some getting use to," Rayne answered as she stood up.

"Well...are you alright there young lady?" Bessie asked with concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine just remembering things," Rayne said with a small sad smile.

"Hm, well if you say so. Look I'm here if you ever want to just talk, sometimes it just helps to talk ya know,"

"I know,"

"Well young lady don't be a stranger alright?"

"I won't, thank you for the delicious meals and the heavenly bed. I will be back for more of that steak that's for sure! How much do I owe you for all of it?" Rayne asked as she and Bessie walked out of the dining room.

The lanky man, dressed in a tailor made suit had just opened his office door and sat down for the day when Rayne walked in. He immediately looked up with a smile as he stood up again. "You must be Rayne Mathews; I'm Mark Benton let me welcome you to Willow Springs."

"Thank you...it's a nice town, people seem real friendly!" Rayne replied, "I was kinda hoping to get out to the place today and take inventory and get started on fixing it up. Are there any papers I need to sign or anything?"

"None at all, the cattle that were there I sold, took my fee right off the top, the rest is in an account for you at the bank. I did ride out there yesterday and made sure there weren't any unwanted varmint of any variety stayin out there, and honestly the place looks good, maybe a few things that need fixin up but nothing huge. I'm sure by the time winter comes along the place will look in fine shape."

"Well thanks, I hope what you say is true. I can't wait to get out there and get busy," Rayne said with a smile.

"Well then lets get you going then, if you want I'll ride out with you after we stop by the bank and introduce you to Tom Wilson our banker."

"That sounds great," Rayne said as she nodded and headed out the door in front of the attorneys office. The introductions at the bank didn't take long, and Rayne knew the instant she walked out that her account at that bank wouldn't last long. As soon as she was able she would close it and ride into the neighboring towns and find a banker who wasn't as rude as Tom Wilson. 'Hopefully there's one.' She thought to herself.

As the two rode out to her ranch, Mark filled her in more about the ranch and the town, tried to give her advice on how to handle the abrasive banker. Not that it changed her mind about the man, she knew he would be trouble, her only issue was how to avoid that trouble...and the only thing she could come up with was to close the account that the kind attorney had set up for her. The problem vanished from her mind the moment the lanky man told her that her spread was up ahead on the right. He pointed out boundaries and land marks and as they rode over the rise, she looked down into a valley that was covered with lush green grass with a creek running through it. Mark told her if she looked closely she could see the fence that marked her property and the house that set just off from the creek, the barn and what looked like a small bunk house. Rayne indeed was able to see part of her boundaries; Mark told her that he would ride the fence line with her so she would know when she was entering the canyon that was also part of her land, and when she had reached the end of the line in the canyon. To be honest Rayne was completely in awe of what her Uncle had left her. She was also a little overwhelmed with the responsibility that lay ahead of her in getting the ranch back into shape. Mark Benton watched the play of emotion in the young woman's face and when he spoke there was warmth and concern in his voice. "Miss Mathews, there are a lot of people here that thought highly of your Aunt and Uncle: any thing you need please don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you Mr. Benton," Was Rayne's emotional response.

"It's Mark...please feel free to stop by for anything, and once you get settled, the wife would like you to come by for dinner. In fact she told me to invite you this even, may I tell her you'll be joining us?"

"That's a very kind offer, and well considering I don't have any supplies here and I'm so sick of biscuits and beans, I'd be happy to accept the offer,"

"Great, I'll tell Emily to expect you around sundown?"

"That sounds great."

"Fantastic, ride out to my office and we can go from there alright?"

"You bet, and thank you for everything Mark." By this time the two had rode back to the meadow and what was now Rayne's home, Mark rode off back to town and Rayne dismounted the big bay and walked around her new home taking inventory on what all needed done. Before she knew it she had stripped off her top shirt and was hard at work scooping out the rotted straw and hay in the barn and tearing off rotted boards off. She looked out the window and judged by the sun to be late afternoon, and decided it was time to head to the creek and wash up and head back towards to town to meet Mark and his wife for dinner.

Dinner that evening was delightful, the meal was delicious and the company entertaining and friendly. Rayne enjoyed the time she spent with Mark and his wife Eve, who she found to be an excellent cook. The roasted rack of lamb was perfectly roasted and moist; the carrots steamed to a vibrant orange, the roasted potatoes golden and delicious. The three talked and laughed until late that evening, and upon realizing the time Emily insisted that their new friend stay in their guest room. After all she was new to the area and could get lost heading to her new home. Her husband and Rayne rolled their eyes, so that Emily couldn't see of course, and even knowing that Rayne would find her way Mark join in and insisted as well. Rayne could see the love and devoting in his eyes, and deep in her heart she felt a pang. Deciding not to worry or upset her new friends she agreed and was soon set up for the night in the Benton's guest room, and was sound asleep.

The fire was warm and crackling in the fire place and the soft sound of the wind blew against the outside of the small house. She felt the soft kisses and whispered words against her neck. She heard the soft laughter and murmurs as she felt finger tips gently roaming over her body, and the scent of roses drifted to her nose. Her heart raced and she felt as if she could not get enough of either air or the tender touches. As she felt the warm mouth leave her lips, her eyes opened to see the golden blonde hair being pushed back from the face that looked down at her, and then she heard sharp knocking at the door and the woman vanished. Sitting up straight in the bed Rayne looked around as sweat rolled over her. 'Oh God, not again' she thought to herself as she heard Emily's voice speaking through the door saying that coffee and breakfast were ready. As sanity and realization reclaimed her mind she was able to reply that she would be right there, and with a low groan she fell back against the pillow as she wondered just who the woman was that she dreamed of. It wasn't the first dream she'd had of her, each time she would catch a glimpse of the woman and wake up in a sweat with her heart racing and an ache deep within her, and it was making her crazy. "God help me find this woman or put me out of my misery," she whispered as she rose and dressed to face the day.

With a hug from Emily and a promise to return soon, Rayne was headed towards town with Mark and a list of supplies she had made the day before. Her plan was to stop by the mercantile and place an order and by a few items she could take back with her and see if she could set up a delivery of lumber. Mark had given her a couple of leads on where she might be able to find a wagon, and a couple of horses, and the name of a rancher that had a few cattle he wanted to get rid of. Mark was no rancher but as far as he could tell the cattle were in good shape he had said. The two rode into town, Mark headed towards his small office, and Rayne headed to Gillum's mercantile. She dismounted and tethered Apache to the hitching post in front. As soon as she stepped up to the boardwalk, she heard a deep voice calling to her from across the street. She looked up to see Jeremiah Sprigs rapidly crossing to join her.

"Well, good morning to you Miss Mathews. It's a fine day isn't it!" he said with a big smile.

"Mornin' Mr. Sprigs, and yes it is a fine day."

"Oh here, let me get that for ya," he said in a deep voice as he rushed to open the door to the mercantile for her, and stepped in behind her. Rayne flashed Sprigs a smile that stopped short of her deep blue eyes, and looked past him as she headed to the counter, where the short owner stood. "Hello, I'm Rayne Mathews; I was looking for Mr. Gillum."

"Well that would be me missy. What can I get fer ya?"

"Well to start off with a couple of pounds of bacon, some flour, salt, pepper. Do you have any type of fresh meat?" The tall dark woman asked.

"We got some fresh venison, elk, a few chickens...what would you like?"

"I suppose, a couple of chickens and some elk, just what I can carry in saddle bags for now, but once I get a wagon I suppose I'll be wantin more,"

"Miss Mathews, I can help ya out with some fresh beef if you'd like," Sprigs said as he walked up behind Rayne. "I'd be happy to drop it by later, maybe you could cook up a couple of steaks and we could get to know each other a bit better." he finished with a smile that made Rayne's skin crawl.

"I appreciate the offer, Mr. Sprigs, but I don't wanna put you out, nor do I want to cut you short on your meat supply," Rayne answered as she looked at him and then back to Mr. Gillum. "I got a list here for the rest of the supplies I'll need. If you can get em for me, I'll be back in a couple of days to pick it all up,"

"Now missy ya wouldn't be putting me out nor cutting me short, after all what are neighbors for. It would be my pleasure to help ya out, and I gotta say I'm kinda getting tired of my own cookin and company, a beautiful dinner companion and some stimulating conversation would be nice," Sprigs finished saying.

"Mr. Sprigs, I just moved into town I'm trying to fix up my home and get settled. Entertaining a total stranger let alone cooking for him is not something I find appealing at the moment. I've tried to be polite today but you are not picking up on that. Thank you for your offer of the beef, but no thank you," Rayne said as she started to walk to the door. "Mr. Gillum, thank you for your help, and I'll be by in a couple of days to pick up the supplies and pay you for them."

"Welcome to town Miss. Mathews." The owner behind the counter smiled as he looked up from the list Rayne handed him.

"Where do you think you're goin?" Sprigs said as his hand shot out and grabbed Rayne's arm. "You ain't gonna talk to me that way and just walk out."

Rayne's eyes flashed with anger and her tone was cold as ice when she looked up from the hand that had grabbed her arm into the eyes of its owner. "Let go of me now." The short man behind the counter walked around ready to defend the tall woman, just as the door of the store opened and the sheriff walked in. The new comer felt the anger radiating from Rayne and Sprigs, and the worry coming from Gillum. "Sprigs, Cyrus how are things goin? Is there some trouble here?" he asked calmly. Sprig's hand dropped immediately and with a red face answered before either Rayne or the store keeper could answer with a hurried, "No nothing at all Tom, all is fine. Cyrus I forgot I got some things I need to do, I'll be back later with a list of things I need," he finished as he rushed out of the shop.

The three watched Sprigs disappear out of the building. "Looks like I walked into something here, either of you wanna fill me in?" the tall man asked.

"Old Jeremiah has a thick head Tom. This here is Luke and Martha Mathews kin, Rayne, stopped in to leave an order for supplies and well Jeremiah decided since he was polite enough to offer some fresh meat to Miss Mathews, the least she could do was cook him dinner. The lady declined both offers and he didn't appreciate that."

Tom looked at Rayne finally and nodded his head. "Miss Mathews, welcome to Willow Springs. My condolences to you, your Aunt and Uncle were fine people, we miss them. I wanna also apologize for Sprigs, ain't got the manners God gave a goose. I don't believe he means any harm, he is just a might pushy at times." He said as he offered his hand.

"Sheriff, nice to meet you, I was gonna stop by your office later. I'd like to talk to ya about Uncle Luke and Aunt Martha's death."

"Alright, I'm not quite sure I can tell you but if you're ready we can talk now." The big man said with a warm smile, and held the door open for Rayne. Together they walked out towards Tom Kennedy's office. Tom had been in town for the last ten years, serving as sheriff for the last six. He liked his job and cared for the people in of the town. With the exception of a few trouble makers, the town was quiet, and peaceful. Like any town of course, it had its share of trouble makers and youngsters looking for trouble, an occasional cowboy that got out of hand when he got to drinking or thought he'd been cheated at cards, but all in all he had nothing bad to say about his town. Jeremiah Sprigs on the other hand was a whole different matter. Given the chance to, Tom wasn't sure there was anything truly good he could say about the man. In Tom's opinion the man was a lying sleazebag. He treated women badly, and his animals even worse; the ones he worked with anyway...the others like the cattle he sold were well fed and healthy animals, that was the best Tom could say about the man.

"Miss Mathews, I hope you don't take Jeremiah Sprigs to be the best example of the folks around these parts. Most are very kind and caring of their neighbors," Tom began.

"My name is Rayne and I'd appreciate it kindly if you called me that," Rayne smiled, "As for Sprigs, no I don't hold him as any example of folks around here. I met Bessie night before last and like you she assured me that he is the lowest life form around here."

With a deep laugh Tom shook his head as he said, "That sounds like something Bessie would say. So Rayne, what can I tell you about your Aunt and Uncle?"

"Well, I don't know...guess there's no way to know if they suffered, or..." The tall woman started to say.

"Rayne, Luke and Martha...they was good people, and sorry to say there isn't any way to tell just how long they laid out there in pain or if it was quick. Near as we can figure it looks like a snake spooked the horses and they hit a big rock with the wagon wheel. If you're worried about it not having been an accident, put that out of your mind. No one held any bad feelings towards them."

"Whose land borders mine?" she asked.

"Well sad to say Sprigs is your neighbor on three sides of ya. His land takes up a little past the creek,"

"Oh well that's down right nice!" Rayne commented as she thought of what that meant for her.

"Look, I won't say ya got nothing to worry about as far as he goes, cuz word is he would love to have that land of yours. But I don't believe that he would do anything to harm you in order to get it," the sheriff stated. "Is that what you're worried about?"

"Thanks sheriff, I guess that was some of my concern," Rayne answered as she thought about the answer she had gotten. What was behind the question about the owner of the land surrounding hers? She really didn't think that there was anything sinister in her aunt and uncles death, but something made her wonder. "Well I suppose I should head on back to the place, I got a lot of work ahead of me," she said as she tried to shake off that feeling.

"Was that all you wanted to know? I mean, I kinda got the feeling that you had something specific in mind. I don't see how I could have answered anything," Tom said.

"Sheriff, I was just...oh hell I don't know, just seems like Uncle Luke and Aunt Martha were fine one day and gone the next. In the last letter I got from Uncle Luke he mentioned some troubles he was having, though he didn't go into detail. Did he ever come and talk to you about anything?"

"No he never stopped by or said anything to me," Tom said as he thought about the last time he had seen Luke Mathews. It had been about a week before the accident that took Luke and Martha's lives that he had seen the man. He remembered that at the time Luke seemed to have something on his mind, but nothing he had wanted to talk about just then and since Tom was in a hurry he didn't push the man. Now he was wishing he had. He meant to ask him about it the next time he'd seen him unfortunately the chance never came. Tom had been escorting a prisoner to a neighboring town when Luke and his wife had gone into town the next time, and then when he returned he heard the sad news. "Rayne did your Uncle give you any idea of what was going on? Now that I think of it he was acting strange the last time I saw him, I meant to ask him about it the next time we spoke but that never happened sad to say."

"No he didn't just that he was having some troubles, nothing specific though."

"Well okay, if you think or remember anything let me know okay...I'll see if I can find anything out from the folks in town."

"Okay I'll think about it and see if I can remember, but I'm thinking that was the only time he ever mentioned any troubles," Rayne said as she thought about the letters she had received from her Uncle. The two spoke for a minute or so more and then Rayne made her way back to her horse.

The eyes watching from across the street were cold and held complete anger. 'How dare she speak to me the way she did. Well once I'm married to her I'll have to teach her exactly how to speak to a man.' Sprigs thought as he played in his mind all the ways he would teach the dark haired woman. Some thoughts brought a little thrill as he could almost feel the pain radiate from the woman's body and other thoughts made his groin tighten a bit. "Oh yeah Miss Mathews, you're gonna learn how to respect a man." He said to himself as he let out a cold laugh.

Continued...