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Copyright 2004

Rob woke up and blinked, trying to clear his head from the deep sleep he’d been in. It was still dark and he could still hear rain falling. It was unusual for him to wake up during the night. He realized Paula was sitting up in bed next to him. That was what had roused him from his slumber.

“Honey,” he reached over to her, “What’s wrong?”

“I’m not sure,” she answered softly, “Something…or someone woke me up.”

He sat up, “Someone? Do I need to go check the house?”

“Would you go check on the boys?” She requested, “I’ll feel better if I know they’re OK.”

“You stay here,” he got up and pulled his jeans on. He grabbed the flashlight from the nightstand and stepped out into the hall. The house was quiet. He walked silently to the boys’ room and peeked in. He could see a body in each bed and he could hear them snoring.

If Paula thought she heard something, he wasn’t taking any chances. He meant to check it out thoroughly. With Bob running around loose, anything was possible. He passed back by their bedroom and went down the stairs. He flipped on the flashlight and cast it about. Nothing looked disturbed. He went to the front door and opened it. Sam raised his head and blinked at the bright light. He thumped his tail at Rob, but didn’t get up.

“Sorry, Sam,” Rob walked over to him and squatted to pet him, “Your mommy thought she heard something. Nothing came this way, did it? You would’ve let us know about it. Go back to sleep, Buddy. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Rob went back inside and back up the stairs. Paula was up and looking out the open window. She had pulled on one of his old flannel shirts she kept by the bed for just such occasions. He sat the flashlight down and walked over to her.

“I couldn’t find anything out of sorts,” he reported, “The boys are sound asleep and Sam is on the front porch. Maybe you just heard a cat or something through the open window.”

“I didn’t hear it, Rob,” she turned and snuggled into his arms, “I felt it. In here…in our room.”

“What did it feel like?” He knew better than to dismiss this as trivial. He didn’t come close to understanding this whole phenomenon, but he no longer doubted it either.

“Like a horse nuzzling my shoulder,” she looked up at him, “I know that sounds crazy, but…Maybe it was just a very vivid dream. I’m sorry, Honey. I didn’t mean to wake you up.”

“It’s OK,” he slid the shirt from her shoulders and led her back to bed, “I’d rather check it out for nothing, than not check it out and there be a problem.”

He pulled his jeans back off and crawled into bed next to her. He looked at the clock. Not quite 2:00. No wonder he’d been in such a deep sleep. He was wide awake now. He wondered if Paula was too. He sighed. Better not push his luck. They’d had more sex in the last two days than they had in the last month.

“What are you thinking about?” Paula whispered, dragging her fingernails lightly across his lower abdomen.

“I don’t remember now,” he caught his breath. She knew that drove him crazy. She giggled and kept doing it until he grabbed her hand, “Stop, Paula.”

“Make me,” she dared, giggling again.

“My pleasure,” he grinned and set about doing just that…

~*~

Bruce was already working when Rob made his way down to the stable. He had been a Godsend. Rob intended to do whatever was necessary to keep Bruce working there. His size and strength were such an asset and he was good with horses and people. Rob wished he could offer him the apartment in addition to his wages, but space was at a premium right now.

“How’s it going, Bruce?” Rob called from across the arena, “Everyone OK this morning?”

“Well,” Bruce put his shovel down and walked over to him, “I think so. I wanted to tell you, though, that one of your horses didn’t come up for his grain this morning.”

“Which one?” Rob went into the office and Bruce followed.

“Chief,” the answer sent a chill down Rob’s spine.

“Have we got anybody in here that’s dry and ready to ride?” Rob asked, fearing the worst.

“Both of Mitch’s horses are in,” Bruce answered, “You want me to ride out and look for him?”

“No, I will,” Rob instructed, “Put my saddle on Dakota and bring him up here for me. I’ll take a radio with me, so you grab one to wear. Don’t tell Paula about this until I know more.”

“Yes, Sir,” Bruce nodded and grabbed a radio to snap on his belt. He went to do as he’d been told.

Rob’s mind flashed back to Paula’s words during the night. ‘A horse nuzzling my shoulder,’ she had said. He knew what he was going to find. Chief never missed his morning grain. He grabbed his rain slicker and switched to his riding boots. This was rapidly turning into the week from hell.

“Here he is, Sir,” Bruce led the paint gelding up, “You sure you don’t want me to go? It’s raining pretty hard out there right now.”

“No, Bruce,” Rob grabbed his leather hat, “I’ll do it. You stay here and do your work. I’ll radio you if I need you to ride up and help.”

Rob swung himself easily up on Dakota and they went out into the rain. At least it was a warm summer rain, but the paddocks were already getting muddy. He glanced around and did a head count of his own horses. No one missing except Chief. Panyon ran up, barking to announce her arrival.

“Yes, you can come,” he told her, “I might need your help.”

Rob scanned the horizon as he rode, searching for Chief. The pasture he kept his own horses in encompassed 20 acres and had a wooded area in the center of it. He had a feeling that was where he needed to look. As they approached the woods, Panyon stopped, her ears pricked up, and she started barking. Dakota stopped too, backing up of his own accord.

“Easy boy,” Rob soothed, “What is it, Panyon? Show me.”

Panyon ran ahead and Rob urged the horse to follow. He was hesitant, but he obeyed. Rob felt his heart sink. His worst fears were confirmed. Chief lay motionless, his legs out straight and stiff. He had found a sheltered place in the woods to lay down and die.

Rob dismounted and tied Dakota to a tree. Normally he’d trust him to stay, but the scent of the dead horse was making him skittish. Rob walked over to his old friend. No sign of injury. He was just old. He felt a lump in his throat and tears stinging his eyes. He could still picture Paula standing there next to Chief that morning 18 years ago when he and Terry picked her up for the trail ride. ‘Chief here was born ready,’ she had said, ‘Sometimes it takes me a while.’ He could still feel himself blushing at her remark. He recalled thinking then that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

He reached out and put his hand on the cold wet horse. He’d been there for a while. At least since the middle of the night.

“You came to tell her good-bye, didn’t you old man?” Rob spoke as if the horse could hear him, “Well, she felt you. She knew you were there. Now, it’s time to put you next to your old buddy, Buckshot.”

Rob stood up and lifted his radio, “Bruce, are you there?”

“Right here,” he replied.

“Are you alone?”

“Yes, Sir,” Bruce assured.

“I found him,” Rob reported, “He’s up here in the woods dead. You get things finished up there as quick as you can. I’ll ride on up to the house and tell Paula and the boys. I’ll see who I can round up to come and help us get him loaded up and hauled back down there.”

“What are you going to do with him?” Bruce wondered, “You want me to call the rendering plant?”

“No,” Rob informed, “Paula will insist that we bury him. I’ll see if I can get Dutch to bring us a backhoe.”

“Whatever you say, Sir,” Bruce agreed.

Rob rode Dakota right up to the house and tied him to the porch rail. He started to go in, then looked down at his boots. Better use the mud room.  He walked around to the back of the house and went in that way.

“Rob,” Paula met him, “What’s wrong?”

“Where are the boys?” He asked, pulling off his wet slicker and muddy boots.

“They’re in the living room,” Paula took his hat and hung it up for him, “What happened?”

He took hold of her arm gently and led her out to the living room. Chelsea was there with the boys. She looked tired and older. Not the slightest hint of the girlishness she was so full of six months ago.

“I have some bad news,” he shared, pulling Paula close to him, “Come here, Paula. I know what woke you up last night.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist and he hugged her tightly before telling her, “Honey, Chief didn’t come up to eat this morning. I just rode out looking for him. He died sometime during the night.”

She was looking up at him. She closed her eyes and put her head into his chest. The boys all got up and came over to put a hand on their mother’s back. Chief had been a part of their lives from birth, but they were concerned for their mother. Sometimes Rob was so proud of his sons.

“Uncle Rob,” Chelsea stood up, “With the weather like this, I’m sure Dutch could get a backhoe out here today. Would you like me to call him?”

“Please, Honey,” Rob nodded, “That would be a big help. Thank you.”

“Where did you find him, Dad?” Jason asked.

“In the woods,” Rob informed, “I’m going to see if your Uncle Terry will come and help me get him moved.”

“We’ll help you,” Jason pledged.

“Thanks, Son,” Rob let Paula go, as she stepped away, “But you don’t have to do that. It’s nasty out there today and this is not going to be a fun job.”

“I want to help, Dad,” Kevin offered bravely, “He was my horse. I owe him that…And if I’m going to be a vet, I have to be able to do this kind of stuff.”

“We’ll put him next to Buckshot, won’t we Dad?” Keith spoke up, “They were best friends.”

Rob just nodded. He knew if he tried to speak, he’d get choked up. His boys were growing up into fine young men. Paula deserved all the credit for that. He and his brother were into all kinds of trouble when they were this age. His sons had never been a moment’s trouble since they were born.

“Dutch said he’ll be here after lunch,” Chelsea walked back in.

“Thank you, Honey,” Rob went over and gave her a hug, “How are you doing today? I thought you might take a couple of days off.”

“I’m OK,” she smiled weakly, “I’d rather be here than home alone.”

“What’s going on?” Linda walked in. She was fresh from the shower, obviously just getting up and around.

“Paula will tell you,” Rob went to the kitchen phone, “I need to call Terry.”

~*~

It took all morning to get the body loaded on the flatbed trailer and moved down to the burial spot. The weather wasn’t cooperating at all and every piece of equipment they used left deep ruts behind.

True to his word, Dutch arrived shortly after lunch with the backhoe. Bruce had to leave to go work at the clinic, so Rob was grateful for the extra hands. It was amazing how awkward a dead horse could be to move around. Of course, had it been a cow, he would have looped chains around it and just pulled it with the tractor, but he didn’t want to do that to Paula’s horse. It seemed almost sacrilegious to even think such a thing.

This kind of thing was just part of being a husband and a father. He had buried Keith’s mouse in the pouring rain when the twins were three. He had dug a hole in the frozen ground of winter to bury Jason’s guinea pig when he was six. He had come home from work one day to build an emergency enclosure for an injured deer that Kevin and Paula had rescued from a fence. Now he was borrowing a backhoe for the second time this year to bury a horse.

It was almost time for dinner when he walked into the mud room and shed his slicker and boots for the last time. Terry had left to go do his chores. Chelsea and Dutch had gone home. Rob was ready for this day to be over.

He walked toward the kitchen to see if he had time for a shower and ran smack dab into Linda. He had almost forgotten she was still underfoot. He had to get her out of this house soon.

“Rob!” Linda was startled, “I’m sorry. Say, did you call your attorney friend today?”

He looked at her incredulously and replied in a mocking tone, “Gee, Linda, I’ve just been sitting around on my fat ass today, twiddling my thumbs, wondering what it was I needed to be doing. It just plumb slipped my mind. No, Linda, I didn’t call the attorney. Where have you been all day? I’ve been out in the rain and mud wrestling a dead horse.”

Paula came around the corner, “Rob, Sweetheart, if you want a shower before dinner, you have time.”

“I need a helluva lot more than a shower,” he growled and walked out, “but I guess that’ll have to do.”

Rob let the hot water soak down his back and onto his tired muscles. He was already aching in his shoulders and lower back. The thought of Linda crept back to him and he felt his anger rise again. How could someone be so thoughtless and inconsiderate? Did she really think he was going to stop everything to do her bidding?

He turned off the water and stepped out, still fuming. Paula was standing there, ready to hand him his towel. She was the absolute opposite of Linda. He had just snapped at her, out of frustration toward Linda. It had been her horse that had died. A horse she had owned and used as a barrel racer long before she knew Rob. Yet she had been busy cooking dinner for the whole crew, and now here she was waiting to hand him a towel and be sure he was all right.

“Are you all right, Rob?” She asked, watching him dry off, “I thought you might like me to massage your shoulders and back before you got dressed.”

“I’m fine,” he put the towel on the rack and felt himself rising to the occasion, “I can think of something else I’d rather have you massage.”

“Then you’d need another shower,” she grinned, “Come here.”

She led him out to the bed. The door was closed, so he sat down on the edge of the bed naked. She had his comb in her hand and started gently combing out his hair for him. He couldn’t remember the last time she had done that. Years maybe. He closed his eyes and savored the sensation. She pulled it into a ponytail and then clipped it up out of the way.

Paula was great at massages. She had told him that she learned on her dad. Along with his farm work, he had been in construction and always had a sore back. Now, Paula was putting those skills to use on Rob’s shoulders.

“Lay down on your stomach, Sweetheart,” she requested, “And I’ll rub your back for you.”

He started chuckling, as he looked down at himself, “That doesn’t sound very comfortable right now.”

“All right then,” she reached her hand over his shoulders and down his chest, “Lay on your back and I’ll rub your front. Either way, it’ll make your muscles feel better.”

~*~

Rob hung the phone up. He was sitting at his desk in the arena office. The rain was still pelting the metal roof. So far, Tuesday was not shaping up to be any better than Monday. He looked at the name and number he’d written down on the scratch pad. No sense in calling now. Tom had told him enough to get things started.

If Linda wanted to do this from Missouri, then she had a long haul ahead of her and she didn’t need an attorney yet. What she did need was a residence of her own. He was going to have to start shuffling bodies to accommodate her. This was getting as bad as the parking lot game.

Well, no point in postponing the inevitable. He tucked the paper in his desk and strode off toward the main house. His clothes were soaking wet by the time he got there, so he went in the back door. Paula met him with a questioning look.

“I’m going upstairs to change,” he reported, “Gather everybody up to talk…and I mean everybody.”

“Should I call Terry?” She asked.

“Yes,” he nodded, “He needs to hear this too.”

Rob waited in the bedroom, gathering his thoughts, until he knew Paula had everyone rounded up. He was amazed how one woman could bring such chaos into so many people’s lives. If she weren’t Jenny’s mother…Poor Jenny. She didn’t even know about any of this. She was going to come home from her honeymoon to a rude awakening.

Well, time to bite the bullet. He went downstairs and found everyone waiting in the living room. They fell silent when he walked in. He glanced around to make sure everyone was there, then folded his arms.

“All right,” he began, “I talked to an attorney and found out where we sit right now. Linda, you have to make some decisions. First of all, you need to decide if you really want a divorce.”

“I’ve already decided that,” Linda spoke up, “I do.”

“OK,” he informed, “Here are your choices: You can file under Missouri law or Kansas law. If you want to file immediately, you have to go back to Kansas and establish a residence there apart from Bob. If you want to do it from Missouri, you have to establish a residence here and you can’t file for 90 days.”

“But I want to file now, from here,” Linda protested.

“Yeah, well,” he shrugged, “I want to be 35 again, but it ain’t gonna happen. That’s the law, Linda. I can’t change it. So you have to pick.”

“Lin,” Terry was sitting next to her on the sofa, “You don’t really have any choice here. You can’t go back to Kansas. It’s not safe. You have to stay here.”

“So I have to wait 90 days to file,” she whined.

“That’s 90 days after you establish a permanent residence,” Rob reiterated, “So you can’t stay in our house as a guest. That won’t work.”

“She could move in with me,” Terry offered.

“That would be a real bonehead move,” Rob remarked, “She can’t live with you, Terry. That’s out of the question. Here’s what we need to do: We need to set Linda up in the apartment. Chelsea, you will start training her to work your job, just like you did Jenny. If she’s here, she needs employment. So, twice a month, I’ll write Linda a check for doing that job, then once a month, she will turn around and write me a check for that same total to cover rent, utilities, food and transportation. We’ll get you a bank account set up so you can do that.”

“But…” Linda started.

“It’s just a formality, Linda,” he explained, “A paper trail to show you’re really living here and have employment. It doesn’t mean you have to really work 40 hours a week. I would like you to contribute something, though, if you’re going to live here. Everyone else does.”

“I’d be glad to train her,” Chelsea spoke up, “Dutch and I were talking about me maybe taking some time off.”

“Good,” Rob nodded, “Then we need to get Linda shifted to the apartment as soon as possible. Bessie, I really don’t feel comfortable sending you back to your house. Not after Bob’s little stunt. How about if we move you into Dad’s side of the duplex for a while? Dad, how would you feel about moving to Bessie’s house?”

“I’d be glad to, Son,” Bill smiled, “I’m sure Bess would feel better if it wasn’t sitting there vacant.”

“That’s what I was thinking,” Rob nodded, “Bessie, are you OK with that?”

“Yes,” she agreed, “After what happened with Bob, I don’t really feel safe there alone. I was thinking I might have to sell the place, but if Bill can stay there for now…well, I’d like that.”

“All right, then,” Rob rubbed his hands together, “That’s where we start. Terry, will you take charge of getting Dad and Bessie moved around tomorrow?”

“Can you trust a job like that to a bonehead?” Terry jabbed.

“Dad’ll keep you in line,” Rob grinned.

~*~

The sun finally came out on Wednesday, making it hot and humid. Rob was glad he had lessons scheduled. It gave him an excuse not to be involved in the moving operation. The boys, however, volunteered to help, so Paula came down to the arena to be with Rob. Since Jenny had started giving lessons, Paula had eased up a lot and she was rarely there with her husband anymore.

Paula had on jeans and a yellow tank top, her hair hung in a long braid down her back. She was watching one of their students in the indoor arena. Rob was watching Paula through the office window. Every year, he planned to take her somewhere special, just the two of them. Myrtle Beach, or Jamaica, or the Bahamas. Somewhere they could just relax on the beach and he could admire her in a bikini. Every year, something happened to get in the way. This summer was no exception. Getting away would be impossible now.

The sound of Panyon and Sam barking drew him from his thoughts. He jumped up and ran out to see what had them upset. Paula was right behind him. They found the sheriff’s car parked next to the stable and the sheriff unable to get out, a dog on either side growling and barking at him.

“Sam! Panyon!” Rob called and they both sat immediately, “Hello, Ron. What brings you here today?”

Rob usually wouldn’t have felt any concern about the sheriff or one of his deputies coming by. He’d known Ron for years and had helped campaign for him. Today, though, after the events of the weekend, he was a bit apprehensive.

“Rob, Paula,” Ron got out and nodded, “I see your security system is still intact.”

“Sorry about that,” Rob smiled, “It does come in handy sometimes, though.”

“I’m sure it does,” Ron was in his late fifties, stoutly built and pleasant. He was a very popular sheriff and everyone knew him. “Rob, you got a few minutes? I need to talk to you about something.”

“Sure,” Rob motioned, “Let’s go in the office.”

Paula went back to her student, a bit hesitantly, and Rob led the sheriff into the office. He shut the door and motioned for him to take a seat. Rob leaned on the edge of the desk.

“What’s up, Ron?” Rob tried to seem nonchalant. He wondered if Bob had filed some kind of complaint.

“I’ve got a problem,” Ron told him, “And I’m hoping you can help me out.”

“I’ll try,” Rob agreed. Maybe this wasn’t about Bob after all. Ron did have several horses. Maybe he just needed some help with them.

“I’ve got some boys,” Ron explained, “They’re just bored and into trouble. They need something to do with their summer. I thought maybe you could come up with some work for them around here.”

“You want me to hire them?” This wasn’t even close to what Rob was expecting to hear.

“Sort of,” Ron nodded, “They’re just boys, Rob, but they’re out causing trouble all the time and it’s going to land them in juvenile hall. I think if they have half a chance, they’ll end up being decent guys. But someone’s got to give them that chance.”

“Why me?” Rob wondered, “Wait a minute. Here comes Paula. She’d better be in on this.”

He opened the door for her and let her in. She was done with her lesson and probably worried to death. He winked when she came in to let her know things were OK.

“Honey,” Rob told her, “Ron’s trying to convince me to start up a boot camp here this summer.”

“Well,” she grinned, “We’ve certainly got lots of boots.”

“OK, Ron,” Rob brought the chair around for Paula and then he sat back on the edge of the desk, “Go on.”

“Rob,” Ron explained, “There’s three of these boys. They’re all 14 or 15, not old enough to drive, but old enough to think they’re tough. They hang out on the square and harass people and Bill comes around and talks to them and runs them off. Then an hour or two later, I get a call from somewhere out in the county where they’re causing trouble. Never enough to run them in, but one of these days they’ll go too far and it will be. I’d like to see them get out of trouble before they really get into it so deep they can’t get out.”

“You still didn’t answer my question,” Rob reminded, “Why me? I’ve got boys of my own to raise.”

“Yeah,” Ron nodded, “And look at them. They’re fine young men. Rob, you’re here all day, you’ve got lots of work to be done this time of year and you’re a good example for these young men. That’s what they really need. Someone to show them how to be men.”

“Where are their parents?” Rob wondered.

“Two of them have single moms,” Ron explained, “And the other one might as well have. His dad is gone out carousing all the time. All the moms work during the day, and that’s the problem. Without school, they’re just on their own for the summer. They need some direction.”

“Wait a minute,” Paula asked, “Maybe I missed this part. Are you asking us to hire them or is this some sort of community service work?”

“Well,” Ron stalled, “I wish I could get away with calling it that, but I can’t. No, I’m asking you to hire them.”

“They’re not old enough to drive,” Rob reminded, “How are they going to get here?”

“I’ll bring them over the first day,” Ron smiled, “After that, one of the moms says she’ll drop them off of a morning and another one will pick them up after work.”

“You’ve got this all worked out, don’t you?” Rob chuckled.

“I’m counting on you to say yes,” Ron stood, “It’s only for six weeks. Until they’re back in school.”

“All right,” Rob agreed, “But I don’t want any moms complaining about their babies coming home sore from working too hard. And I don’t want to be hit with any lawsuits because I enforced the rules around here.”

“You’ll have a free hand with them,” Ron shook his hand, “You have my word on it, Rob.”

“OK,” Rob nodded, “Have them here Monday morning at 8:00. We’ll see how it goes.”

~*~

Rob could tell when Paula got into bed that she was worried about something. Instead of curling up in his arms, like usual, she lay on her back lost in thought. He gave her a few minutes, then raised up on one elbow next to her.

“What’s wrong, Honey?” He asked softly.

“Rob,” she sighed, “I don’t want you to think I’m questioning your judgment…”

“But…” he chuckled.

“Three boys, full time,” she reflected, “That’s a lot of money to be paying out, even if it’s only minimum wage.”

“I know,” he agreed, “But it’s not your job to worry about it, OK?”

“Are you worried about it?” She asked.

“No,” he smiled, “Fishes and loaves.”

“Huh?” She turned to look at him.

“Come here,” he pulled her into his arms, “You taught me that lesson a long time ago. Once when the boys were still really little, my folks showed up one weekend without warning and Terry came over too. Suddenly you had three extra adults here to feed for the weekend. I came into the kitchen where no one could hear us and asked if there was enough food for everyone. You told me to remember the story of the fishes and the loaves. As long as we have faith, you told me, there will always be enough to share with others.”

“And there always has been,” Paula sighed, “Sorry. You’re right. If these boys need help, then we should help them.”

“It’s only six weeks,” he reminded, “And with everything else going on, the extra help may be nice. Besides, I’m not supporting Chelsea and Jenny anymore.”

“How are things looking with the clinic?” Paula rarely asked him about financial matters, “You haven’t said much lately.”

“Looks good,” he reported, “Mitch has a good down payment put aside and the bank sounds pretty positive with the loan. I think as long as I co-sign, it’ll all go through smoothly.”

“It’s not going to put the stable in any jeopardy?” Paula quizzed.

“Not at all,” he assured, “They just want another name on the paperwork. Honey, you’re not supposed to worry about this stuff. I’ll take care of you and the boys. I always have. I always will.”

“I’m not worried,” she denied, “Just interested. Rob, who’s going to pay for Linda’s divorce attorney?”

“I don’t know,” he confessed, “I’m sure she doesn’t have any money. And I don’t mind letting her live in the apartment, as long as she does some work to compensate, but I don’t intend to finance her divorce. I’m sure Terry would, but that wouldn’t look good. She might have to break down and get a real job.”

“She won’t like that idea,” Paula chuckled, “She’d have to get up of a morning.”

“Mmm,” he agreed, “She does like to sleep in, doesn’t she?”

“That’s part of her problem with Bob,” Paula divulged.

“What do you mean?” Rob wondered.

“What did Terry tell you?” Paula was doing that little thing she did, trailing her finger all over his chest and making patterns. It made it very difficult for him to concentrate.

“Basically,” Rob recalled, “that Bob raped her and that it wasn’t the first time.”

“You know how I feel about that, Rob,” Paula remarked, “But there’s a lot more to it than he told you.”

“So tell me,” he closed his eyes as she moved her finger down to his navel.

“Linda has always been a night owl,” Paula explained, “She hated coming to work early and had to drink lots of coffee just to function. When she stopped working, she could stay up late. Bob has to work, so he likes to go to bed early. She would rather stay up and watch a late movie than go to bed with her husband.”

He reached for her hand and pushed it down. She slipped it into his underwear to oblige him. This was not a story that required his full attention.

“The night she got the bruises,” Paula continued, “that’s what it was all about. She was up late watching a movie and he had been in bed already for a couple of hours. He got up and came into the living room and asked…asked her to come to bed. I don’t think that’s unreasonable, do you? She told him no. He asked her again. He told her he really wanted her to come to bed with him. She refused. He turned the TV off and took hold of her arm. He told her to come to bed. She tried to yank away and that’s what bruised her arm.”

In spite of his other distractions, Rob was getting the gist of the story, “Terry said she showed him other bruises.”

“She showed him?” Paula went on, “That’s interesting. She showed me too. When Bob wouldn’t let go, she slapped him, Rob. She slapped her own husband because he wanted her to come to bed with him. He grabbed her other arm and pushed her down on the couch. The other bruises were on her inner thighs and her breasts.”

“From him forcing her to have sex with him,” Rob surmised, “And she let Terry see those. Not something I consider appropriate.”

“Me neither,” Paula agreed, “And it wouldn’t have happened if she would have just gone to bed like he asked. I told her as much. I told her that a movie shouldn’t be more important than her husband. I can’t fathom staying up to watch a movie while you were up here trying to sleep. It’s just not right. Her place is with him.”

He was rapidly losing his ability to think coherently, “Do you want me to send her back to him?”

“No,” she raised up, “But I wanted you to know the whole truth. Rob, he didn’t rape her. He just took what was his. If I treated you the way Linda treats Bob, you’d slam me into a wall and take it by force too.”

That comment brought him to full consciousness, “Paula, I would never do that to you!”

“Because I don’t deserve it, Rob,” she told him, “Because I’ve never treated you like that. You know you come first in my life. You always come first.”

“Not tonight,” he rolled over on top of her and looked down into her eyes. He laced his fingers through hers and pushed her hands above her head. Before he bent to kiss her, he promised, “Tonight, you come first…”

~*~

By Friday, everyone had been shuffled to their new dwellings and Rob was starting to feel better. He took Linda into town to open a bank account and to arrange for mail delivery at their address. He even put up a separate mailbox for her.

He was returning to the house for dinner when he saw a red Chevy Cavalier coming down the lane. He stopped to see who it was and realized Terry was behind the wheel.

Terry parked next to the apartment and Rob walked over to look at the car. It was a couple of years old, but it looked to be in good condition. Rob had never like Chevys, though. He was more of a Ford man. Of course, since Karen had worked for Ford, Terry refused to own one.

“What’s this?” Rob walked over, “Since when do you drive a car?”

“I don’t,” Terry smiled, “It’s for Linda.”

“What?!” Rob couldn’t believe his ears.

“I figured she needs wheels,” Terry shrugged, “So I traded the old Suburban in on this. Think she’ll like it?”

“Are you crazy?” Rob scolded, “You bought her a car? I told you to keep your distance from her! What were you thinking? It’s obvious what you’re thinking with and it’s not your brain!”

Linda walked out and gasped, “Oh Terry! It’s beautiful! I love it!”

“Come have a look, Sweetie,” Terry beamed and opened the driver’s door for her, “It’s in good shape and has low miles. You said you liked red.”

Rob was seeing red about now. Lots of it. He couldn’t believe his brother was being such a fool over this woman. Couldn’t he see she was playing him like a fiddle?

“Terry,” Rob demanded, “I need to talk to you now. In the office.”

“Here, Lin,” he tossed her the keys, “Take it for a spin.”

He followed Rob into the office, a smirk on his face.

“Wipe that stupid look off your face,” Rob fumed, “You are going to land yourself in hot water over this woman yet!”

“Oh, Rob,” he laughed, “You worry too much. It’s just a car.”

“Whose name is on that car?” Rob asked.

“Mine,” Terry told him.

“That’ll look good for her divorce,” Rob reminded, “She’s driving a car you own. That makes it look like she’s not involved with you.”

“So, I’ll sign it over to her,” Terry shrugged.

“It doesn’t matter, Terry,” Rob tried to make him understand, “The trail is already there. Whose idea was this? Yours or hers?”

“Rob,” Terry avoided his question, “If you can give her an apartment, why can’t I give her a car?”

“First of all,” Rob pointed out, “I’m not giving her anything. She’s working for it. Second of all, I’m married, Terry. It is obvious to everyone that I am not involved with this woman. My connection to her is easily explained. She was Paula’s best friend. She is Jenny’s mother.”

“And she’s my friend,” Terry defended.

“Right,” Rob mocked, “Nothing more. So help me Terry, if I find out you two have crossed the line, I’ll throw her out on her ass and she’ll be your problem completely.”

“I already offered to take her,” Terry reminded, “And I don’t consider her a problem.”

“Are you that desperate, Terry?” Rob accused, “Would you really shack up with a married woman just to get some?”

It had been years since they had fought. Not since high school. Terry was much stronger now, and so was Rob. Terry had the element of surprise on his side, so when his fist made contact with Rob’s jaw, it threw Rob back into the desk. Rob’s reflexes were good, though, so he had Terry by the throat and against the wall before he could land another punch.

“Stop it!” Paula was screaming as she ran into the office and tried to pull them apart, “Rob, you’ll kill him! Let go!”

Rob let go and stepped back. Terry slid to the floor, clutching his throat. Rob could feel the throbbing start on one side of his face and he flexed his jaw to make sure it wasn’t broken. He saw Linda standing in the doorway, horrified. Paula was on her knees next to Terry.

“Are you OK?” She was asking, “Talk to me, Terry.”

“I’m OK,” he croaked, getting to his feet.

Paula turned around and looked at Rob. He was holding one side of his face, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

“I don’t know what this was about,” Paula looked at him, “And frankly, I don’t care. I want you both to apologize to each other and I want you to do it now.”

Rob’s head was pounding now and he figured his cheek was starting to swell. He needed to get some ice on it. He could feel Paula’s glare searing through him. She obviously thought it was his fault. She hadn’t even asked if he was all right.

Linda walked over to Terry and hugged him, “Are you OK, Honey? I hope this wasn’t about me…or the car.”

Paula’s eyes got wide and she looked at Linda, “The car?”

“Didn’t you see it?” Linda asked, “Terry bought me a car. He just brought it over.”

“My mistake,” Paula shook her head and looked at Terry, “Forget what I just said. Next time, I won’t pull him off of you. Come on, Rob, let’s get some ice on that.”

Rob looked in the mirror. By Monday, when the juvenile delinquents arrived, he’d be a real sight. Great way to make an impression. Right now, the left side of his face was swollen and he had a nice red blotch on his cheek. Tomorrow he’d have a black eye. At least he hadn’t lost any teeth. His head was still throbbing and his jaw was stiff, but nothing was broken.

“Do you want some more ice?” Paula came in.

“Not right now,” he tried to smile, but it hurt, “I think the ice has done all it’s going to do.”

“Is there anything I can do for you?” She asked, “Want me to kiss it and make it better?”

“Ow,” he grabbed his cheek when he grinned, “Making me laugh doesn’t help.”

“Sorry,” she squeezed between him and the counter so she was in front of him, “And I’m sorry I fussed at you earlier. I can’t believe Terry’s being such an idiot. I always thought he had more sense than this. It’s like his brains have fallen out since Linda showed up.”

“They haven’t fallen out,” he looked down at her, “They’ve just been short-circuited.”

“She’s using him, Rob,” Paula declared, “And he’s letting her.”

“I know,” Rob sighed, “And I’m beginning to regret this whole thing. Paula, do you think when she was here before…Well, I’m just starting to wonder if this was all planned.”

“I know what you mean,” she reached up and ever so gently touched his cheek, “And I’ll tell you what I think, but keep in mind that’s all it is. It’s just a feeling.”

“Please,” he urged, “You know I trust your feelings.”

“I think Linda came back here and spent some time around us,” Paula shared, “And saw what a good thing we have and what a good thing Mitch and Jenny have and Chelsea and Dutch. We all make it look easy, you know. And there was her old friend Terry, still available, and still a good guy. I think Terry made some innocent remarks that led her to believe that he was willing to rescue her. So when she went home, she precipitated a situation with Bob so Terry would have an excuse to rescue her.”

“That sounds pretty manipulative,” Rob observed, stepping back and walking into the bedroom, “If you’re right, then she’s using Terry worse than I thought.”

“This may sound callused,” she followed him, “But most women are very manipulative and most men are easy to use.”

“If you’re right, Paula,” he looked at her, “Then she’s using me, too.”

She didn’t say anything. That meant she agreed, but didn’t want to tell him directly that he was a pawn. There were times when this thing Paula had about always respecting his decisions backfired on him. Rob was beginning to feel the shrapnel hitting him from it this time.

“All right,” he sat down on the bed, “So now what?”

She came over and sat down next to him. She took his hand in hers

and brought it up to her lips. He noticed that his head wasn’t hurting quite so bad now.

“Mitch and Jenny will be back tomorrow,” Paula reminded him, “Let’s not do anything rash until then. Jenny knows her mom pretty well. Jenny also trusts you implicitly. I know it’s not going to be fun, but I think you and I need to sit down and talk to Jenny and Mitch about all of this. Maybe we can get some better answers that way.”

“I’m sorry, Paula,” he pulled her into his arms, “I should’ve talked to you about this before I agreed to help. Now, I’m committed and I don’t want to go back on my word.”

“Rob,” Paula consoled, “You tried to talk to me, but it got thrown on you with no notice. Linda knew damn well that if she told either one of us about this when she first came back, we’d discuss it between ourselves. She did it this way on purpose, Rob. I’d lay money on it. I think she knew Terry would have to come and get her. Don’t feel bad, Rob. She’s been playing us all for fools and we’ve all been following her script perfectly.”

“Not anymore,” he assured, “She’s not going to divide you and I anymore. From now on, we discuss every move before it gets made. We have to diffuse this and put things back in order. I’m getting real close to sending her back to Kansas.”

“She won’t go,” Paula predicted, “She’ll move in with Terry.”

“Well,” he shrugged, “then she’ll still be off my hands.”

“No,” Paula disagreed, “Let’s talk to the kids first. There’s got to be a better answer. Don’t worry. We’ll figure something out. We always do.”

~*~

It was the middle of the afternoon on Saturday when Mitch’s truck appeared in their lane. Rob and Paula had been watching for them, and so had Linda. They all gathered on the front lawn to greet them. Jenny’s jaw dropped when she saw her mother, then her eyes grew wider when she caught sight of Rob’s black eye.

“Mom!” Jenny exclaimed, “What are you doing here?”

“We stopped by Grandma’s,” Mitch greeted, bending to hug Panyon, “And found Grandpa there instead. He said we needed to come straight here and talk to you Dad. All he would tell us was that Bessie was OK and you were the one we needed to talk to.”

“She’s fine,” Rob hugged his son, then his daughter-in-law, “Come inside, kids. We’ve got a lot to talk about. A lot can happen in a week.”

As they walked into the house, Jenny still had one arm around Rob’s waist, “Daddy, who hit you?”

“I’ll get to that,” he squeezed her, then bent close to her ear, “How was the honeymoon?”

“Perfect,” she whispered back, “Absolutely perfect.”

Rob told them what had transpired since they had left. He kept to the facts and he prevented Linda from inserting her own version. Paula remained silent and both Jenny and Mitch listened attentively. Rob noticed the change in Jenny. She had lost her girlishness, much like Chelsea had. She seemed more content, though. Stronger, more secure like Paula.

“So,” Rob concluded, “That’s where things stand now. Sorry you had to come back to such a mess. I wish I had it in a neater pile for you, at least.”

“It’s OK, Dad,” Mitch assured, “I’m just glad you were here to take charge. Sounds like you had your hands full.”

“Mom,” Jenny hadn’t said anything until now, “First of all, you know I love you and you know I’ll help you. But, having said that, I have to tell you that I am very disappointed in the way you handled all this. You just preached to me about jumping into a situation with Mitch. Well, it seems to me that you leaped off a bridge and tried to take everyone with you.”

Rob would have laughed if his cheek weren’t so sore. Jenny sounded just like Paula. The look on Linda’s face was almost worth it all.

“Jenny…” Linda started.

“No,” Jenny stopped her, “Listen to me. You’re going to have to grow up, Mom. I’m tired of raising you. I have a husband of my own now and my family comes first. You’re either going to assume responsibility for your own actions, or you’re going back to Kansas.”

“I thought you wanted me to leave Bob,” Linda whined, “You said I could come and stay with you.”

“Mom,” Jenny informed, “There’s a big difference in leaving and running away. What you did was run away. And look how many people you’ve involved in this. If you want us to help you, then you’re going to have to do this by our rules.”

Linda was looking at Jenny like she was a complete stranger. Mitch was looking at Jenny like she was the center of his universe. Paula looked like she was ready to stand up and cheer. Rob was trying very hard not to grin because it hurt so badly.

“What rules are you talking about?” Linda finally asked.

“Rule number one,” Jenny told her, “If you’re going to stay here, you will show Rob the respect he deserves, do as he tells you, and you will not try to pull things behind his back. It doesn’t work, anyway. He’ll find out what you’re up to and you’ll regret it. He’s the boss around here, plain and simple. If you don’t like that, then don’t expect to be a part of this family.”

Linda’s jaw dropped again. She looked at Mitch as if to ask if he agreed.

“You have to give Terry the car back,” Mitch picked up where his wife left off, “You can drive Jenny’s truck. I have the clinic truck, so she can drive mine. Dad is absolutely right about this. If this whole thing is really about you leaving Bob, then we’ll help you. If it’s really about running to Terry, then you’re on your own.”

“Is that what you think?” Linda got defensive.

“That’s sure how it looks to all of us,” Jenny announced, “And in case you’d like me to spell it out clearer, Mom, there’s a word for it: Adultery. That’s something that none of us will condone.”

Linda’s face went ashen. She got up and ran out, presumably to the apartment.

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” Jenny got up and went over to where Rob stood, “I had no idea Mom would do something like this.”

“It’s not your fault, Squirt,” he hugged her. It still lifted his heart to hear her call him ‘daddy’. “I’m sorry you came home to such a mess. Listen, it’s fine with us for your mom to stay in the apartment, but she has to behave.”

“She will,” Jenny told him, “I’ll see to it she does. And she will give Terry that car back. I’ll go down in a few minutes and have a talk with her.”

“Jenny,” Paula asked, “You know your mom pretty well. Do you think she and Terry have already crossed the line?”

“I hope not,” Jenny confessed, “But I’ll find out for sure. Is Chelsea OK now?”

“Physically,” Paula reported, “But I think she’s still struggling emotionally. Maybe you can go visit her tomorrow. I’m sure she’ll be glad to see you.”

“Princess,” Mitch came over and took Jenny into his arms, “Do you want me to come with you, or do you want to be alone with your mom?”

“Give me about a half hour with her,” Jenny requested, “Then you come down, OK?”

“OK,” he agreed, “Whatever you want. I’ll stay up here and talk to Mom and Dad.”

Rob watched Jenny walk out. She was in denim shorts and a green tee shirt and she had a deep tan. He noticed that when she walked now, she seemed to carry herself differently. The timidity and self-doubt were gone. She walked like a woman without fears, confident in success no matter what her mission. It reminded him a great deal of Paula.

“Well, Dad,” Mitch chuckled, “You’re going to make quite an impression on your proteges on Monday. Your face ought to be every color of the rainbow about then.”

“I know,” Rob moaned, “At least they’ll know I can take a punch.”

“Remind me not to tangle with Uncle Terry,” Mitch grinned.

“I should’ve let your father strangle him,” Paula shook her head, “He’s being a complete fool over this whole thing.”

“Sounds like it,” Mitch agreed, “Listen, Dad, I appreciate you handling all this while we were gone. Now that I’m home, Jenny and I will take over, though. It’s my responsibility, not yours. She’s my mother-in-law.”

“I kind of thought you’d say that,” Rob nodded, “But she can stay in the apartment. You don’t need her underfoot at your house.”

“No argument there,” Mitch admitted, “I’ll take the car back to Terry tonight. If we’re leaving Jenny’s truck here for Linda, I might as well take care of that now. The sooner we establish some rules, the better. And I’ll foot the bill for the lawyer, too. She can pay me back when she gets some money.”

“I’m making her work for the apartment,” Rob told him, “I’m not giving her a free ride. She’s not flesh and blood and she’s totally capable of earning a living.”

“When the deal goes through on the clinic,” Mitch proposed, “I’ll give her a real job there. She doesn’t need to sit around and take charity from any of us.”

“What if she and Terry decide to move in together?” Paula asked.

“Then she’s not getting another dime from me,” Mitch stated, “And I’m guessing she won’t from you either.”

“No,” Rob confessed, “If Chelsea weren’t so upset already, I’d try to get her to talk some sense into her father.”

“I’ll talk to him,” Mitch offered, “Maybe he’ll listen to me. It’s at least worth a try. Well, I’m going upstairs to see my brothers for a minute and then I’ll go rescue Jenny.”

~*~

“I was proud of Jenny today,” Paula slipped into bed next to Rob, “Weren’t you?”

“Um-hmm,” Rob wrapped his arms around her, “She reminded me very much of you. I don’t think Linda knew her little girl had it in her.”

“Jenny is not a little girl anymore,” Paula corrected, “She is very much a woman now.”

“I noticed,” Rob chuckled, “And I also noticed the way Mitch let her have at it. He knew exactly what she was going to say. Had no hesitation in letting her tell Linda how it was going to be.”

“I’m so glad those two found each other,” Paula observed, “They bring out the best in each other. They are a perfect fit.”

“Like us,” Rob kissed her forehead, “And I must admit, I’m glad they’re home. I know I can rely on Mitch. He has a good head on his shoulders.”

“Like his father,” Paula kissed his chest, “I’m glad they’re home, too. I think maybe Jenny can help Chelsea deal with her loss better than me.”

“Why do you say that?” Rob wondered.

“Because I already have my children,” Paula pointed out, “Jenny doesn’t. The two of them have become close, too. Rob is it just me, or do you think Chelsea’s still a little insecure with Dutch?”

“I think you’re right,” Rob confirmed, “Maybe it’s because of her upbringing. Imagine growing up with Karen. I know she’s come a long way since she’s moved back here, but I’m sure there are some lasting effects.”

“Maybe time will help,” Paula hoped, “I really think Dutch will love her forever, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Rob agreed, “He seems completely devoted to her.”

“Mmm,” Paula raised up and brushed her hand on his sore cheek, “I like that word.”

“Devoted?” He smiled, “I’m devoted to you, my dear.”

“I know you are,” she caressed his face, “How bad does it hurt?”

“I’ll live,” he assured, “Why?”

“Because I want to kiss you,” she raised her face up to his, “But I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Don’t you know by now,” he put his fingers into her hair and pulled her closer, “I would break my neck to kiss you?”