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Chapter 66
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2022-06-15 14:05:14Related chapters
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 67
Back at the campsite, everyone bustled around, packing up gear to be stowed on the mule. Elliott saddled all the horses and packed the mule ready for a fast and furious trip down the mountain. He needed to remember Don and Connie were paying customers and he couldn't get them back down too fast. He didn't want them to come away feeling cheated. One last look around at cold fire pits that had been doused with snow and dirt, and he was satisfied they were ready to go.The trek down was always easier and never seemed to take as long. They stopped for breaks at numerous viewing places and then for lunch at midday. They arrived back at the ranch at about four in the afternoon. Don and Connie were anxious to get out of the cold, even though the sun had peeked through and already the snow was almost all melted."You guys go ahead and get your car started. I'll unload your things and bring them over." Elliott smiled at the middle-aged couple as they quickly staggered to their car. Riding a h
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 68
Scruff's heart began to race and he gulped for air as the two men stared at him, expecting answers he couldn't give them. "What? How was I supposed to know? I'm no camera expert." He shrugged his shoulders and shuffled his feet under the chair."No, you're definitely not an expert, that's for sure. We need the small one-by-one inch square disk which would fit right here in this little slot," Gerald said in a soft voice. "See right here." He pointed to the slot as he brought the camera closer to Scruff's face. Then he slammed the camera into his nose.Pain radiated upward throughout his head and he grabbed his nose. Blood started to drip onto the desk. The old man pushed Scruff backward. "Don't be dirtying up my office, you need to get out.""Wait, Dad. I think there's something else he can do for us."Gerald sunk into his chair and looked at his son.Scruff sat in agony, his hand holding his bleeding face, trying to breathe through his nose. "What's that?" Scruff asked in a nasall
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 69
The white pickup started with a gurgle, a rumble, and then backfired. Sam jumped, startled. Her arms were numb from being trapped behind her and taped together so tightly. Scruff sat in the driver's seat of the rickety, barely running truck, and grinded gears until he got it into first gear and pulled forward. The action jerked her head back enough to hit the headrest with a hard thump. At this rate, she would have whiplash.Scruff pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main highway, shifting roughly each time, jerking her head and shoulders back and forth. Sam tried to keep track of all the twists and turns of the roads he turned onto, but not being familiar with the area she was soon lost. She only knew they were out in the wilderness, no houses, stores, or ranches with corrals nearby. Trees soon enveloped the single one-lane dirt road.Where is he taking me? How can I leave Elliott a trail so he can find me?After driving mile after mile, the road continued to narrow, until i
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 70
"Thanks for letting us know about the door. It always helps to have someone looking out for us. We've got to keep the utilities bills low, too," Gerald said as he watched his son make his way back the hall.Elliott glanced between them and turned to go."Uh, Elliott, everything okay? You seem a little distracted," Gerald said, as if luring Elliott to stay longer."Yes, everything's fine." He continued toward the door. Elliott turned toward them and observed Ted was back beside his dad, both with big grins on their faces. He exited through the door, wondering what had come over them since his recent talk about his Dad's property."Randy, how's it going?" Elliott asked as he entered the shop. "Everything's looking good, especially the deposits in the bank. You're doing a great job.""Thanks, Elliott. We got a lot of inventory delivered, too. Emily and I are working on tagging and getting everything out right away. We've got all the sale items on one rack now and closest to the door.
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 71
Sam lay on the hard, dirty, and cold bed, shivering. When she heard someone or something making noise on the stones outside, she became much more alert. Suddenly she heard the key in the lock of the door and tried to sit up. Her wrists were raw from trying to wrench free from the bed, her hands red, traces of blood on the blanket. Her face covered with dried, red snot. Her fur-lined boots kept her feet somewhat warm and weren't as cold as her face and hands.The door opened. She closed her eyes and screamed, "Elliott.""Sorry, missy, but he can't hear you from here and even iffen he could I doubt he would come for you." Scruff entered the cabin and closed the door, no sign of Larry anywhere. "I gave your lover man til morning to show up with the money and iffen he don't I'll get rid of you the same way I got rid of Ralph. Right over the cliff and down in the river." He threw a large log on the fire and she began to feel the heat, the warmth spread throughout her body. She wanted it t
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 72
"Elliott," she screamed."Go ahead, let it all out. No one's going to hear you anyways."She screamed again and tried to break loose of his hold on her. She kicked at him, but he moved too quickly, and her numb legs wouldn't do what she wanted."You ready now, Missy? Times runnin' out, and your fancy man friend didn't show with the money this mornin' so's now it's your turn. You made peace?" he asked as he pushed her even closer."What do you mean, now it's my turn? Who else have you tortured by doing this to them?" she asked, hoping for any kind of delay she could muster."Uh ha, not gonna work on me. You already have the proof in the pictures you done took of me and Ralph up here so's you know the answer already anyway. That's why it's your turn. You ready?" He jabbed and pushed her closer.Both her hands held onto his one arm. "Let go of me, you bastard. If all you wanted were the photos why didn't you ask me for them? I would have been happy to give them to you.""Oh, it's t
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 73
Finally, Elliott reached the rushing rapids down the mountainside. He looked up and down on both sides for anything different or out of place where someone might have gotten out of the water. But he saw nothing than the ordinary. He headed north at a gallop, his eyes searched left, right, and straight ahead for any stomped down grass, or Sam. He couldn't, he wouldn't accept the thought he'd be too late to save her. He'd been too late to help Mariah and that was his fault. This time, he had to make it there in time to save the woman he loved.He kept north, sometimes at a slow pace and at other times he was able to go faster, letting the horse pick and choose the best way to get across the rocky path.He finally saw a dark brown object, on the bank of the raging water, just south of an overhanging cliff. He soon got near enough to see it was Sam, in her tan winter coat, now dark brown because it was wet.He sprang from the horse and rushed to her side. Checking for a pulse, he found
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 74
When Elliott glanced up and saw the flashing red and blue lights from the ambulance, as well as from police cruisers, relief fluttered through his body. He pulled up on the reins when the paramedics ran toward him with a stretcher and necessary equipment."Watch her foot. It may be broken. She's been in and out of consciousness the entire trip." Elliott carefully handed her into their capable hands, then dismounted. He walked his horse over to Mitch and handed him the reins."Thanks for everything today." Elliott shook Mitch's hand and they exchanged hat waves. Elliott rushed to the ambulance to ride to the hospital with Sam.Once the EMTs and paramedics progressed Sam to stable condition, she was set up with an IV drip and wrapped in warm blankets. With ice on her ankle, she started to thrash around. She screamed, "Elliott, Elliott, where are you?""I'm right here, Sam, right here beside you. You're going to be okay, I promise."He rubbed his thumb across the top of her hand. "Do
Last Updated : 2022-06-15
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The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 273
This would be Mitch's first time of attending the entire celebration with his three best friends and their growing families. He'd get to hear all the news first-hand and share his own. Last year he and Ronnie barely had time to stop in and say Merry Christmas but this year, he had news to announce. He was married to the love of his life, and already had a six-year-old son. He smiled as he buttoned his Christmas vest. This was about as Christmas as he got, and it would have to do.Wyatt blasted through their closed bedroom door, "Slow down there, son. Where's the fire?" Mitch asked."I'm ready to go." "I see that. Where'd you get that beautiful Christmas sweater? I love it." Mitch asked."Ron'er, Mom laid clothes on the bed and put on everything.""That was nice," Mitch said, as the bathroom door opened, and Ronnie stepped out.Mitch smiled; his wife was so beautiful, her eyes wide and her face glowed. She twirled around in her red sweater with a green print Christmas scarf
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 272
December 24thRonnie woke, still tired. She moved closer to Mitch and he automatically pulled her closer. "I'm still tired. Is it really time to get up?"Mitch rubbed her arm, "Me too," he mumbled. "What's all the noise out in the kitchen?""I don't know, it's probably Mom, Marie and maybe Tory making breakfast. Wyatt, hopefully, is still asleep," Ronnie said, her voice hoarse."So many things to do today. I need to wrap presents," Ronnie yawned stretched her arms over her head. "Maybe you can take Wyatt to the office.""Don't need to, I hired two new deputies who are working the next few days. I actually have a few days of vacation now. Maybe your mom and Tory could keep him occupied out there.""Maybe," Ronnie said, then Mitch kissed her neck. "Oh, a little frisky this morning.""Every morning, but we never have time, remember?""Oh, I remember, then I can't take my eyes off you while I'm at work.""Do I distract you?" Mitch said in a sing songy voice."Yes, you d
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 271
December 23rdRonnie helped clear the table and put leftovers away. "Wyatt, will you please go and get your shower and ready for bed now?"Wyatt did a double take and screwed up his nose. Ronnie wasn't giving him a chance to ask why or to say, "it's too early." She explained it, "I know it's early, but we have to share the water with everyone else who wants a shower.""Okay," Wyatt said before he scurried up the stairs.Mitch came up behind Ronnie, wrapping his arms around her waist. She tilted her head back and kissed his lips. "Still nine?" She asked."Yup, I'll be getting a shower next while you tuck him in and then it'll be nine, I'm hoping anyway.""Sounds good. I'll play with the baby until Wyatt is done and then after a story, I'll meet you in bed." Ronnie smiled when Mitch kissed her neck. The anticipation was unnerving. Marie and Janet were having after dinner coffee at the breakfast table back and suggested playing cards. Tory handed Angelina to Ronnie while Ma
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 270
Marie wiped her hands on her apron and then pretended to cry; her knuckles rounded in her eyes. "Don't I get a hug? I missed you the entire time you were gone." "Sure," Wyatt said as he left Ronnie's side to hug her."Oh, that felt so good. Thank you." Marie said."Something smells good. Are you baking cookies?" Wyatt asked."No, I did that earlier and don't worry, I left some for you to decorate. And do you know what we're going to do with all the cookies then?" Marie asked."Eat them till they're all gone," Wyatt guessed."No, silly, we, you and I, and maybe Janet here if she wants to help, are going to put them in these pretty containers and deliver them." Marie explained, her hands on her hips."Why would we deliver them? To who? I thought they were for all of us." Wyatt's eyes welled with tears."Oh, dear boy, don't worry. There will be plenty for us, we aren't giving them all away. The people we deliver them to aren't able to celebrate Christmas, they elderly and
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 269
After a quick hug for Ronnie's parents when she met them at baggage claim, she said, "Hi Mom, and Dad, how was your flight?""It was a long, I can tell you that much." Her father, John Travis exclaimed. "I'm ready for a nap.""You're in luck. I happen to know a great B&B that has a room with your name on the door." Ronnie chuckled as she helped load their suitcases into the trunk. "How's Tory and the baby?""The baby really getting cute, and you can talk to Tory yourself and find out how she's doing." Ronnie's mother Janet said, her voice tailing off at the end.Once settled in the back seat, Ronnie asked, "Do you need to pick up anything before we head home?""Nope, I'm anxious to get to that bed you talked about." He father mumbled.During the quiet drive home, Ronnie explained Wyatt's appearance to them and that he may become their adopted son, hence their grandson. When there was no response from the back seat, Ronnie asked, "Is that okay with you?""Oh honey, of cour
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 268
Ronnie stepped out of the bathroom, saw Wyatt standing right where she'd left him, "Oh Wyatt, why didn't you go the kitchen and find Marie?" She asked him.He was immobile, his head hung, staring at the ground. She reached out her hand and said, "Come on, there's nothing to be afraid of. I'm not going to run off or disappear, I promise."He grasped her hand and squeezed, then they walked to the kitchen together. Marie was putting something in the oven to slow cook for dinner. "Good morning, you two. How are you doing today, Wyatt?""I'm not in trouble yet, am I?" He looked at Ronnie."Of course not. I can't even think of anything you've done since you've been here to be in trouble about. And just so you know, if or when you are in trouble, I'll make sure you know why and what the punishment of any is. Now let's eat." Ronnie smiled at him."How about French toast, Wyatt? Do you like that?"He shrugged. "Let's give it a try if you've already made it, otherwise we can have
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 267
The following morning, Ronnie woke up late, or so she thought, because there was more light poking in her squinted eyes. She tried to move but something heavy was laying halfway across her chest. "Mugsy, come on, time to get up." But there wasn't any change. She opened her eyes and looked in the childish face of Wyatt. He was laying on her left shoulder, rolled into a fetal position and hanging onto his teddy bear's one arm. Awe! She smiled.There was no way she could get out of bed without waking him. She reached for her phone and checked the time. It was after eight, Mitch had already gone to work, and Mugsy probably got up with him for breakfast. She caressed Wyatt's baby-soft cheek and brushed his light brown hair off his forward. He needed a haircut, she thought. Then his hand released the bear from his grasp and wrapped his arm around her neck. I love you too, Wyatt, my sweet innocent boy. She rubbed his arm that lay across her neck and studied his face. He smiled in his sle
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 266
Ronnie ran into a number a shops, and bought underwear and socks for Wyatt as well as deodorant. She also found a toy store and, with the help of the clerk, was able to provide her with an assortment of games and toys for her to select from. Her choices filled two bags. "Can I leave these here until my husband can bring the car around? We're parked a couple blocks over." Ronnie asked the store clerk while on the lookout for Mitch or Wyatt. They had to be done by now and waiting on her."Sure, I'll put your name on them and keep them behind the counter. What's your name?" She asked."Rogers," Ronnie answered and smiled."Like the Sheriff?" She asked."Yes, exactly, I'm his wife." Ronnie said."I heard about him getting married, but I didn't realize he had any children," the clerk stapled the paper onto their bags."Thank you and Merry Christmas!" Ronnie said as she turned and headed out the door. She stopped in front of a store that cut off the bitter cold wind and called
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 265
Ronnie took everything out of Wyatt's small suitcase and placed it on the bed to take inventory. He only had a few shirts and some 'hi-water' short pants. No sweaters, or long pants. He'd have to wear the pants and every shirt he had. Two pair of clean underwear included but looked way too small. "Okay, sweetie, this is what we're going to do. You can wear all these shirts today, so which one is your favorite?" Ronnie asked.Wyatt looked them over like he'd never seen them before, then chose a blue Batman one. Ronnie helped him remove his pajama top and get the T-shirts on one after the other. The outer one he chose was long sleeve and fit perfectly over the others. Then she handed him a pair of pants, the longest ones she could find. "You put clean underwear on last night after your bath, right?" Ronnie asked. Wyatt nodded."You look nice and warm," Mitch proclaimed from the doorway. "Maybe we ell be able to sled ride later after all.""After a few stores, he'll be fine
