Mountains Tell No Secrets (Closed for One Eyed Jack)

[TabascoKV]

Winter Haven Ranch, Nevada. Very few eyes had ever been graced with the picturesque scenery of the snow covered mountains, and Rebekah Alexander was blessed enough to wake up every morning with the snow covered mountains in her backyard. During the winter months, the only colors that graced the earthly pallet were the bright white of the powder and the brown of the tree trunks. Occasionally where the snow ran thin a few strands of dead grass could be seen.

When the snow melted in spring, greens were accented by the pinks, reds, purples, and a plethora of other colors that sprinkled the bushes and the grass. It was a beauty either way. Hardly any visitors came up that way, which lead for a quiet and serene place for a person to live a life.

The thirty-three year old lived in seclusion, her work being her life. Bekah liked it that way. She didn’t have to deal with people, except for rare occasions. She had lived there since she was a child, and all the little nooks and crannies held memories. Living alone suited her.

She was not completely alone. A herd of wild Mustangs kept her company, and was the center of her world. Her job was to observe and make sure the horses survived through the winter. Why these horses did not travel further south in Nevada for these harsh winters was beyond her, but for as long as she could remember they had been there.

The life she lived was quite simplistic, and almost colonial in a sense. She had no phone, no television or radio, no unnecessary electronics. It wasn’t until about three years ago she had indoor plumbing installed in her house, and the old outhouse still stood, though it was no longer used. Her oven and stove were the cast iron gas stoves of the early days. She did not have electric lights installed, but still used candles or lanterns after the sun had slid into its earthen sheath.

Many people gawked at her lifestyle, unable to understand why it was she chose to live in such a manner. The truth was, it was her. Everything about it fit her and it was her comfort zone.

Today was no different. At least, it started off like any other day. She awoke to the silence that was common for this time of winter. It had not taken her long to get dressed and pull her hair back in a tight bun. Her auburn hair fell to her lower back and curled slightly, but she always kept it pulled up in a tight bun. If she didn’t, it was always getting in her way.

Walking downstairs, she slid on her boots before stepping outside. Fresh snow covered the ground, and as Rebekah inhaled, she couldn’t help but smile at the crisp smell. The whinnies from her two horses in the stables reached her ears. They were ready for their breakfast, and as soon as they had their grain to eat, it would be a day full of work for all three of them.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

Prisoner 14458762, or now that he had escaped the joyous 5th Street hotel (Carson City’s endearing term for the maximum security prison), Gary Hamilton made his way slowly up the eastern facing slope of mountain just north of Reno. The hitchhiking had stopped once the message went out that there was an escaped death row inmate on the loose in the area, but at least he had left Carson and Reno behind.

It hat been a busy 40 something hours. Managing to finally escape, with less then three months until his turn in the gas chamber, then breaking into a sporting goods store to acquire some more appropriate clothes then the orange jump suit, and a small snub nosed revolver which hid perfectly in his new coats pocket. If all that and the bumming rides as far north as he could get weren’t enough, he had to eat too.

The sporting goods store didn’t have any cash in the register, and he didn’t stick around long enough to fiddle with some damned safe…so shop lifting a crowded grocery store had to due. Fed he decided to venture off the beaten path, in hopes of putting some distance between him and authority.

That is when he saw them. Beautiful mustangs running wild in the snow covered slopes and valleys of the Sierra Nevada’s. He followed the magnificent creatures, remembering back to his childhood when he would hike mountains like these just for a glimpse at the horses.

He found a rock to perch on while he ate dry top ramen noodles and watched the mustang’s run. As the sun rose to indicate mid to late morning the horses broke off to the west, up the mountain. Following, it seemed to be a path the equines took often, up to another snow covered field with a gentle slope.

The next sight took him off guard, and he ducked behind the largest tree he could find. A house, way the fuck up here?! As odd as it seemed, there was a small cabin, well cared for from the look of it, with a small barn nearby.

As soon as the shock at his discovery wore off, he knew that it had to be a good deal warmer inside that cabin then out – and probably had some decent food as well.

Gary snuck closer, keeping an eye out for anyone who might see him, his pistol ready in his pocket. He approached from the back, as to not leave extra tracks beside those that led from the front door. The door opened easily, left unlocked. It was indeed warm inside, or at least warmer. He inspected the house to find no one, then examined the kitchen in greater detail. Food, real food. He’d eat then sit and wait for whatever bitter old man owned this shack to come home and they’d have a nice little chat.

 

[TabascoKV]

The sun did very little warm the chilled air that blew around her as she worked, but the coldness did not bother Rebekah. She was used to it. After all, she had grown up on this mountain and the weather was no different all those years than now. The storms could get intense, though.

She had hitched Breeze and Samson up to the sled and had hoisted hay. From there, the three climbed up into the hills until the herd of mustangs could be heard tromping on dead branches. When the brown and black coats of the amazing creatures came into view, Rebekah got to work throwing hay down behind the sled. The long trail sufficed the wild horses. Bringing her two Clydesdales to a halt, Bekah jumped down, walking a little bit closer to the herd.

They never allowed her to get too close, which was fine by her. All she wanted to do was observe them and watch them. Despite the fact that she had been watching these animals all her life, they never ceased to amaze her with their magnificent stature and beauty.

She had lost track of the time as she settled down on a rock and watched them. When the herd began to move on from the hay, she finally stood up from her resting place. Her green eyes lifted to the sky, seeing the orange and pink paint streaks of sunset. She needed to head back. She had allowed herself to get swept away that she had allowed almost an entire day to pass.

When she had slipped out of the house in the morning, she had left her fire blazing in the house. She knew it would have dwindled down, but would still be burning enough to warm her hands.

*

It had not taken too long for Bekah to reach the barn. Taking off the equipment from the horses, she put the horse blankets over both of them before locking them back in their stall. She watched them munch on fresh grain for a few minutes before heading back towards the house.

Walking towards the house, she opened the door, her eyes down on the floor as she did so. Closing the door, her eyes lifted to the kitchen. That’s when she saw him. Taking a step back, her hand reached up above the doorway for the old shotgun that usually resided there. All her fingers brushed against was the wall, the gun missing from its place.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“Looking for this?” he patted the shotgun gently, as if it were a loyal dog. It rest propped up against the chair he sat in, his own pistol held casually in his right hand.

She had surprised him, not that she came in; he’d heard her coming from the barn. He just hadn’t expected it to be a HER. An old geezer who hid from the world up in the mountains…a hermit. Not a young girl.

“Why don’t you sit down and we can chat?” the nose of his pistol motioned her toward a chair placed opposite him.

“I think we’re gonna be spending quite a bit of time together…might as well get acquainted, no?”

He watched her sit, never taking those big green eyes off him.

“Not too talkative? Ok I’ll start, only polite I suppose. My name is Gary. I came in from the cold, found the place unlocked, and warm and I helped myself to some items from your kitchen…I hope you don’t mind.”

He didn’t actually care if she minded, he just hoped she would cooperate and not force him to shoot her.

“Now your turn…what’s your name ?”

 

[TabascoKV]

Everything inside of her became as a frozen as the ground outside. She had strands of loose hair in her face that were wet against her skin, and normally she would pull them back out of her face, but she did not want to make any unnecessary movements. As he motioned towards the chair and gave her an order, an indignant expression crossed her face. Did she look like a dog that needed orders barked in her direction? At the moment, though, he was the one with the gun, and Rebekah was not stupid enough to do anything that might set him off. She would wait for a time where she could get away from him.

She listened to his little introductory, not quite sure what to make of it. Her body was beginning to shiver slightly from the snow that had soaked into her clothes.

“If that was all you wanted, then why the ceremony?” Speaking in an almost defiant tone, Bekah’s eyes narrowed in a glare. She had never had to worry about safety up here in the mountains, and the fact that she was having to answer to a gun infuriated her. She would not cooperate with this intruder, but she would not do anything rash, either. If he wanted her dead, she would have been dead already.

Night was falling quite quickly outside, and with it was becoming a fresh snow fall. It had started off gentle, but was now coming down in rain spurts of white. Normally this time, Rebekah would have changed into dry clothes and had been sitting by the fire drinking a cup of soup. Everything about her life was relatively routine.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“Fine, don’t tell me your name then. From where I came and why the ceremony, as you call it, is my business woman, the less you know the better friends we’ll be.”

He had no idea what to do with her, he’d really been expecting some old fart hermit, who might be stubborn, but was too old to be of much concern. Now he had a woman, several years his junior, with a defiant streak a mile wide.

Well letting her run amuck wasn’t going to solve anything, nor was staring at her until they both grew old. “Well, since you’re determined to make this hard on us both, lets go get something to tie your pretty little ass up with.” The comment escaped his lips before he even realized it…she was pretty, and he had been admiring her firm body – but he certainly didn’t want to give off the impression that was what he was after.

“I’m not going to hurt you or take advantage of you, but I don’t need you calling the cops or killing me in my sleep.” He waved the barrel of the gun toward her. “Lead the way to some ropes, duct tape, and some cloth. And don’t think just because I’m a nice guy you can think I won’t shoot you right in the head if I think for a moment you’re trying anything funny.”

 

[TabascoKV]

Rebekah really was not a fan of guns, though she had grown used to the safety they could provide against nature. The fact that one was pointed at her in a pointed manner really did not sit well with her. Not that it would matter to him. Part of her wanted to know who he was and where he came from truly, but the other half felt almost too scared to know. Maybe if she played it cool for a couple of days, he would simply leave her be. His flippant attitude in regards to her question caused her eyes to narrow.

“It’s more than obvious that you have a reason to hide. If not, there would be no reason for you to use a gun to get what you need.” Fishing she was, but she wasn’t sure if he would give her anything.

His comment caught her off guard, and had the barrel of that gun not been so obvious to her, she would have thrown something in his face. Glaring at him, her jaw hardened as she clenched her teeth together.

“I have no phone. Calling the police is clearly out of the question.” It wasn’t until her words hit her ears she realized that she had told him information she shouldn’t have. It was true, though. She had attempted to get phone service after her brother had left home, but she was too far away. Plus the trees interfered too much. It had ended up being a waste of time and money. She normally made a trek down to the town once a week, and the mail ran three times a week. If something were to go wrong, they town would know.

“The ropes and tape are all out at the barn.” She could hear the sarcasm begin to drip out of her mouth as she spoke. “So, unless you want to brave the storm and snow to go through the trouble, you are more than welcome to do so.” Crossing her arms, she lifted one leg and crossed it over the other.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“No phone – good, but I’m not about to remain awake all night ensuring you don’t grab a horse and brave that snow. No, we’re both headed out to the barn, and unless you start cooperating I’ll leave you out in the barn for the night.” His words came almost without emotion, just dead matter of fact. Then he pushed the gun into her side, and urged her out the door.

“And lets fucking hurry about it, it’s damned cold out here.”

Soon, though never soon enough for Gary, they were in the barn, out of the direct snow and wind, but still shivering, he watched her like a hawk as she gathered what she was told. It pissed him off he still didn’t have a name to go with her pretty face, but that would be solved soon enough. She looked at him with pure contempt as she carried what she knew to be her own prison back to the house at gunpoint.

“Set it down and get the fire going. We both need to warm up.”

He couldn’t help but enjoy the view of her body once more as she worked, though the scowl on her face was not flattering, though understandable. He motioned for her to sit down and get warm, while he cleared her shotgun of its ammunition, placing the cartridges in his pocket.

He tossed the gun aside, for the moment, and joined her by the fire.

“Look lady, like I said before, I’m not here to hurt you, I’m no rapist, or anything like that either. Just having…just a man in some hard times. I’m going to stay here with you a few days while I figure things out. So long as you don’t force my hand, you’ll come away from this without a scratch, ok?”

He sighed and scratched his forehead, “Now hun, what’s your name. I can’t go about like this the whole time, I’m running out of pronouns.”

 

[TabascoKV]

Though Rebekah was not what society would call a social butterfly, she had always been pleasant enough. She had grown up loving the elder people of the town, remembering them as part of her life since she was born. There had been very few people she had met that she did not like, but this man had certainly managed to take the number one spot on the list. She had developed a strong sense of disdain towards Gary.

Normally she never would have responded to such a negative disposition, but seeing as to how he had the gun and she didn’t, she stood up in a rather disgruntled fashion. She had not paid much attention to her clothes being wet from her earlier endeavor outside, but it certainly hit her when she stepped back out into the icy storm. Wrapping her arms around herself, her teeth began to chatter, rattling her brain inside her head. The cold usually didn’t bother her, but she usually wasn’t walking into it with wet clothing. It hit her face in a bitter fashion, the sting causing her eyes to water.

Finding refuge inside the barn, her body trembled as the coldness seeped beyond her skin and into her very soul. The weight of what was really happening to her was beginning to really hit her as she gathered the things he had asked for. The only rope she had was incredibly thick and painful. Instead, she grabbed an old lead rope that was hanging on a rusty old nail. The horses snorted, curious as to why she was in the stables and ignoring them, and also catching the scent of somebody new. She could see the top of Remmington’s ear twitch at the crunching of their footsteps.

Back into the fighting snow, she realized the storm was picking up and getting worse. That concerned her for the herd. Their body fat was diminishing from the lack of available food, and one good storm would easily clear out a large portion of the wild horses. It seemed a weird thing to worry about as she pushed through the wind and wet back to the house by gunpoint. Stepping back inside, she was shivering more than ever, dropping his shopping list on the floor. She was curious as to how far her boundaries reached.

She gladly stoked the fire, bringing it back to life in one gloriously warm glow. Bekah wished she could go change into her warm clothes, but she didn’t trust him to change, and she was sure he wouldn’t willingly let her be behind a closed door to do so.

As he sat down next to her, she scooted over away from him. Circling her arms around her legs, she hugged her knees tightly against her chest. Reaching up, she brushed the wet hair that was sticking to her face behind her ear. She heard what he said, but she didn’t believe him.

“If you were nobody to be feared then you would not have burst into my home in such a manner. A normal man just needing help would knock on the door and ask politely. But I guess that was my mistake for comparing you to a man.” Glaring, she shot a rather nasty expression that seemed uncharacteristic of her normally soft features. Looking back at the fire, she closed her eyes for a few seconds, wishing that when she opened them this would all be a nightmare. No such luck as her gaze was once more filled with orange and yellow flames that flickered upwards.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“Yes yes, just like a damned woman, smart enough to live alone, with no help, and to insult the guy with the gun. You best count yourself lucky that I am a reasonable man…if in dire circumstances.”

He scoffed at her, and tried to ignore her – ultimately failing.

“Look, it’s nothing personal…hell I figured an old man lived up here. But I can’t have you running off to the authorities, now can I? I’m not going back to that…ever.”

A distant gaze filled his eyes as he looked into the blaze before them. Not looking back at her, he just kinda spoke to himself, “Never going back…never should have been there. Never…”

Breaking his daydream, he again took in the sight of the bitter woman next to him. “You should change, you’re clothes are wet, and I don’t want you dieing up here. Lets bring out some new clothes, and you can change here in front of the fire…I’ll be as gentlemanly as I can about it.”

He looked to the woman, who’s name was still a mystery, and genuinely felt sorry for her situation. Not that that would change his position, but at least he knew he wasn’t some animal.

 

[TabascoKV]

Glaring at his insult, she managed to contort her face in a rather fierce, angry expression. It felt strange, really. She could not remember the last time she had been angry about anything or at anybody. He infuriated her. She found nothing reasonable about storming into somebody's home and holding them against their will. It seemed rather rash to her, no matter what situation he came from.

Lifting her eyebrow as he spoke, more to himself than to her, she felt weirded out by him. Furrowing her eyebrows, she thought about his words for a minute until something hit her.

"You're a criminal, aren't you?" It was more of a statement than question, but she knew it to be true no matter what his response to her was. Her eyes returned to the fire, trying to make a pact with herself not to look or speak to him. She would try her best to ignore him, while being a thorn in his side.

It didn't last too long when he suggested her changing. Her resolve quickly faded as she looked at him as if he had just spoken Greek to her.

"Do I look stupid to you?" Snapping at him, she tightened her arms around her legs as she forced her gaze away from him. As much as she wanted dry clothes, she was not about to change out in the open.

"If I change it will be behind a closed door with you on the other side of it."

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“You damn women truly are amazing. I’m trying to be hospitable here, and you spout off like you’re the one in charge. News flash lady I HAVE THE FUCKING GUN!”

He hated himself the moment he yelled, and stood up to get away from her. Why couldn’t people be reasonable? Maybe just once? Then they wouldn’t drive him to do things he would regret, or at least have to hide for.

“Don’t move,” he brandished the gun in her direction again, ensuring the consequences were known. He looked back over his shoulder several times as he made his way back to the bedroom. Quickly grabbing two blankets, and pulling them behind him as he returned to her. Fortunately she didn’t move and he wouldn’t have to shoot anyone.

“If you wont change then at least wrap these around you. I really don’t want you die, or sick, which might as well be the same thing. No one is leaving this house until I figure out what to do.”

He sat back down in a chair not far from her. He didn’t want or need a hostage, just a place to think. Now he had a liability who knew the land better then he, and could notify the authorities faster then he could get out.

“To answer your question, yes. I was a criminal even before I broke in. Before I pointed this thin in your direction. I doubt you want or care for any details, so like you do with your name, I’ll keep the rest to myself.”

He looked at a clock, it was getting a bit late, and he knew she had yet to eat dinner. He to could use another meal as well. “You want something to eat? And please keep your damned remarks to a minimum. If you do I’ll go make us something, while you sit here where I can see you. Sound fair?”

 

[TabascoKV]

Though everything inside of her crumbled like an old wall, Rebekah managed to keep herself in check. Except for her eyes. They flashed with fear and hurt. Where the hurt came from, she did not know, except for it to be a generic pain that came from having her home invaded and her life turned upside down. Swallowing harshly, she allowed her eyes to drop in a rather sullen manner down to the hardwood floor.

She glanced up at him briefly as he ordered her not to move and he began to move away from her. She was tempted to try to make a run for it, but the gun never left her. While he was gone, she tried to reason with herself that she needed to at least pretend to work with him. He did have the gun, and acting like a defiant teenager was not going to better her situation. As he handed the blanket, she took it, grateful for it but not letting him see that. Wrapping it around her shoulders, she pulled it around her tightly, thankful for that extra bit of warmth. She almost thanked him, but thought better of it. He had not done that for her, but more for himself.

“So now I’m the one suffering because you made lousy choices in life.” The biting remark came out before she could stop herself, knowing now that he was a criminal. Glaring at him, she turned her head, allowing her eyes to fall on the flickering flames one more time. She was generally an easy going woman, and it felt strange to have this kind of personality inside of her.

His offer caught her by surprise.

“Let me do it.” Looking up at him, she chewed on her bottom lip. “I have a pot of soup I can warm up.”

She needed to do something other than just sit here feeling helpless. At least if she had something to do, it would help keep her from going stir crazy.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

He looked at her, weighing her counter offer. He could just as easily shoot her from a chair as he could from the stove. Easier actually. He hoped it did not come to that.

“Fair enough. I happen to be aware that soup requires neither knives or forks, or anything pointy or sharp for that matter. Please do not reach for any such items.”

He watched her rise and walk to the kitchen, trying to avoid him as she passed. He grabbed her by the arm through the blanket, “Yes, my life now causes you to suffer. I’m sorry for that, I really am. I doubt you’d believe it, but you’d probably do the same thing were our positions reversed. Desperation does ill things to a man, and forces his hand in ways he’d prefer not act. Just the same, please, please don’t give me a reason to harm you.”

He released his hold on her and pulled a chair out. He sat so that he could watch her every move as she went to work on their meal. Maybe she’d try to poison him, or find some knife after all. Watching her so closely took a great deal of effort and energy. He wanted sleep. He needed the rest. She was just so damned draining. Knocking her out, tying her up and drift off to a good nights rest seemed a rather attractive idea.

But he wouldn’t, not unless he had to. He had promised not to harm her, and meant it. Turns out he had principals left after all.

He sat silently waiting for the meal to arrive, having pulled another chair for her to sit at the table where they could both eat, and he could keep an eye on her.

 

[TabascoKV]

Standing up, she was thankful for the chance to start moving. Had the situation not been so serious, his words would have seemed almost comical to her. She had not thought about trying to pull a knife. After all, what good would that do against a gun? The only thing she would accomplish by pulling one out would be to make him angry and put him on edge, which was the last thing she needed this neurotic man to be. At least at the moment he was still in control of his own actions, no matter how undesirable they may be.

Gasping as he took her by the arm, she twinged away from him as he turned her. Opening her mouth at his words, she had nothing to say. Was he truly sorry? If he were, then why would he do this in the first place?

“You’re wrong. I would never force myself into somebody else’s life.” Her tone remained even and low, pulling her arm back as he relinquished it. Taking the blanket, she tossed it on the table before going to the ice box. Pulling out the big pot of beef and vegetable soup, she set it on top of the burner. Reaching for the box of matches that sat next to the stove, she lit one as she turned the gas on the stove. That familiar popping sound filled the tense silence, followed by the wooshing sound of the flame as she lit it. Blowing out the match, she quickly turned the burner down.

Walking over to the sink, she set the tip of the match down in a drop of water that was clinging to the metal, the hissing telling her the match was cooled down. Dropping it in the trash can, she opened up a drawer, looking for a spoon. Her large butcher knife shone to her from the drawer, beckoning her to grab it. Reaching in the drawer, her fingers lingered on the handle before she realized how stupid it would be. Grabbing the spoon, instead, she prayed that had not been her only hope.

It took about ten minutes of painful silence and awkwardness for the soup to finally come to a boil. Grabbing a smaller spoon, she dipped it in to test the soup. It almost burned her mouth. Turning the burner off, she grabbed two pot holders to lift the pot. Walking toward the table, the idea hit her before she even had time to think about it. In one motion, she took her chance, throwing the boiling hot soup his direction. She didn’t waste time to make sure she had hit his face with the boiling hot soup, but took off towards the door in a fast run.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

His arms came up instinctively, blocking the searing fluid from most of his face. That did not spare his chest or arms however, and he jumped and tore at his shirt to get it off him. Somewhere in that instant, he dropped the gun. He heard the door open and slam as she had obviously run out, even though he didn’t see it happen.

He fumbled to get what hot liquid off him as quickly as he could, found the gun and ran after her. The cold night air bit his exposed skin, but anger drove him on. Her tracks were easy to follow in the snow, and the light from the moon gave al he needed to seem them.

And it seemed only logical she had run back to the barn, and he heard that door shut too as he ran after her. He stopped to listen once he reached the door, holding the pistol up so that it could be quickly brought to aim and fire. He ripped open the door and saw her moving to free one of her horses.

“Stop. Stop or I’ll shoot and months later their find you laying in that horses stall.” He approached slowly, training the weapon on her the entire time.

“Step away, face away from me, and get on your knees. Do it NOW! I’m tired of trying to be nice, do it or take your chances outrunning bullets.”

He watched her carefully comply, and her very real tears started to warm his heart just a bit. He was still furious with her, but deep down he could see her need to try and flee a monster like him. Once she was on her knees as instructed, he let the hammer of the pistol relax, then spun the weapon to hold it by the barrel. One quick swipe knocked her out cold without warning. She’d wake with a headache, but she’d wake up.

When she did wake up, it was in front of the fireplace, in clean, dry clothes. Her forearms were bound together with rope and duct tape, as were her feet. Around her waist was another rope that was firmly attached to the couch she lay in, the knot well out of her reach. The coffee table had been pulled to be near her head, where she could reach a glass of water with a straw, and two aspirins.

Gary slept in a chair facing her, the gun tucked into the pocket of his jeans, with his hand resting on the grip. He snored from all the effort it had been to carry her back, undress and redress her, then bind her in a fashion he thought good enough that he could catch some Z’s.

 

[TabascoKV]

Rebekah ran as if her life depended on it, and it truly did. Whimpering as she fought the snow, her body shivering. She ignored the coldness that stung at her wet body, tears blurring her vision as she ran. This almost seemed too easy. The barn brought a comforting shield to her, and she quickly moved towards Remmington. Though it would be difficult, Bekah had every intention of riding him bareback. The creaking of the barn door opening sounded like a gun shot to her heart, her body feeling almost paralyzed.

His voice caused the hair on the back of her neck to stand up in crimson fear. Her throat contracted, and she found it so difficult to breathe. Closing her eyes as he gave her orders, Bekah could no longer hide her fear as tears crept down her cheek. He was going to shoot her. Kneeling down, she closed her eyes, her hands reaching up to her face. Burying her face in her hands, she didn't really get time to erupt in tears. Before she knew it, a brief second of pain ensued, and then she felt into darkness.

A small moan startled her from whatever abyss she had drifted into, and it took her a moment to realize the soft sound of fear had come from her. Opening her eyes she had to blink a few times to bring hte room back into focus. A sudden surge of panic hit her as she remembered everything that had happened previously, and the pressure of the ropes around her body brought a certainty that she had not been dreaming.

Whimpering, she tried to break loose. Attempting to sit up, she found she couldn't get very far. It was almost an afterthought that she was not in the same clothes she had been in previously. A look of horror crossed her face as she realized he must have changed her when she was out. Breathing harshly, the tears that had begun earlier now tasted on her lips as they flowed freely.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

The sobbing woke him, and he looked around to make sure al was as he left it. The only thing that changed was her crying.

“Right, cry over your treatment, because that scalding soup was a real damned treat lady. Or should I call you Rebekah? Yeah, your wallet is a good deal more forth coming about you then your lips are, and I had time to find these types of things when not burdened with watching you every second. You’re a real pain in my ass lady.”

While his words were harsh, his face grew softer, and he walked over to her, tucking the gun behind his back where she could not reach. He lifted the glass to her lips, and grabbed the aspirin to place in her mouth, if she would accept them. “I know your head must hurt, take these and we’ll talk about how we’re gonna treat each other from here. I prefer something more sensible and less violent personally, but that’s up to you really.”

He nodded again at the water and pills.

 

[TabascoKV]

What did he expect? Her heart stopped for a brief minute as he spoke her name, feeling as if the only thing she'd had left in her control had just been ripped away. She would have questioned how he knew, but he answered her inquiry before she had a chance to even ask him. She could see where the soup had hit him, his skin red and slightly shiny from the burn. Bekah almost felt sorry for him and the pain she knew he had to be feeling.

When he first approached her, she tried to draw back from him but had nowhere to go. She half expected him to throw the water in her face, but was surprised when he seemed to turn on an entirely different personality. Her head was pounding, but she had not really thought about it until he said something. She had been so occupied with her surroundings, she hadn't stopped to think about her head. As much as she wanted to refuse his offer, she thought better of it. She was lucky so far. He had not killed her, and she needed to find a way to build up some trust.

Sticking her tongue out, she managed to get the pill to stick to her tongue enough to get it in her mouth. Reaching with her fingers, she tipped the glass that he held, getting the pill down with ease. Within seconds, she had done the same with the second pill. Slouching against the couch, she lifted her emerald orbs to meet his less harsh expression.

"What do you want from me?" Her voice came out hoarse when she spoke, making her sound like a frightened child.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“How about a little sanity? I’m not asking you to like me, or the situation, but this is how we find ourselves. Does fighting so hard make you feel better when I already promised not to hurt you unless you force my hand?”

He set the glass down and shook his head. He reached over her and untied the rope binding her waist to the couch, then walked back to flop down in the chair he had slept in. He stared at her awhile before continuing. “I had hoped this place was abandon, of course finding it was not and had food was pleasant enough. But I never set out with the intent on taking over someone’s home. Not sure if that means anything to ya, but it the truth.”

He let out a heavy sigh, and got up to throw another log into the fire. He had brought in several more logs over the night, filling the stack beside the fireplace. In fact most her house was relatively picked up and tidy, considering the soup, the snow, and the hostage situation.

“I just want time to think, really. I don’t want anything from you specifically. This is where I found myself, and this is where I need to sort things out. Just don’t force my hand, and when I put my head on straight, I’ll leave ya be, never to see me again.”

He doubted if she cared one lick for anything he said, but it was good to confess to someone, anyone, that he really had no intention of hurting her, or anyone.

 

[TabascoKV]

"Then maybe you should have tried knocking on the door instead of forcing your way in. Or perhaps asking for a place to stay, instead of giving me no choice. Instead, you used the assumption that you had to take over my house in order to get what you wanted." Her voice still held no friendly tone to it, but her words were true enough. She never would have known him to be a criminal had he not told her. At least, not until the Sunday paper was delivered and she saw the notice in the paper. Until then, she would have opened her home up as was common in small town's.

Her body tensed up as she felt his hands reach towards her stomach. She still did not trust him. Not that she found herself to be the kind of woman that would grab a man's attention, but men did odd things when they felt desperate. Rebekah relaxed when he untied her from the couch, feeling a bit more at ease that she could move. Sitting up completely, she scooted away from him, her legs curling up to her chest.

"I have to feed the horses in the morning. If I don't, then they'll start to migrate towards town." Of course, maybe that wasn't such a bad thing. If the herd moved down towards town, then everybody would know something was not right.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

“Fine, we’ll feed the horses together in the morning. Beautiful animals, they are what caught my attention and drew me here. I must have watched them for hours, nearly freezing to death before I knew it.”

he thought back over what she had just said and the path he had taken here.

“You were not here when I found your home. I never expected to find a kindly woman, but maybe a bitter old hermit, who hated people. I was cold, and didn’t think things through. I’m sorry for that. Perhaps things could have gone better. I wish they had.”

He shook his head and let out a long sigh. “I’m sorry for a lot of things, pretty much everything I’ve done in years. I am sorry for your treatment, but I think we both might have gone even more crazy without some sleep.”

He pulled out a large kitchen knife and walked back toward her. His eyes rolled back as she instinctively gasped, his words of no ill intent still were not trusted. Starting with her feet he cut loose the duct tape and the knot of the old rope, letting the rest slip off her legs. Then he moved, still frowning with disappointment, to her arms; which he freed in the same manor.

“You’ll probably want to get washed up, use the ladies room and all that. Oh, and before you ask anything embarrassing, the reason you’re not wearing any underwear is yours were soaked from sweat and the snow, and I felt I should at least leave you the privacy of your panty drawer. Least I could do I think. Now, why don’t ya get up, go take a shower and all. I’ll remain on the opposite side of a closed door so long as you talk or sing or something to I know you’re not trying to run out and bring the world down on me first chance you get…sound like a fair deal?”

 

[TabascoKV]

Of course Rebekah didn't trust him. He had yet to do much that she could trust. The idea that he had undressed her and dressed her again made her insides chill. The only man who had ever seen her naked was her father, and she was still in diapers. Shuddering outwardly, she forced her thoughts away from it. She did feel violated.

The knife had surprised her, and her reaction was more instinctive than voluntarily. Wincing as he cut off the rope from her ankles, she fought the urge to kick him. With her arms still bound it would do no good. Bekah wasn't done trying to escape, but she would bide her time and plan it more carefully. Making him angry had not been well worth her time. She could see the red blotches on his skin from where the soup had burned him. SHe should have just run into the woods rather than go after Remmington. Had she done that, then perhaps he would have given up looking for her and left her home.

Stretching out her arms, they tingled slightly from being in the same position for so long. Her elbow joints popped as she stretched her arms out, feeling relief from being able to move. A shower did sound wonderful, but she didn't like the idea of taking one with him around. Still, she would play along for now.

Standing up, she stumbled slightly from her legs having fallen partly asleep. Regaining control, she walked up the stairs, with him close behind her. She could feel the gun in his hands, and it was making her more nervous. It was that blasted weapon that gave her that incessant need to get away from him. Walking into her bedroom, she moved quickly to pull out her flanned pajamas and her underwear. Opening another drawer, she pulled out a pair of socks. She could hear the snow storm howling outside her window, and for a moment, she couldn't remember if the stable horses had their blankets on. They did, though. That was the last thing she had done before coming in for the night.

Turning around, her eyes caught sight of the burns from the soup, and she actually felt guilty. Sighing, she put her clothes down on the bed.

"I have some burn cream that will help with that." Walking into the bathroom that was joined to her bathroom, she opened up the medicine chest. Pulling out a tube that looked older than she was, she walked back into the bedroom and sat down on the bed.

"Come here." Her tone had softened considerably as she unscrewed the lid. It was old, but it worked. Her great-grandparents had lived by this stuff.

 

[One Eyed Jack]

He somehow doubted she had a special poising cream stored in her bathroom for just such an occasion as she was held hostage in her own home yet free enough to reach the restroom, so he had no quarrel with trusting her intentions with the rustic looking tube of…something. He put his right arm behind his back, hand gripping the gun, and coving the large kitchen knife precariously held in his back pocket. The burns were worse on the left side anyway.

He watched her close the distance between them, and he froze, not wanting to move to intimidate her, nothing to make her change her mind. Her reluctance to touch him almost hurt, but the chilled fingers of her hands felt wonderful against the red-blotched skin.

He had tried his best last night, when changing her not to look, not to admire or think of her in any inappropriate way, but now, as she rubbed in the ointment, the images of her naked flesh came back to him, and his pulse quickened. Gary closed his eyes, fighting simultaneously to enjoy her touch and also to ignore it. But ignoring it was hard to do, having never felt a woman in the years he had been locked up.

Once she was done he took a step back, opening his eyes slowly. “Thank you.” He meant it, for more then jus the ointment, but for just a second he had forgotten he was a fugitive, and imagined a world where such a pretty girl would want to be with him.

“Go ahead with you’re shower and all Miss…I won’t bug you. Promise.”

 

[TabascoKV]

His entire demeanor seemed to soften as she approached him with the burn cream. Squeezing a little of it on her fingers, she gently rubbed it onto the red patch on his neck. She pulled back slightly when she saw his eyes close, trying to read if she had hurt him or not. His face did not seem to be one of pain, so she continued on. It felt rather awkward when she got to the area on his chest, never having actually touched a man's chest. She wasn't doing it in a sexual way at all, but it still made her tense up slightly.

Once she was done, she screwed the top back on the bottle. When he opened his eyes, she saw something almost resembled softness. She didn't feel the need to run away so much. Her mind was coming out of that panic state of mind, and her rationale was beginning to intercede. If he truly wanted her hurt or dead, then she had a feeling she would already be there. He said he was only here long enough to get a plan.

Nodding as he allowed her to go take a shower, she slid back inside the bathroom. There was no window in her bathroom, so the likeliness of her being able to get away with escaping was slim to none. It just was not going to happen unless she developed a way to break through a wall.

Closing the door behind her, she quickly stripped down and got in the warm water. Closing her eyes, she rested against the side of the shower, allowing the hot water to pound on her back, massaging out some of her tension. Realizing that it probably wasn't in her best interest to take too long, she quickly went through her shower routine.

Stepping out when she was done, she dried off, squeezing the water from her long hair. Getting dressed, she grabbed her brush that was on the counter and brushed out her hair, which took a considerable amount of time. Once all the tangles were out, she quickly pulled it back up into the bun it had been in. She always wore her hair in a bun.

Hanging up her towel, she stepped back out into her room, shivering from the colder air. He was still there waiting, and her body tensed back up from the sight of the gun. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she sighed.

"Can we please put the gun away? I'm not going anywhere. I promise."