SARCOPHAGUS 

By Sasquaw

Alex Cahill keeps looking at her watch and tapping her fingers against the dinner table. She looks around at all of the guests, all dressed out in their fanciest gowns and tuxedos. It's the lawyers' annual convention, and Alex is due to accept several awards. She keeps looking towards the front door, she mumbles under her breath, "Walker---where are you?"
Her thoughts go back to the day in question, when she asked Walker to escort her to the dinner. He wasn't too happy about the thought of wearing a tuxedo, but he agreed to come. Their relationship had hit a few snags since their rafting trip, and that first time that they had been intimate.
Walker had been taking all kinds of new cases, and it seemed every time they had tried to have time alone, one of them would have to break a date. Walker was blaming her for the new cases she was taking, and she was blaming him for taking on new ones.
Their arguments were overtaking what little time they did have together, and they were both losing their tempers. The last one was on the day she had asked him to escort her to the award ceremony.
"Alex, you know how I hate wearing a tuxedo!"
They're having lunch at C.D.'s and Walker is 'miffed' because they are in a public place and not his ranch or her apartment. She's trying to smooth things over as she smiles back at him, and rubs her leg up against his under the table.
"Walker---I have to be back in court in just half an hour, are we going to argue the whole time?"
Walker takes a deep breath, "You said that you were going to let the new law clerk work with Mooney for the next few days and you were going to take some time off and come out to the ranch! Alex, we've had very little time together since coming back from the rafting trip, I want to be alone with you---not here---in a public eating place."
"I know what I said, sweetheart---but Andy is not ready to take on this kind of a case. I promise that when this Hemming’s case is over with, I will take some time off---and what about you?"
"What about me?"
"You haven't exactly been putting any spare time back for me either----we've made plans several times and you get called out on a case."
"It's my job, Alex--I have to work!" He answers sarcastically.
"And, I don't? What about my job---my job is just as important as yours!"
They remain silent for the longest, Walker takes her hand and squeezes it gently, "I'm sorry---I guess I'm just feeling the---neglect."
She smiles, lowering her eyes and looking up at him in the way that drives him crazy. She purrs, "You mean---'horny?"
He laughs softly, then reaches over and kisses her tenderly, "Yeah---I'm  'horny' and I don't mind admitting it. Every time I see you in the halls, I just want to scoop you up, take you back to your office, and make mad, passionate love to you in every position possible---and I'm getting 'hornier' the more I think about it."
Alex takes her forefinger and touches his beard, rubbing it gently. "Wellllll---I'm 'horny' too---but we don't have the time---you know I don't like 'quickies’."
"Alex, at this point I'll take it anyway I can get it---my pants are already too tight-----maybe we can use C.D.'s room in the back."
Alex is trying not to laugh, "Oh, that would make for some hot gossip--Texas Ranger and Assistant District Attorney making out in back room of C.D.'s famous bar and grill!"
Walker is grinning as he reaches under the table and pinches the inside of her thighs, "I never knew C.D.'s was famous, but it sure will be after we're through."
Alex looks around her quickly, and closes her thighs together on Walker's hand, "Behave yourself---and I promise I'll make it up to you tonight."
"How? That's going to be pretty difficult to do with me down in Abilene and you here."
"What? You didn't say anything about going to Abilene, when do you have to go?"
"I have to meet Trivette in about an hour, we pick up the Ramsey boys---and escort them to federal court. Did you forget … I have to testify down there?"
Alex groans, "Yes---I did forget, I thought that was next week?"
Walker shakes his head, and then he sits back against the booth. "It seems we're always going in opposite directions, don't it?"
"I'm sorry honey---I forgot that you had to testify---you'll probably be down there for several days," Alex replies.
Walker reaches for his coffee, then he looks into Alex's blue eyes. "Alex----we can't go on this way---I want to be with you, and not for just a couple of hours here and maybe an hour that we manage to get at the ranch ----or your apartment. We're going to have to do something about cutting our workload in half---both of us are going to have to start cutting back."
"I agree---Walker--I promise that when this case is over---I will not accept another one anytime soon."
Walker shakes his head, "You've said that before Alex, and like before you jump right back into another one---one of our problems could be solved if you would just agree to move out to the ranch. Hon---just the driving time alone would give us more time together. Instead, you're always getting up early so you can drive back to your apartment and be ready for court. I worry about you driving back at that hour, and I'm staying awake to make sure you get back to your apartment safely."
"Well, excuse me if I'm causing you to lose sleep."
"Alex, you know I don't mean it that way. You can stay at the ranch, move some of your personal belongings in so you won't have to get up so damn early to get dressed and to do all those 'girlie' things that you have to do that takes up so much of your time."
"Girlie things? Walker, I have you know that those 'girlie' things you're accusing me of doing that take up so much of my time---or I should say "your time" happens to be for your benefit---I want to make myself beautiful for you-----I'm not exactly a 'spring chicken'!”
Again Walker's hand goes under the table and squeezes her thigh, "You're the most gorgeous 'spring chicken' I have ever known----and you're always beautiful to me. I've told you that you are the most beautiful first thing in the morning--with no makeup on---just that fresh, flushed look after we've made love."
Alex smiles, then glances at her watch, "Walker----it's almost time for me to start heading back to the courthouse---could we not argue anymore?"
The Ranger withdraws his hand discreetly from under the table, "Okay, Counselor---I will wear a tuxedo and I will take you to your award ceremony---but--we are not staying for the whole ceremony--after you receive your awards, we're leaving and you are not going back to your apartment for the whole weekend!   Agreed?"
Alex's blue eyes look deep into the Rangers'. For a long time she thought his eyes were almost black, but in the intimate moments to follow, she could see they were a deep hazel, turning from blue to gray. She loved looking into them, and the way they could undress her, making her feel like Jell-o. She takes her forefinger and runs it over his lips, those wide lips that were accented by his moustache, and trimline beard. She remembered the first time they had really shared a kiss, and she still became weak thinking about it.
She purrs back at him, "Well, if you think you're going to get an argument out of me, you're dead wrong!"
They share a tender kiss, then they hear C.D.'s voice hollering, "Hey Cordell---telephone!"
The Ranger groans, "He sure isn't subtle, is he?"
While Walker goes to answer his call, Alex heads for the ladies' room to fix her hair and makeup. She walks up to the lavatory sink and pulls out her small hairbrush, then applies fresh lipstick. She observes a woman in the far stall, talking into her cell phone. The woman sees Alex and makes a quick exit. Alex watches as the woman leaves, she shakes her head. The woman was dressed completely in black and kept her face shielded by her collar. The woman walked hastily, in almost a stomping manner.
"Can't even go to the ladies' room without someone being on a damn cell phone, now I'm starting to understand why Walker hates them so."
She takes one last look in the mirror and smoothes out her blouse then she heads for the door.
Walker is waiting for her at the front door; she smiles at him, slipping her hand into his.
"Who was on the phone?"
"Don't know, they hung up! But, I suspect that Trivette will be calling soon, I'll walk you to your car."
The Ranger walks Alex to her little convertible, motioning for her to scoot over, putting her almost on the gear console. She doesn't complain as he shares her seat, and they go into a deep and tender kiss. Finally she pulls away from him breathless, she whispers.
"Are you sure you're okay about the tuxedo 'thing'?"
"Yes," he answers, pulling her back to him and kissing her deeply.
His cell phone rings and he groans, "Damn it---I told you Trivette would be calling."
Alex giggles as she looks up into her rear view mirror to reapply fresh lipstick; she listens as Walker is saying that he's on his way. As Alex is applying her lipstick she catches a glimpse of the same woman from the restroom standing across the street from C.D.'s. The woman seems to be looking in her direction, but turns quickly and walks away. Alex turns around in her seat to see which direction the woman went but the woman has disappeared.
"I'm sorry hon---got to go." Walker kisses her quickly, "I'll call you tonight."
Alex returns his kiss, "Okay, sweetheart--be careful."
"I'm always careful," Walker sticks his head back through the window and kisses her again----"Oh---will you drive out to the ranch and make sure my tux is clean?"
Alex nods her head, "Honey, why wouldn't it be clean, you haven't wore it since New Years' Eve----but yes---I will drive out tonight and check on it---probably spend the night."
Again Walker sticks his head back through the window, "Sounds good to me, keep my side of the bed sweet with the smell of your lilac body lotion, and have good dreams," he kisses her tenderly and then he walks towards his Ram. Alex waves to him as he drives off, she's missing him already.
As Alex is leaving the parking lot and heading back out to 28th street a small auto pulls out from the parking lot behind the steak house. It follows behind Alex at a safe distance. Alex's Sebring Convertible turns south and heads downtown, the little car follows.
Alex is reaching for a certain compact disc, and does not see the little car pull up beside her or the driver behind the wheel. The driver is looking towards the Sebring, a hissing sound can be heard and a voice whispers.
"You think you're so pretty in your high faluting two piece suit and fancy blouse---but you won't have him---you bitch! Do you hear me, you're going to pay, just like all the others that have tried to trick me--I will get you-BITCH!"
The car speeds by Alex quickly, she barely pays it any mind as she has found the music disc she was searching for and starts to sing along to the words.
                            I cross my heart
                            and promise to give
                            all I got to give
                            to make all your dreams come true.
                            In all the world,
                            you'll never find
                            a love---as true as mine.
Alex's memories go back to the day that she and Walker had gone to see "Pure Country" starring George Strait. The song "I Cross My Heart" had been both of their favorites', so when the singer made a personal appearance at Billy Bob's--Walker bought a copy for each of them. She smiles to herself as she remembered how the rest of the afternoon developed, she could feel herself getting warm.
By the time the concert was over, a huge thunderstorm was brewing, and winds were almost 60 miles an hour. They headed back to Walker's ranch, but could only go so far, as debris was blown across the highway. A cattle truck had overturned and the driver and other drivers were trying to round the cows up, before an accident could happen. Walker slows his Ram down and pulls off the side of the highway.
He sighs, "Guess I'd better try to give them a hand until the DPS arrive."
"Walker, be careful! The wind is blowing so hard and the rain is coming down so hard that the visibility is very poor out there."
No sooner than the words are out of Alex's mouth than a cow runs straight into the side of Walker's truck. The animal shakes his head back and forth and runs to the opposite side of the highway, the truck driver gives chase. Walker reaches to his back seat for his lasso, throws his Stetson over into the seat next to Alex.
"It's been awhile since I was calf roping, let's see if I still have the 'know how'."
It's a full two hours before all the cattle have been rounded up. The DPS has been chasing them down the exits and back up to 199. Alex has watched the whole scenario as Walker is trying to lasso one particular cow that has taken an instant dislike to the Ranger. Every time Walker is almost within reach of roping her, the cow backs off. Alex shakes her head, she wonders who will give up first!
The rain has slacked off as Walker edges closer to the retreating bovine. The two stare at each other, as the cow is backing up towards the opposite side of the two-lane highway. Walker is watching the animal's eyes, he twirls the lasso around his head slowly and then lets it go, it goes around the cow's neck---perfectly. The Ranger grins and looks back towards the Ram, Alex is smiling back at him. The Ranger gives a 'thumbs up', and at that same time, the cow starts running down the embankment, catching a very surprised Ranger--off guard.
Alex gasps as Walker loses his footing and goes down on his butt, the cow is pulling him across highway 199 and heading down the muddy embankment. The DPS is running after Walker and trying to grab hold of the rope, but they're all slipping and sliding as more cars are stopping to watch the scenario.
Alex breaks out in a fit of uncontrollable laughter as Walker is trying to stand, but he loses his footing again and goes head first into a female officer. They both hit the pavement, but Walker's hand has gotten caught in the rope and he slides right over the officer, pulling her with him. The cow has lost her balance and is sliding down the embankment, the two officers tumbling after it. Alex puts her window down quickly and strains to see if Walker is okay. Another officer runs up to the truck and hollers at her.
"They're okay, ma'am--the cow is subdued and the officers are okay."
Alex is breathing a sigh of relief as she watches Walker and the female officer climb back up the embankment. Walker is making sure that she's okay and then he starts towards the Ram. He can see Alex through the windshield, laughing her head off. Walker is covered in mud! He tries to knock off as much of the mud as he can, then he opens the door and slides in, Alex moves to the opposite side----still laughing!!!
Walker sighs deeply, "So, you think this is funny, do you?"
Alex is trying to talk, but her laughter gets louder, "I'm sorry honey----but you looked so funny sliding across highway 199 on----your butt!"        
Walker shakes his head, the water spraying on Alex but she still can't stop laughing. The Ranger starts up the Ram and drives slowly down the highway and to his exit up to the Walker ranch. He keeps looking at Alex; she's holding his hat over her mouth and trying to stifle her laughter. He makes a mocking "hee hee" back at her, she laughs harder.
"I wish---I had-----that-------on camera," she manages to say.
Walker groans as he pulls up to the front door of his house, "I'll pull around back to the laundry room----do you think you can stop laughing long enough to get me some towels?"
Alex nods her head, "Yes----honey----I'll try."
The blonde DA is still laughing as she lets herself in through the front door and passing the hall bathroom she grabs several towels. She walks quickly towards the laundry room and opens the door--it hits her smack in the chest----a big wad of mud!
"Walker!"
He starts running towards her with more mud in his hand, she tries to turn and run for the door to close it, he catches her. He starts smearing the mud all over her face and her new white dress.
"Not so funny now, is it?"
Alex is trying to wiggle away from him, her feet slip on the mud and they both go down on the floor. They're both laughing and trying to stand as Walker is trying to shove more mud down the front of Alex's blouse. She's laughing and trying to shove him away and they both hit the floor again.
"Truce! Truce!" Gasps Alex.
Walker lays back down the floor and pulls Alex on top of him, "Had enough?"
"Yes, yes," she kisses him hard, "you play dirty pool, Walker."
"I'll teach you to laugh at me, come here woman."
They go into a deep into a sensuous kiss, Walker's hands are opening the front of Alex's dress and pushing it quickly over her shoulders.  His lips go to her neck and down to her breasts, taking them one by one deep inside his mouth. He groans lightly, "Let's get these clothes off."
They both stand up and start shedding their clothes. Alex reaches over and starts the washing machine. "I think I will forego the detergent till we can get the clothes sorted out, just put it through a soaking cycle." She closes the lid.
Walker is not replying as he watches Alex shed her wet clothes, she's standing before him in just her panties, bra, and stockings. He grins as he reaches out and cups her derriere, pulling her into him.
"Ummmm, sounds good to me, in the meantime-----" he lifts her up and sits her down gently on the washing machine, "I've got my own wash cycle to go through."
Alex purrs as she scoots back on the machine, and reaches out for him. He kisses her long and tender, his tongue going deep inside her mouth, and then down to her breasts. She moans at the thought of what is to come, the sound of the washer filling up with water is warm on her buttocks.  She's reaching behind her to unsnap her bra as Walker is working feverishly on her right breast. The bra falls downward and Walker tosses it aside.
He stands back and looks at her as he starts to unbuckle his belt, and kick his boots off. Their eyes never leave each other’s as Alex licks her lips and smiles back at him teasingly. He kicks his jeans off, lifts Alex gently high enough to throw them in the washer, and then sits her back down gently. He continues to stare into her eyes as he goes back to her stomach and gently traces a line from her navel button down to the top of her panties. He gently nudges the panties to the side as Alex draws a deep breath.
"Move it lady, the light ain't gonna get any greener!"
Alex is awakened from her reverie by the sound of a horn blaring and a irate driver yelling at her. She looks around, totally embarrassed. She can't even remember exiting the freeway, much less stopping at the traffic light. She shakes her head, and continues across the intersection, the courthouse looms back at her. She pulls into her parking space, and shuts off the motor. She continues to shake her head, mumbling--"Walker, if you only knew this effect that you have on me."
She reaches across the seat for her briefcase, rethinking the last few minutes, she swears. "Damn truck driver, could you have waited for at least another moment, the good part was coming up----no wonder my underwear feels damp!"
The District Attorney walks slowly into the courthouse and up to the elevators, a young man is running behind her, "Hold the door, please!"
Alex looks to the young man, "Andy! What are you doing here, you should be in court?"
The young man is in his early 20's, almost 6 feet with big wide eyes that are a deep green, accented with long lashes that any woman would give her right arm to have. His lips are wide also and his smile is shy. He's a very handsome young man as most of the young women in the building have been vying for his attention.
The man is gasping for breath, "I had to run an errand, Miss Cahill, got caught up in traffic."
Alex stares back at him, her eyes narrow, "What kind of errand, I thought you had all of the deposition ready for Mooney?"
"Yes ma'am, I did--at least I thought I did---but there were some discrepancy on the part of that last witness, and---Mr. Mooney sent me over to the hospital to get more information."
Alex shakes her head as she looks at her young law clerk, "Andy---why didn't you just have the information faxed, the hospital would have done that for you--and saved a lot of time?"
"Yes ma'am---I should have done that----but I know how strict you are about getting things done and up face."
The elevator door opens and they step out, Andy holds the door for Alex, but he lets it go too soon and it almost hits two gentlemen that are trying to enter. One of the men swears at him. The young man starts stammering his apologies and runs to catch up with Alex.
Alex stops and turns to Andy, "Look, Andy---this is the third time that you have messed up on getting the proper information, and you are slacking on keeping the files up to date, is there anything wrong?"
Andy starts to stutter, "No, no--Miss Cahill---I will do bet--I will do better---I swear."
The blonde DA stares back at the young man, her voice softens, "Okay---but I'm afraid that if I have anymore complaints about you, I will have to get someone else. You don't seem to be concentrating on your work--when you first came to work for my office, you were exceptional. All the files were immaculate, in tip top form, all my latest cases were on my desk first thing in the morning and everyone was bragging about efficient you were. I can't help but think that you are worried about something----is it personal?"
"No ma'am."
"I'm just trying to understand you, Andy and if it's a personal problem---maybe I can help."
The young man looks back at her, he's lost in her blue eyes and the smell of her lilac perfume. He shakes his head.
"No ma'am---it's not personal----I don't----have a girlfriend."
Alex smiles and they continue to walk back to her office. "Nonsense---I can't believe a handsome young man like yourself doesn't have several girlfriends."
Andy smiles embarrassed, his eyes turn a deeper green. "There is someone that I'm interested in, but----she doesn't even know I exist---now."
They have reached Alex's office, and she goes to sit down, she looks back to her law clerk, "I bet I know who she is."
Andy swallows hard, "You do?"
Alex starts taking things out of her briefcase and laying them on her desk, she has to move a picture off to the side. "Yes----it wouldn't be that cute little redhead that works down in the cafeteria--would it?"
Andy begins to ponder Alex's question, "Redhead, what redhead?"
"I think her name is Lisa, she works the cash register, every time I go down there to get a sandwich, she always asks about you."
"She does," Andy answers angrily, "what is she saying about me?"
Alex sees the anger in Andy's face, "She was just asking how you were----she's a very cute young lady---is she the one you're interested in?"
"No!" Andy snaps back, but then he stammers---"no, I mean---I'm not interested in her----she's too nosy."
Alex decides to drop the subject, she looks back at Andy, noticing something different about his eyes. She can almost swear that he's wearing an eyeliner on the bottom lid, "Well, I would love to sit here and play twenty questions with you, but I'm sure that Mooney is about to climb the walls, you better get that deposition to him---now!"
The young man stammers more, backing out the door, and then he's rushing to catch the elevator---again.
Alex takes a deep breath as she starts looking through her desk drawer, "Okay, where are you? Maybe I put it in my briefcase----I never take it out of the office, it can't be in there."
A very frustrated attorney is still searching for her missing object when Andy comes back in, twenty minutes later. He watches as Alex goes from her desk, to the files, and then to her briefcase again. He hesitates about approaching her.
"Are you looking for something, Miss Cahill?"
"Yes!" She answers gruffly---"my pen."
He smiles as he reaches for his own, "You can use mine, Miss Cahill."
Alex forces a smile, "Thank you, Andy--but I was looking for my personal pen, it's purple and has my initials on it, have you seen it?"
Andy shakes his head, "No ma'am---it must be a very special pen to have you so upset?"
Alex goes through her desk again, nodding her head. "Yes--it was a gift."
Andy groans as he looks at the picture on Alex's desk, it's her and the bearded Texas Ranger taken on a fishing trip. Andy sneers, "A gift? From your boyfriend, I suppose."
Alex takes a deep breath as she sees Andy staring at the picture of her and Walker. --"Nooo--the pen was a matching pen and pencil set from my Dad---I've had it for years.---I'll die if I've lost it, it's one of the few things that my Dad has given me," she lowers her voice to almost a whisper, "aside from hurt and embarrassment."
"Did you say something, Miss Cahill?"
Alex waves her arms, "No----it's no use, it's not here."
Andy moves around nervously and then bends down to the floor, and quickly takes the pen from inside his breast pocket. He lays it on the floor and pretends to almost step on it.
"Here it is, Miss Cahill---it---it must have fallen off your desk---I almost stepped on it."
Alex draws a sigh of relief, "Oh, thank you, Andy---thank you so much for finding it."
"You're welcome," he replies----"I thought as particular as you were with that pen that----maybe, " he nods towards Walker in the picture, "that it was from him."
Alex takes the pen and sighs, "This was a gift from my Dad---he gave it to me right before---right before---never mind. Thank you again, Andy, but I've got to get busy with this case, I want to get out of here before dark."
The young man excuses himself and walks out to his desk, sitting down slowly. He keeps looking back at the blonde attorney and sighs. He can feel his crotch area getting warm, and he quickly looks around to make sure no one is looking. The secretary has her back to him, and typing away. He lowers his hand to his crotch area and rubs slowly, visualizing the blondes' lips encircling his membrane. He licks his lips, panting quietly.
"What are you doing, you are making a fool of yourself over ---that bitch."
Andy jerks his hand back, and puts it over his mouth, answering softly. "She's not like all the rest--she's different---she's soooooo nice."
The voice continues to mock the young man, "Yes, that's what you said about the last one---then she scolded you--just like this one has----and you got mad."
Andy shakes his head back and forth, "You was the one that got mad---you were jealous!"
" Yes----I will fight to keep you, no woman will have you--no one is worthy of you---you are mine."
"I will be with whoever I please, now leave me alone." Andy's voice is getting louder.
The secretary turns around looks in his direction, "Did you say something, Andy?"
"No---I was just thinking out loud."
The secretary looks at all the files on Andy's desk and nods towards them, "You better get busy on getting those files in order, and stop thinking so loud---or talking to yourself--before Miss Cahill jumps onto you again."
"I will, I will---just you don't worry about it---and Miss Cahill did not jump onto me----mind your own business."

Sarcophagus Part II

The secretary turns around in a huff, mumbling, "It's your ass---don't say I didn't warn you."
"Just mind your own business," snaps Andy.
The voice taunts the young man again, "I wasn't the only one that heard that bitch get onto you---you best start being careful, Andrew---she was looking at you very curiously earlier."
Andy rubs his face, "I took care of it, didn't I?"
The secretary is still looking at Andy, she shakes her head, "I never heard anyone talk to themselves so much---and you seem to be answering yourself----you're really weird, Andy."
Andy smirks, "Denise, are you familiar with Egyptian history----especially the way the pharaohs buried their dead?"
Denise turns in her seat and smirks back at the young law clerk, "You mean how they were entombed, don't you? They weren't buried, they were put in tombs---like King Tut---I thought everyone knew that much."
Andy's temper is rising as he stares back at Denise, he's biting his bottom lip so hard, it's started to bleed. "You're right about the entombing---they also had the perfect way to get rid of nagging girlfriends and wives. When the pharaohs died, so did they!! They were entombed with their masters, so they couldn't stay behind and nag some other poor fool."
Denise takes her reading glasses off and stares back at Andy, "Are you leading up to something in particular or are you jabbering just to hear yourself?”
Andy meets her stare, "Let's just put it this way--when your husband dies, I hope you go with him."
Denise's mouth drops open, "That is a very cold and callous thing to say, how can you say such a thing, and for your information---I'm not married."
Andy laughs, and replies, "That figures---no man would be able to put up with you."
Denise starts to reply, then she sees Alex getting up from her desk and putting things in her briefcase. Alex is locking her desk and heading for the outer office. Denise glares back at Andy and his sardonic grin. Her eyes fill with tears as no one has ever said such cruel things to her.
Alex sees the tension between her office workers, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Miss Cahill," replies Andy, "Denise and I were just having a conversation about a movie we saw, right Denise?"

Denise says nothing as she keeps her back turned. Alex sighs, "Well, how about concentrating more on those files and less on movies----okay?"
"Yes ma'am, I'm going to work all night if I have to---I'll have these files in top shape when you come in tomorrow morning---are you going home now, Miss Cahill?"
"Yes, I'll see you two tomorrow---goodnight."
Andy watches Alex walking towards the elevator, observing her long sexy legs, and smiles. Denise is watching Andy and nods her head.
"You better not let Miss Cahill ever see you eyeballing her like that---and even more so---Ranger Walker."
Andy smirks, "Her boyfriend doesn't scare me, I have ways of taking care of jealous boyfriends!"
"Andrew---" The voice warns.
Andy smiles as he watches the look on Denise's face show fright, "I was only kidding! Hell, Denise---when was the last time you got laid----never mind---it's probably been so long you can't even remember----I'm outta of here."
Denise looks at her watch, "It's not quitting time yet, you got almost another hour."
"Look, my car is in the shop and they close at six, if I hurry, I can catch the 5:30 bus and get there in time to get my car--I've got to go."
"But, you promised Miss Cahill that you would work late-----."
Andy is heading for the door, "Miss Cahill will understand, you don't have to---goodbye."
Andy hurries towards the stairs as the door on the elevators open and Alex steps inside. He runs down the four flights of stairs and out into the parking lot, running towards a blue Honda. He keeps looking back towards the steps of the courthouse, he sees Alex and he ducks down behind the blue car.
As Alex's little Sebring heads up to the freeway, Andy follows at a safe distance, as he has done for the past two weeks. He has followed the attorney back to her apartment, staying sometimes for hours, just sitting in his car and watching her place. He has walked past the front of her townhouse, but makes no attempt to go to the door, observing the doorman. The doorman stops everyone that he's not familiar with, and checks ID's.
But, tonight the little Sebring is exiting and taking the Jacksboro exit, out to 199. Andy frowns, "Where the hell is she going?"
The drive is less than an hour. Andy follows safely behind, staying further behind as Alex's car turns off highway 199 onto a gravel road. Andy passes, then turns and comes back, taking the exit. He sees Alex's car driving down a long gravel drive and then turning left onto another gravel road. Andy takes a deep sigh as he sees the name on the mailbox at the side of the road:  Cordell Walker!!
"Damn it, what is she doing here, he went out of town?"
He proceeds down the gravel road very slowly, then pulls over to the side of the road in the coverage of mesquite trees. He proceeds on foot. Alex's little car pulls into the driveway, she locks her car and walks up to the front porch, unlocking the door and enters. Andy is now running up to the house and hides down in the hedges. He carefully walks up to the front door and turns the knob slowly. It's locked. He goes to the window and looks in.
Alex is laying mail on the hall table, sitting her briefcase down, she then heads for the kitchen. Andy is looking around the room, and observes all of the native Indian decorations, the blankets on the staircase, headdresses, and lances. He sees Alex returning from the kitchen, she has a cup of hot liquid. She stops at the bottom of the stairs and kicks her heels off, then sits them down neatly off to the side. She then picks up her briefcase and heads upstairs.
Andy waits patiently till he feels it safe enough to try the front door again. He takes out a small flat device and slides it into the lock and the door opens with ease. He steps into the room and looks around cautiously, then goes to the stairs and looks upward. He waits, then he proceeds slowly.
He gets to the top of the stairs, stops and listens. He hears soft music. Andy walks slowly towards the sound of the music, he sees Alex walking around in the master bedroom. Andy stops and watches.
Alex is humming to herself as a soft horn is blowing on the disc she is listening to. She walks towards the closet and pulls a man's suit out, a tuxedo. She smiles to herself, as she seems to visualize the tux being worn---by Walker. She reaches for the clothes brush and brushes it lightly, and then inhales the masculine deodorant that still lingers faintly. She closes her eyes and dances around with the tuxedo. Finally she returns the suit to the closet and goes to sip her hot liquid again. She looks around the room and then says quietly, "Time to hit the bathroom, and take a nice, long, hot, bubbly."
Andy watches as Alex walks to the other end of the room and closes the door, soon he hears water running. He enters the master bedroom very slowly, listening to any activity that may come from the bathroom, but the water is still running. He looks around the room, observing more native Indian lore, even the comforter has Indian decorations, complete with a buffalo and a young brave getting ready to spear him. The pillow shams have wolf designs with the borders done with Indian tomahawks, knifes, and a huge teepee. The carpet is gray, with a huge throw rug over it; it feels sort of coarse, black in color.
Andy walks towards the dresser, looking for anything that would be Alex's, all he sees is a hairbrush and some body lotion. He takes a whiff of the lotion’ it's a soft lilac. "I should have known, the lotion accents your perfume."
He walks slowly towards the bathroom, and reaches for the doorknob. Just as the knob starts to turn, the phone rings. Andy jumps back, waiting to hear Alex running to the door, but apparently she hasn't heard the phone. He breathes a sigh of relief as he hears the answering machine pick up.
"Hi hon, guess you're not home yet--call you later."
The anger is rising in Andy, as he stares back at the phone. He looks towards the bathroom again, and then picks up the answering machine and erases the message. He slams the machine down.
"What does she see in him----he can't make her happy---why can't she see that?"
The young man's attention falls on a picture, the same picture that sits on Alex's desk in her office. He picks it up slowly and stares into Alex's face. Her face is tilted slightly and she's looking back at----'him'! Andy touches her face with his forefinger and traces down her cheekbone.
"You're so beautiful, Miss Cahill--if you would only give me the chance to make you happy, I would make you forget all about that cowboy---but you're making me angry---you're trying to ignore me."
Andy stops and looks towards the bathroom, the door is opening and Alex is stepping out, wearing nothing but a bath towel. Andy runs to the closet and gets as far back as he can, keeping the door ajar. He watches as Alex drops the towel and reaches for a red western shirt that is only inches away from him. He's so afraid that she can hear him breathing. She backs off and puts the shirt on, buttoning only the bottom three buttons, the top part of the shirt has a gap, her breasts pushing against the material. Andy swallows as he tries to keep from passing out. He stares at the gap in the man's shirt, the milky smooth flesh that is causing the shirt to rise up and down. He closes his eyes as Alex walks to the end of the bed and sits down, pulling her left knee up. Andy is straining to see what she is doing, hoping that he will get an even better view with her left leg bent back. He watches as Alex applies lotion to her legs, and all the way up to her thighs, she still does not have any underwear on. Andy falls back against the closet wall, his heart is pounding, his jeans are getting tighter.
Alex reaches for her cup and sips the liquid then she pulls her right knee up, and again applies the lotion all the way to her thigh. Andy's hand is reaching for the front of his jeans, the fly is unzipped, and his hand goes inside. As he watches Alex do her routine grooming, his hand is working feverishly to give him relief. He can feel himself ready to ejaculate, and just as he does, the phone rings again.
He groans as he watches Alex slide up on the bed, grabbing the phone, her voice is sultry as she says hello. She smiles and leans back against the headboard, "Hi honey-----I was hoping it was you."
A husky voice answers back, "Who else were you expecting to call, and on my phone?"
Alex giggles, "No one but you sweetheart--- how was your trip?"
"Boring----and lonely. I've had to listen to Trivette gripe about not being able to see the Spurs play! All the way down here---it's been one big gripe!"
Alex frowns, "Don't they have television in Abilene anymore?"
"Oh yeah, but this fleabag motel where we're staying isn't getting good reception. Trivette is downstairs with the manager now, trying to rake up another TV."
Alex purrs as she keeps pulling one leg up and then the other. "Poor baby----and what about you, don't you care to watch the game?"
"I could care less about a basketball game, the only game I'm interested in is scoring points with a certain blonde attorney-----what are you doing?"
"Laying here on your bed, wearing one of your shirts---hope you don't mind."
The voice becomes hoarse, "Are you kidding, my shirts never look so good- as when you're wearing one of them--and they smell good afterwards."
Alex giggles, "And, the other Rangers don't tease you about the smell of lilac?"
"Of course not, they know better----besides---I keep the window down in the Ram to---sort of get the smell out----before they can smell it. Trivette's the only one to notice since he's in the Ram a lot---he just snickers."
Alex sighs, "I should be angry at you---you almost caused me to have an irate driver go into a fit of road rage."
"How did I do that?"
"Because I was having a daydream about you---and the night that we 'christened' the laundry room--do you remember that night?"
"Oh, yes, my butt still remembers going across the highway trying to hogtie a damn cow. My butt hurt like hell the next morning."
Alex laughs, "So did mine---but for a different reason."
"Yeah, we were both walking kind of slow the next morning----"
"Morning, heck---I have you know mine was hurting long before the morning came."
"Do I hear a complaint?"
Alex continues to lick her lips, her right hand goes softly across her breasts, she purrs--"You will never hear me complain in that department--I was just upset because the driver interrupted the daydream before it got to the----wet part!"
Walker sighs, "Oooooh yeah, I remember how you were squirming atop that washing machine, I wasn't so sure it was me or the vibration of the spin cycle."
"It was definitely you, sweetheart---I thought you were going to be pulling me down from the ceiling---we have definitely got to try the laundry room again."
Andy is listening to the one side of the conversation, his eyes narrow, "What the hell is she talking about?"
The voice answers him, "Isn't it clear enough for you, she is talking about a sexual tryst with that boyfriend of her's. She's wrong for you, Andrew, she's like all the others---you can take her now---get rid of her---put her with the others!"
"No, " Andy answers---"Miss Cahill does not do things like you are suggesting, she's pure---and innocent---she's not like those others!"
The voice is getting angry, "Look at her---the tempestuous way she lies there and talks over the phone, she has no respect for herself or how she is dressed----she's half naked, thinking immoral thoughts of what she and her boyfriend could be doing----take her now!"
"No--I have something very special in mind for Miss Cahill---she deserves better than the others, they were just trash. Miss Cahill will learn to see me as her hero, and those immoral thoughts will be of the many ways I can pleasure her---leave me be. She is a vision to behold."
"She is trash---Andrew---look at what she has made you do---to yourself."
Andy continues to argue with himself as he watches Alex roll back and forth on the bed. She's giggling softly, "No---we haven't tried that position yet---maybe when you get home, we'll do just that."
"Uh oh---hon, got to go---Trivette is coming back carrying two TV's, got to give him a hand. Oh---is my tux okay?"
"Yes honey, your tux is fine and so anxious for you to crawl into it---and so am I."
Walker groans, "Damn, I was sort of hoping the moths had gotten to it."
"Walker, you promised."
"I know, I know---I made you a promise that I would wear the monkey suit---but you just remember---we're not staying for the whole ceremony."
Alex pouts, "I don't even get one dance out of you?"
"A-l-e-x----------
"Alright----honestly I don't know why you argue about wearing a tuxedo, you look so handsome in yours."
"Got to run, hon---Trivette is kicking on the door---I'll call you tomorrow night--where will you be? The ranch--or your apartment?"
"I'm not sure yet--two TV's? What is so special about this game?"
"Playoffs, the Spurs are down to their final four games---got to run---I'll call both places---bye hon."
Alex hangs up the phone, "You can't convince me that you're not wanting to watch that ball game, Cordell Walker---all I can say is --those ball games better be over with by the time you get home----because I demand your undivided attention!"
Andy leans up against the closet wall and watches as Alex folds her legs up under her like a teenager getting ready to do homework. She opens up her briefcase and starts going over papers. The music from the disc is playing the sultry sounds of Kenny G., and Andy can feel himself getting drowsy. He fights to stay awake as Alex begins to yawn and her eyes too, are getting heavy. Finally she gets up from the bed and pulls the comforter back, and crawls in, going to the far side and hugging the pillow. She sighs, and soon she is asleep.
Andy will wait until he knows she's sound asleep, then he exits the closet. He goes to the dresser and takes the hairbrush, and putting it under his arm, he approaches the bed. He stands there for the longest, watching her sleep. She has a faint smile as she hugs the pillow tighter, whispering--"Walker." Andy curses under his breath, then slowly walks out of the room.

***************************
Early the next morning a tired and dazed Andy is making his way towards the cafeteria for breakfast. He's completely lost in the thoughts of the night before, he does not see the gentleman emerging from the food line with hot coffee, Andy runs smack into him. The man starts screaming and calling Andy all sorts of names.
"You idiot---watch where you're going--you're the same idiot that got me with the elevator door yesterday---do you need glasses?"
Andy is trying to apologize; the man is not listening as he shoves Andy out of the way. The rest of the people in the cafeteria have stopped and are staring at Andy, he lowers his head and tries to walk away. The man grabs him and slaps him.
Lisa, the cashier has seen the whole scene, she runs to Andy, glaring back at the man in the three-piece suit.
"There was no call to hit him, he said he was sorry."
"Great---the little inbred said he was sorry, who's going to pay for my suit to be cleaned?"
Lisa is pulling Andy away and trying to make him sit down, she turns back to the man. "Your suit does not have to be cleaned, use cold water---the coffee will come out---in the meantime, help yourself to fresh coffee, Mr. Stevens."
Moments later, Lisa brings Andy a cup of coffee, and sits down beside him. "Here, drink this---don't pay any attention to Mr. Stevens--he's a 'pain in the ass'."
Andy is looking back at Mr. Stevens and smiling, "You're right about that---he's a real pain in the ass---he just doesn't know yet how painful it can get."
Lisa looks at Andy puzzled, "What do you mean by that?"
The man is still staring at Andy, the young man just grins in that sardonic way. Andy sits back in his chair and observes his attacker. Mr. Stevens is tall, well dressed, and many women would probably find him attractive. Andy studies his body; the man is in reasonably good shape. Andy turns to Lisa.
"Do you think he's attractive?"
"That creep---no way---he's too old for me----besides he's too stuck on himself, thinks every woman in the courthouse wants to 'bed' him."
Andy looks into Lisa's eyes, she's sort of cute, long red hair and she has loads of freckles. He wonders how she looks out of the uniform that she is wearing; it does little to flatter her.
"Soooo----you don't like older men, huh?"
Lisa blushes, "Not really---I don't consider you old, how old are you?"
Andy forces a smile, "Almost 22, and you?"
"I'll be 18 in just a few days, actually tomorrow is my birthday."
"Is that so." Andy grins. He continues to study her, the girl is starting to blush.
"Well, miss birthday girl---if you're not busy tomorrow night, how about a movie---and dinner afterwards?"
Lisa is shaking like a leaf, as she stares back into Andy's green eyes. "Are you serious, you want to date me?"
Andy's face turns rigid, "What's wrong with me?"
"Nothing is wrong---with you---I think you're gorgeous----you have such beautiful green eyes, they're like emeralds-----and your eyelashes---any woman would die to have lashes that long."
Andy starts to smile slowly, "How about it, are you free tomorrow night?"
Lisa is nodding her head up and down, "Yes, I would love to go out with you---I don't have any plans."
The young man continues to force a smile, he says to himself, "You probably would end up sitting at home, crying over your birthday cake and eating ice cream till it comes out your fat little ass---I'm doing you a favor by asking you out."
They agree on the time and Lisa's address is written down, Andy tucks it away and starts back to the attorney's office. As he reaches the 4th floor he sees Stevens walking towards Alex's office.
He stops at Denise's desk and looks towards Alex's office, she is now closing her door. Andy turns to Denise.
"Who is that guy, and why is he talking to Miss Cahill?"
Denise is still 'miffed' at the way Andy talked to her the day before, she doesn't answer. Andy taps her roughly on the shoulder.
"I asked you a question, who is he?"
"His name is Tom Stevens, he's a client of Miss Cahill's---does that answer your question?"
"What kind of client, what did he do?"
Denise is getting angry, "Look---all I know is---he's accused of sexual charges, brought on by his secretary, not to mention others---now can I please get back to my work?"
Andy sneers, "Yeah sure---get back to your 'humdrum' life."
The man stays in Alex's office for almost an hour, and when he comes out, he's not too happy. Andy turns around in his chair so the man can't see him, as the man stomps out. Both Andy and Denise look back at Alex, she shakes her head, mumbling---"He doesn't stand a chance in hell of proving his innocence."
Andy jumps up from his chair, and approaches Alex. "I have those files ready Miss Cahill---just like I said I would"!
"Thank you Andy, I will look at them as soon as I have my morning coffee, I need to wake up and get the taste out of my mouth."
Andy swallows, "Taste, Miss Cahill?"
"Yes, that Tom Stevens leaves a sour taste in my mouth every time I see him."
"Was he being rude towards you, Miss Cahill?"
Alex smiles, "Andy that man was born rude---I've never met any man that is so self-centered as he is."
Andy looks in the direction that Tom Stevens has taken, he looks back to Alex. "I take it, you don't like him very well."
"I don't like him---a lot---the man can't take 'no' for an answer."
Andy's anger is starting to fluster, "I hear he thinks he's a ladies' man. Has he----  been forward with you, Miss Cahill?"
Alex stops and looks at her young law clerk, "Andy, this has nothing to do with our work---why don't we just forget about Stevens and get down to the Hemming’s case?"
For the rest of the day, Andy is pondering about asking Denise more questions. He approaches her slowly.
"Denise, I'm sorry for what I said earlier and especially for yesterday. Please forgive me, I've had a lot on my mind lately---I really am sorry, I have a bad habit of spouting off, I didn't mean what I said."
Denise stares at him, she can't help but be attracted to the young man, his eyes are so intense. "You did say some terrible things to me, Andy, I didn't deserve to be talked to that way."
Andy's voice softens, "It's only because I was nervous about being around you---I find you very attractive---I have difficulty in talking to pretty women."
"Really?” Denise nods towards Alex's office, "You don't have trouble talking to Miss Cahill."
Andy laughs, "That's different, Miss Cahill is my boss, I have to talk to her."
They remain quiet, Andy forces a smile, "The truth is, I'm wanting to ask you out, but I'm afraid you would turn me down."
Denise takes off her reading glasses and looks at Andy, he's younger than the men she's used to going out with, but he's so damn handsome. "Well, you're not going to know until you ask---yes---I'll go out with you, do you like to dance?"
"Dance? Not really---I'm not a good dancer."
Denise smiles, "Look, I know this place that is very 'homey' and the people are all so friendly---it's called C.D.'s---it's down in the stockyards, want to go?"
Andy hesitates, "Uhhh, could we go somewhere else?"
Denise taps her fingers on the desk, "Yes----but I don't think you're going to find a friendlier place---Miss Cahill goes there a lot, sometimes she goes there for lunch."
Andy takes a deep breath, "Yeah, okay, we can go there---in the stockyards, you said. Where's that?"
"Never mind, since you're having trouble getting your car out of shop, I'll pick you up here---in front of the courthouse."
Andy is confused, "My car? Nothing is wrong with my car."
"You said it was in the shop, did you get it out?"
Andy quickly smiles, "Oh yeah----I said it was in the shop, no it's fixed--I'm fine---but you can still drive me over---if you like?"
Andy and Denise arrive at C.D.'s right at the supper rush, Denise is having a hard time finding a parking space.
Andy is busy looking around for the little Sebring that Alex drives, when he turns to Denise and points to the steakhouse.
"Just drive around and park on 29th street, it won't be quite so crowded."
Denise's brow arches, "How did you know about the parking over there, I thought you had never been here before."
"Did I say that? I'm sorry-yes---I've been in this neighborhood before, I've eaten at that steakhouse before---no big deal."
They park and walk the two blocks to C.D.'s. The bar and grill is busting at the seams, they have to hustle to get a seat, Andy is looking all around for Alex, he's getting irritated.
"I thought you said Miss Cahill comes here a lot---I don't see her."
"I didn't say she came here every night, she's usually here with Ranger Walker--but since he's out of town, she might not come tonight."
Andy can feel his anger, "Why didn't you tell me that---if I known she might not be here---we could have gone somewhere else"!
Denise stares back at Andy, "Take it easy--- she might show up---let's order something to drink---and I'm starving."
Andy digs down into his pocket, "I hope you're not too hungry---I don't have much money on me."
"Fine," Denise smirks, "we'll go 'Dutch'!"
They've ordered burgers, fries, and beer. Denise is trying to urge Andy to the dance floor, but he keeps refusing. Then he sees her---Alex is walking in the front door.
His eyes follow the blonde attorney as she walks up to the bar and a elderly man reaches over and kisses her on the cheek. She caresses his face, smiling back at him. He smiles and motions for the waitress to retrieve something for her. The waitress returns with a huge green salad, the old man sets a glass of ice tea before her.

Sarcophagus Part III 

Andy continues to observe Alex as she sits quietly, eating her salad and talking to the old man behind the bar. The jukebox is playing and several men approach Alex and ask her to dance. She smiles back at them, shaking her head, they tip their hats and walk away.
"Andy, can we dance now--I can teach you some of the country and western dances, if you like?"
Andy shakes his head, "Not just yet, I think I will have another beer."
He motions for the waitress to bring a beer, totally ignoring the idea that Denise might be wanting another one. She sighs, "Well, if you're not going to dance, I am! I see some friends of mine, I'll ask a gentleman to dance, I'm not too proud."
Denise starts to stand, Andy grabs her arm, "You're with me, you don't dance with other men, is that clear?"
"Then dance with me, Andy---it's not going to kill you!"
Andy agrees to dance and the two head for the dance floor, he keeps looking in Alex's direction. The old man has come from behind the bar and sits down beside the blonde DA.
"So, how's it going, sweetheart---how are things between you and Cordell?"
Alex swallows a bite of her salad and smiles back, "Everything is fine, C.D.---I'm taking your advice and moving very slow----well---maybe not too slow."
C.D. cackles, "You definitely got the inside track, honey---old Cordell doesn't know what has hit him! He might know all about horses and catching the bad guys, but when it comes to women and 'love'---that cowboy is lost out in left field!"
Alex swallows hard, "Love? Now, C.D. nothing has been said about love, Walker and I are a long ways from making a commitment."
C.D. shakes his head, "Maybe so---but Cordell definitely has changed since the two of you came back from that rafting trip---he's got that 'look' in his eyes. And, every time he sees you that 'look' just gets more intensified. That man cares for you, Alex---I know he does."
"I care for him too, C.D., but you were the one that said not to rush his feelings, and I'm trying to do just that." Alex sighs as she looks to her dear friend, "I do love him, C.D.--I think I've always loved him, but I don't want to scare him away with talk of love and all that."
"Honey-girl, what makes you think you would scare him away? You know that man has to have a push every now and then, just to make sure his old ticker is still capable of showing emotion. You're doing the right thing, Alex, just show him that you have feelings and you're not afraid to show them."
"I'm trying C.D. I can't remember ever feeling this way about any man---and when Walker and I are together---alone----I know he has to have some feelings for me. When he's around you or Jimmy, he guards his feelings and sometimes that-----upsets me.  Am I wrong to feel upset?"
"Alex, Cordell is still cautious about showing emotion, but a blind man can see that the man has more than just feelings for you; the man just has trouble telling you the words! But his actions speak very loud---don't they?"
Alex can feel herself getting flushed, "Yes-----Walker is very different when it's just the two of us, and he makes me happy when I'm with him. But, I'm a woman, C.D. and I want---I would like---to hear the words---someday."
"You will honey-girl--trust me. I know Cordell, probably better than he knows himself." C.D. reaches out and touches Alex's hand, "You just hang in there, Alex."
C.D. goes behind the bar, and Alex is left with her thoughts. She gets the waitress' attention and hands her a dollar, "Will you please play B-10? Thank you."
The music starts to play and Alex's thoughts go back to the night of the George Strait concert. She remembers that she didn't have to coax Walker to dance, he danced every one, and seemed to enjoy it. But, their favorite song to dance to was the song now playing---"I Cross My Heart".
                           Our love is unconditional
                            we knew it from the start.
                           I see it  in your eyes
                           you can feel it from my heart.
                           From here on after
                           let's stay the way we are right now
                           and share all the love and laughter
                           that a lifetime will allow.
                           I cross my heart
                           and I promise to--
                           give all I got to give
                           to make all your dreams come true.
                           In all the world, you'll never find--
                           a love as true as mine.
Alex is swaying gently to the music as a hand reaches out and grabs her. "Heyyyy Alex---let's dance."
She turns to see Tom Stevens grinning back at her. She pulls her hand away, "No thank you"!
"Oh come on, Alex, don't be this way---all I want to do is dance."
Alex takes a deep sigh and then rubs the wrist that Stevens has grabbed, she replies softly, "I don't care to dance, Tom---not with you or anyone else!"
The man is getting angry, as he bends down into Alex's face, "You're still the 'ice princess', aren’t you? All I want is a simple little dance-------"
A loud thump is heard on the bar counter as both Alex and Tom jump. C.D. has thrown down an iron skillet, and he's glaring back. "The lady said she didn't want to dance, now what part of 'no' do you not understand? Maybe this here frying pan up against your noggin will get the message across to you."
Tom Stevens backs up, putting his hands up in a defensive gesture, "Calm down, old man---I get the message---loud and clear."
Stevens goes back to sit with his friends, C.D. is still glaring at him. He looks back to Alex, "Don't you pay him any mind, sweetheart--he's not going to bother you again."
Alex tries to smile, "I think I'll go now, C.D.--could I have my salad put in one of those Styrofoam plates-----"
"You sure can, in fact I'll have Eva make you a fresh one----and put the ranch dressing in a covered cup, and some club crackers-----"
"C.D. this salad is fine, just the way it is---I've got to go, got to go over the Hemming’s case again---and Walker said he would be calling---I'll see you in the morning."
As Alex leaves, someone else has watched the scene between her and Tom Stevens unfold. Andy's anger is flaring as he walks off the dance floor, leaving Denise dumfounded! She follows behind him in a 'huff'.
"Andy, what's the big idea---you know you can be very rude."
Andy drinks his beer quickly and orders another, and it too goes down quickly. He looks back to Denise, his contempt for her is almost showing, but he laughs it away. He nods towards Stevens.
"Did you see that?  Did you see the way that he came onto to Miss Cahill----the bastard."
Denise takes a deep sigh, sitting down beside Andy. "Miss Cahill is very capable of handling herself---if C.D. hadn't intervened, that creep would have gotten a knee to his balls."
"What do you mean, she looks so dainty."
"Don't let that innocent grace and beauty fool you---she knows the arts."
"Arts?"
"Yes---martial arts--not only is Ranger Walker her boyfriend, but he is her martial arts teacher, she knows the karate and all of those other ways of defending herself."
Andy is silent for the longest time, but still looking towards Tom Stevens. "Did Miss Cahill ever date that creep?"
Denise turns around to look at Stevens, she nods her head, "Yeah, I think one time---but it was more like a business dinner that she attended with him. When one of the secretaries asked her about it, she said she didn't want to spoil her lunch talking about him."
"What about the Ranger?"
"Oh, this was before she and Ranger Walker started dating---Stevens had moved down to Houston, but when he came back he started asking Miss Cahill out again-she kept telling him she wasn't interested. Stevens wouldn't listen, and then I heard through the grapevine that Ranger Walker threatened to throw him out the 4th floor window if he didn't leave Miss Cahill alone. I guess he figures that with Ranger Walker out of town, he can move in on Miss Cahill again."
The young man looks back to Denise and smiles, "Denise, would you give me a lift home?"
"Of course, where do you live?"
Andy stands up, helping Denise to get her purse, he nudges her to the door, "Rockwell----near Garland."
Denise frowns, "That's clear across town, wouldn't you prefer to go back the courthouse and get your own car?"
"The truth is, Denise----I was hoping---I was really hoping that I could talk you into -----spending the night with me."
Denise's mouth drops open, "Spend the night with you? Andy---for someone that says they're shy, you don't waste anytime --you cut right to the chase, don't you?"
Andy says nothing, he reaches over and kisses Denise lightly on the lips, "I know you're attracted to me too--why waste precious time?"
The two walk towards Denise's brown Mustang, they drive east. The drive is almost an hour as Denise is heading towards the outskirts of Rockwell to a small farm. She looks at the place and then back at Andy.
"You live here----alone?"
Andy is all smiles as he opens his door and runs around to Denise's side, "Yes, I live here----with my sister."
The farmhouse is almost in ruins, the porch threatens to give way as they step upon it. Denise looks around and then they step inside. Denise takes one look at the place and has a change of mind.
"I think I will go back to Dallas----"
"Nooo---don't go, I want you to meet my sister." He turns around and runs to the kitchen, "Annie----we have company---someone very special, I want you to be nice to her."
Denise hears voices coming from the kitchen, one of the voices is very angry. "Why did you bring her here?"
"Annie---please---just once---would you please be nice?"          
Denise is getting very uneasy, as she starts backing up to the door, “Andy---I'm going, I don't want to cause any trouble------"
A piercing scream is heard from the kitchen and then a woman runs out screaming and brandishing a long knife. Denise is screaming and trying to get out the door, the woman screams at her.
"You can't have him, I'll kill you----bitch!"
Denise is screaming and trying to get out of the way of the knife slashing through the air, "Andy----help me----help me, please!"
The woman's shrill voice becomes lower, and then Denise hears Andy laughing. She turns around to see Andy pulling off a woman's wig---"Denise---it was just a joke."
Denise is shaking, "A joke? You scared the shit out of me, I'm getting out of here."
Andy slams himself up against the door, "No, you can't leave---not until you've met Annie."
"There is no sister, you sick son-of-a bitch--now get out of my way."
Andy grabs Denise, his voice changes again to that of a woman----"Hello----my name is Annie----and my brother wants you to stay---you will do as he says."
"To hell with you---I'm not staying here------"
A fist goes to her mouth and Denise falls to the floor, Andy is upon her---"You will stay, I have a lot of questions to ask you---but in the meantime---you will make love to me---right here---so Annie can watch."
Denise starts screaming and trying to push Andy away, his voice changes again, "Andrew---she is mocking you----she's like all of the others---kill her, Andy---kill her!"
Denise thinks back to the day that she got onto Andy for talking to himself, that was no act---he was two different people. Andy is pulling Denise's clothes off of her, shredding them with his hands and his teeth. Denise is fighting him and begging for him to let her go, he screams back at her as he enters her forcefully, she screams out in pain. Andy is laughing in his sardonic laugh.
"You're mine, Miss Cahill----all mine!"

Sarcophagus Part IV

Alex is having a bad dream, she's tossing and turning. She's scratching at something, something closing in on her, she can't breathe. She strikes out at it with her fists, the air is getting thin, and she starts gagging. Her throat is getting tight, her windpipe is filling with a substance she can't explain----salt?
Suddenly she is jolted awake by the sound of her doorbell ringing. She sits up in bed, and she's perspiring profusely. She swallows repeatedly looking around her bedroom, as the doorbell continues to ring. She shakes her head, and looks at the clock on the nightstand.
"1 am---who the heck can be at my door at this ungodly hour--and why didn't Zeke buzz me to let me know someone was coming up?"
Alex grabs her little nightgown and walks cautiously down the hall to the front door, she peers through the peep hole. Alex gasps, "Walker!"
She's so excited she can barely undo the locks, she yanks the door open, "Walker----what are you doing here?"
The Ranger says nothing as he tosses his Stetson to the couch, reaches down and scoops Alex up in his arms, "I couldn't wait another 48 hours to see you---so I drove back to spend the night with you."
Alex is kissing him hard, her hand is caressing his face, "But, what about the trial---Walker--you'll get into trouble!"
Walker returns her kisses and pants, "Won't be the first time--are we going to talk all night---or do we work on another dream?"
She backs up, pulling him gently, "Come here, cowboy----you're not the only one that's 'horny'!”
He follows her to her bedroom and they both fall down on her bed, Walker's hands go immediately inside her sheer little gown, reaching for her breasts. His mouth goes from one to the other, his tongue encircling the nipples, biting gently. Alex is unbuttoning his shirt and pushing it back over his shoulders, she whispers, "Where's your gun?"
"In the Ram, I didn't want to waste anytime," he sighs as his tongue traces down her slim body. He's got his shirt off and trying to ease his boots off without leaving his treasure.  Alex is breathing hard as she undoes her little gown and slips out of it, leaving only her little 'teddy' and matching underwear. She groans as she hears Walker's boots hit the carpet, she pushes him back.
"Not so fast, cowboy---I'm going to take care of you first---after I get my 'body wash'---that is!"
She slides out from under him, he grins as he puts his hands behind his head and watches her. She slips her undies off and crawls on top of him, kissing his chest and nipping at his nipples. Walker sighs, as he breathes slowly.
"Don't make me wait too long----I'm ready to explode."
She looks down at him, he's wearing nothing but his tight fitting jeans, the top button is undone and she can see his reddish hairline around his navel, going down. She takes her tongue and traces down gently, the Ranger's body starts to jerk. She purrs as she climbs gently back up to his chest, his neck and then to his lips. She kisses him deep, letting her tongue dance inside his hungry mouth. She can feel his body getting hot, she pouts.
"Are you ready to give me a tongue lashing--I've been very bad."
Walker scoots lower in the bed and urges her to come up to him, cupping her buttocks and sitting her onto his chest.. He opens his mouth and his tongue lashes out, going slowly up and down her vagina. Alex moans as she bites her lip and then lies back as far as she can, pushing her lower body into his face.
Walker probes deeper with his tongue, his right thumb going inside her, finding the clitoris and rubbing gently. Alex sighs deeper as she takes both of her breasts and squeezes them together, whispering her lover's name.
"Oooooh Walker----I have been wanting you---soooo bad."
Walker stops and takes his left fingers and rubs them gently over her vagina, separating the lips and letting his fingers glide inside the hot, wet, flesh. He rubs harder with his right thumb, in a circular motion, his tongue laps across her flesh.
"How bad?" he pants as his lips and his fingers rotate faster and faster. She pulls herself up to him, and watches the onslaught, she's breathing harder. She pulls away from him and slides back down his hard body, kissing every inch of every muscle. Her hand has found his jeans and goes quickly inside as his 'manhood' is straining to get out. She takes it quickly and goes from the tip all the way down, gently twisting, and back up again. Her pace quickens as she watches his eyes, her hand goes around his penis, and continues to slide up and down.
The Ranger is breathing harder, as he is watching her slide his manhood in and out, and in a circular motion. He keeps reaching out to touch her, but she gently shoves his hands away.
"Not yet, cowboy----I'm not through yet." she stops long enough to start pulling his jeans down over his muscular buttocks, then sits up and pulls them the rest of the way off, joining his boots on the floor. Walker is trying to raise up, she again pushes him backwards, and climbs up his body again. She raises her body above his throbbing penis and lowers herself gently at first, then she increases her pace. She is bobbing up and down, her hands massaging his chest and pushing hard, her pace increases even more.
Walker is gasping for air as she stops long enough to raise her 'teddy' over her arms and then tosses it aside. She goes back to riding the Ranger harder, tossing her blonde hair back and forth. Walker's eyes are wide as she raises her knees closer to her body and pumps him harder. He's reaching out for her, his hands go to her lower torso and pulls her deeper on top of him.
She slows, licking her lips very slowly, as her hands massage her breasts harder. She raises up and reaches back behind her, positioning herself to take him in the anus. She lowers herself slowly, he massages her buttocks as she goes down deeper onto him, she gasps as she takes him all in. She exhales, looking back at him and purrs.
"No matter how many times----we do this-----I still have trouble taking-----you all in."
He releases her butt, his hand goes up to her face, he kisses her hard. "You don't seem to be having any trouble---I'm at your mercy---go nice and slow---let me get my second wind."
She giggles softly, "You better hurry up, 'cause I'm ready to ride again, and I don't mean----for just 8 seconds."
She starts increasing her pace again as Walker's hand go back to massaging her buttocks in a backward and downward motion, she matches his movement. She moves gently to the side and back. Walker's eyes are going back, his breathing is getting deeper.
She is taking him all in, rising just enough for his penis to come out halfway, then she goes back down, harder.  Their bodies are sweating, and mixing with their body fluids. Walker stops her and with one quick lift he has her under him. Her legs go straight upwards and over his shoulders, he braces himself with both hands on the bed and then he pumps her hard. His lips are going to her neck, kissing and sucking.
He's panting heavily, "You're driving me----crazy! I want to make love to you all night," he groans as his pace quickens and she pulls him into her with her heels. He braces himself again, sliding forward on his knees against the wet sheets. He leans backwards, her legs extend straight up, he caresses them, kissing her feet. He withdraws from her anus slowly and enters her vagina, bending down as far as he can, licking her wet body. She's watching him, and smiling.
He catches her smile, thinking how beautiful she is at this moment, her eyes begging for more. He sits back on his knees, withdrawing from her.  He licks his fingers and massages her gently, as he lowers himself to her again and begins a slow circular motion into her wet mound. She moans, begging for more.
His thumb goes back to the anus again and he inserts it deep, rotating it, as his tongue follows suit. He stops, reaches under her and flips her over, pulling her backwards into him. He moves her right leg upward, putting a pillow underneath her as he goes up on one knee and enters her quickly. She jerks at the first thrust, then relaxes her body and moves with his rhythm. He quickens his pace as his hands are around her slender waist, pulling her into him. Alex is squirming as she is trying to get in a more comfortable position in which to accommodate his thickness, she moans.
Walker withdraws and slides deep within her vagina from the rear, rolling over on his side. His hands go to her breasts and pulls her backwards against him, he reaches down and extends her left leg straight up, penetrating deeper.
"Do you like it---this way?" he pants.
"Ooooh yes----yes--- I like any position---with you," her voice is hoarse--"but let me get on top again."
Walker lets go of her leg, and Alex slides away, letting him lay flat. His manhood is still at full erection, and she thinks to herself, "this cowboy will never have any need for Viagra."
She smiles as she slides up to his 'pride and joy' again, taking him slowly, easing herself down and then gently sideways. She can feel him getting harder inside her, she begins her pace, and he reaches for her again. His hands are spreading her cheeks as he pulls her deeper down onto him, both rotating wildly. Alex starts to groan, "Walker----I can't hold out-----much longer."
He flips her over on her back, kissing her lips, taking her tongue deep inside his mouth as his penis penetrates deeper with each thrust. His hands go under her body, holding her up to him, pumping harder. He can feel himself ready to ejaculate, he whispers, "Are you ready--do you want me to come inside you---are you prepared?"
"Yes" she screams, "don't you dare withdraw---I want you inside of me---I want to feel----all of you---inside me."
Walker is taking longer and deeper thrusts, he can feel Alex's vaginal muscles tightening around his penis, the room starts to spin, he collapses on top of her.

                                     *************************************
Denise has awakened again, she opens her eyes slowly and tries to focus. She's completely nude, her lower body is in great pain. She groans and then she starts to cry.
"He's crazy----what does he want with me?"
She tries to stand, but she feels something around her left ankle---she's chained to an old radiator. The chain is about 15 ft long, she screams and tries to yank on it, but it will not budge. She cries harder as she continues to look around the room. She thought she had heard voices earlier, like a scream---a man's scream! She starts walking slowly to the end of the chain, and straining to see if anyone is still there. She sees water and some fruit, just out of her arm's reach.  She tries to stretch---it's no use, she can't reach them. She sits down on the cool damp floor and tries to remember what happened. The last thing she remembered was Andy raping her.
She also remembered that he had tried to take her a second time, but he couldn't perform. He got angry and starting hitting her. She screamed back at him to stop, but he wouldn't listen.
"It's your fault---you don't excite me enough---you're not a real woman--you're hopeless---just like the others!"
She remembers trying to ask him about the 'others' but then his other self of Annie overtook him and he wouldn't say anything. She remembered him walking around in the nude, and then he made her strip too. Later he made her perform oral sex on him, and then he beat her again, saying she wasn't doing it right. She remembers falling asleep, and she remembers him arguing with himself and then he said he was going to leave to 'settle a score' and maybe Annie could make things right again.
Denise strains to see the rest of the old farmhouse; she sees sacks of grain piled in one corner. A closer look will show them not to be grain----but salt. She squints her eyes, "Why does he need so much salt?" she whispers.
She looks to the other side of the room. They stare back at her in all shapes, color, and black and white---pictures of Alex Cahill!
Denise does a double take, "He's possessed with her---oh my God---he is insane----what does he plan to do with me? That's why he was asking so many questions about Miss Cahill!" Denise starts to scream, "Let me out of here!"
A voice answers softly, "You can scream all you want---no one will hear you---we are miles away from anywhere or anyone."
"Andy----let me go---I promise I won't tell anyone---just let me go."
He screams back at her, "Do you think I'm crazy? No, Denise---you are going to tell me everything you know about Alex Cahill----the love of my life!"
"I don't know that much about Miss Cahill--I've only worked for her less than 6 months--I started just right before you joined the firm."
Andy comes out of the shadows, he's still nude, but his eyes look weird. Denise can see that he's wearing eye makeup, and there are also traces of liquid makeup and lipstick where he tried to rub it off. He approaches Denise softly reaching out to touch her skin, but she recoils.
Andy laughs as he points to the pictures on the wall, "If you were only half the woman that Miss Cahill is, I would be ravishing your body again! But you fail to excite me---you're pathetic."
Andy walks over to a huge picture of Alex. She's wearing jeans and a mid-riff blouse, her hair is slightly blowing, and her hand is pushing the hair out of her eyes. She's smiling, there was someone obviously in the picture with her, but has been cut out. Andy lets his hands glide over the bottom part of Alex's picture, tracing along the front of her jeans. He closes his eyes and starts swaying back and forth.
He's keeping his back to Denise, but she knows that he’s massaging himself and his breathing is getting heavier.
"She undressed for me--did you know that? She is sooooo sexy--I thought I would never stop 'coming'---she's so sexy----and she knows it. The way she walks, the way she looks at a man----that smile---I will have her----and soon."
Denise scoffs, "The only thing you will have is Ranger Walker's foot up your ass--if you make any attempt to hurt her! He will kill you, for what you're thinking."
Andy brings himself to completion; he looks back to Denise and smiles his sardonic smile that she has learned to detest.
"When I'm through with her boyfriend, he'll be a basket case---I have plans for him----or rather Annie has plans for him----right, sister dear?"
The voice rises to a falsetto pitch, "Yes---oh yes---he will think he's losing his mind," the voice giggles----"and in a way---that's just what will happen---right, Andrew?"
"Yes, Annie---and if you're good--I'll let you do the job---would you like that? Do you think you can get it right this time? The last time you made a real mess and the poor fool died, like a slobbering idiot."
"Yes, Andrew---I will get it right---you will show me step by step what to do---I'm so anxious to show Ranger Walker----pain!"

                                       *********************************

Cordell Walker is feeling pain, but it's a nice pain--a nice hurt. They lie in each other's arms, Alex is turned slightly on her right side, massaging Walker's chest. Their breathing has returned to normal as Walker turns and nestles himself into Alex's neck, kissing her softly, she purrs back at him.
"Honey----you have got to get some sleep---it's a four hour drive back to Abilene and you have to be in court."
His hands are reaching for her again, pulling her body closer, "How can I possibly sleep with you so close to me?"
She giggles, "Would you prefer I go to the front room and sleep on the couch?"
"No, 'cause I would just follow you in there---and if I remember right, we've 'christened that couch several times."
"Ooooo yes---and the recliner---the floor, my kitchen counters----even the table-----some people would say we're 'kinky'!"
He finds her breasts again and his tongue teases the nipple to erection. "Who cares what anyone thinks!  We enjoy it, no one else's opinion matters."
Alex climbs gently back onto Walker's body and eases herself gently just inches away from his throbbing membrane, she kisses his neck and sighs, "Walker, I would love to make love to you for the rest of the day----but honey---you've got to get some sleep---I don't want you falling asleep at the wheel---and if you don't get back----you could be in 'contempt of court'!"
He slides his hands up and down her silky back, he sighs---"I know, I know----I know you're right---- but---I just can't---get enough of you---you drive me crazy--you know that!"
She kisses him hard, "Yes---and you cause me to have daydreams about our making love----you know honey----we could be very dangerous for each other---irate drivers threatening road rage, and you driving all night back and forth to Abilene."
She can hear him laugh, "What a way to go! As for the long drive----it was worth it----more than worth it. I'd do it again, without even giving it a second thought as long as I know I'll get the same reception as I just received! Counselor, you were a wild woman--I'm going to have to put a leash on you! Maybe that's what we'll try next--the whip and chain?"
Alex giggles, "We tried the handcuffs and then you said you lost the key----kept me handcuffed the whole night."
Walker kisses her neck and gently sucks, "And, you enjoyed every moment, didn't you?"
"Yes," she whispers---"Walker, don't you dare give me a 'hicky’, I have to be in court today!"
"Oooh, I will give you a 'hicky---but only I will be able to see it!"
She continues to caress his bearded cheek, "Walker, please try and sleep---I will wake you in about an hour and half, will that give you time to get back?"
"Yeah, plenty of time, I'll put the flashers on, if necessary."
Alex slides down his body, kissing him gently---"Okay, I will set the alarm, and then I will go make you a fresh thermos of coffee, do you want me to fix you something to eat too?"
"No hon---you don't have to do any of that---stay in bed---you got to get your sleep too. I will stop at the I -Hop and get my thermos filled and something light to snack on." Walker turns over on his left side and gently pulls Alex back into his arms, his right arm going around her slender waist, holding her tight. He nestles his face into her blonde tresses, takes a deep breath, and is soon sleeping soundly.

                                      *************************************

The rest of the night is quiet, as Denise tries to see what else is around her. At the far end of the cabin, a small light is burning and every now and then she hears voices. She looks around the room, but the windows are covered with old blankets, and Andy has allowed her to have one to cover with, as the September night gets cooler. There's nothing else in the room, just an old beat up couch and chair, and the floors are bare. The pictures of Alex stare back at her.
Denise sits down on the floor, the chain makes a clanking noise. Andy has moved the food closer and she has managed to drink the water and eat some of the fruit but she can't stop shaking. Her lower abdomen is tender as she gently touches herself and feels blood. She starts to cry.
"What is he going to do--he's sick--I should have known not to trust him. Anyone that sits around talking to themselves has got to be ready for the rubber room. How could I have been so stupid? I've never done anything like this before--stupid, stupid! I've got to try and get out of here."
She stands and goes to the old radiator and pulls hard on the chains, she can see that the pipe leading to the gas line is starting to give way. She pulls on it again then she stops and listens, Andy is coming.
At least he has put some pants on, he starts rubbing his hands together and looks down to Denise as she sits up against the radiator.
"Are we having fun yet?" He taunts her, but she stays silent.
Andy grabs an apple and chomps down on it, he yells back at his captive. "Denise----are you listening to me?"
"Yes," she replies low, "I hear you."
Andy smacks his lips as he walks around the room, "You know, my sister doesn't like you very much--she's like that---she's jealous of every woman that pays me any attention. But, that's okay---I'm the dominant one---I rule--she follows my every command. I was born under the sign of the Gemini did you know that? When's your birthday, Denise?"
Denise pulls the blanket up around her, "I'm a Taurus."
Andy stops and stares, "A bull? You were born under the sign of the bull?"
"Yes," she replies.
Andy smiles, "Interesting----very interesting. Miss Cahill is a Sagittarius, they're supposed to be very strong opinionated, strong willed, and very hot tempered. I don't see Miss Cahill as 'hot tempered’, do you, Denise?"
Denise recalls several times that Alex Cahill had lost her temper in court, but she was not going to say anything to disagree with her captor. She shakes her head, "No, Miss Cahill has always been a calm person."
Andy seems to be thinking hard about something, he kneels down on the floor in front of Denise and says quietly.
"It's only fitting that Miss Cahill be the love of my life, we have so much in common. For instance, her name--Alexandra--that comes from the Egyptian capitol of Alexandria, named for Alexander The Great. So, you see we are meant for each other, I am a descendant of Alexander The Great--did you know that?"
Denise shakes her head, "No---I didn't know that----is that why you're so interested in Egyptian history?"
"Yes," replies Andy, as he sits down on the floor, his legs doubled underneath him. He sits up straight and sways back and forth like he's in a trance. "Do you remember me telling you that when a pharaoh dies, his wife or the next of kin has to be buried with him?"
Denise nods her head, she starts to shake harder, "Yes----Are you going to kill me?"
"Why would I kill you, Denise---you have no one to be buried with---you have no husband, no boyfriend---not even a dog."
"Will you let me go?" She whimpers.
"No---I can't do that---it would spoil Annie's plans---and believe me---you don't want to upset Annie's plans--she has worked so hard to get it right this time."
"Get what right---what are you going to do to me?" Denise screams.
Andy puts his finger up to his mouth in a hushing gesture, "That's a surprise, Denise---you'll know--real soon."
Denise is now crying harder, "PLEASE---just let me go---I won't tell anyone about you raping me---I swear----I won't!"
Andy stands up and looks down at the young secretary, "Rape? I didn't rape you---you consented. But that doesn't matter whether you did or didn't because ‘rape' is the least of your problems---Annie will see to that."
Denise is now screaming, "Please----don't let your sister---I mean 'you’---please don't hurt me, I'll do anything you say----I'll do anything."
Andy smirks, "Don't flatter yourself--I don't want your body----at least---not in a sexual way."
Denise's whole body goes cold, "What do you mean--by that?"
Andy laughs, "I'd better go see how Annie and our 'guest' is doing."
Denise watches as Andy walks away laughing, she whispers, "Someone else is here---oh my God----Miss Cahill?"

                                       **********************************

Abilene, Texas:
The two Rangers are having breakfasts before they head for court. The black Ranger keeps looking at his partner, as Walker is rubbing his eyes and shaking his head, trying to stay awake. The waitress brings them coffee, Walker yawns.
"Just leave the pot, miss."
Walker is drinking the coffee as fast as he can pour it. He feels his partner watching him, and Trivette starts to grin.
"Okay, Walker----out with it---where did you go last night? And, don't say you didn't go anywhere, I woke up several times and you weren't in your bed."
Walker says nothing as he sips more coffee, Trivette is grinning from ear to ear. Walker sighs.
"Alright, I suppose I'd better tell you before you start letting that imagination run wild and coming up with all kinds of accusations-----I drove back to Dallas."
Trivette's eyes become wide, "Dallas? You drove all the way back to Dallas, that's almost a four hour drive---one-way. What the hell did you go all the way back to Dallas for----------oohh", the Rangers starts to snicker, "Well, I know one thing, it sure wasn't to see your horse, Amigo!"
Walker shakes his head, and rubs his face---"Would you hurry up and get through eating, we're due in court."
Trivette is grinning, his voice lowers, "Hell, man----if you were feeling 'horny'---there are women right here in Abilene---you didn't have to drive four hours to get laid."
"Are you going to eat---or run your mouth?"
"I can't believe it----Walker---you are something else! There are women here in Abilene that do that for a profession---"
"I'm well aware of that, Trivette!" Walker's voice is angry, "I didn't want or desire their services—okay?"
Trivette is bobbing back and forth in his chair as he makes a slashing mark in the air, "OOOOOhhhh---chalk one up for Alex!"
Walker yawns, "I'm going, you can go with me or catch a cab to the courthouse."
Trivette stands up, reaching for a biscuit, "Now hold up, Walk-man--I was just teasing--can't you take a little teasing?"
"I'm tired, Trivette---I want to get my testimony over with today and hope to hell, we can go home soon. Also, I would like to get a couple of hours' sleep before we have to run over to MT. Adobe and investigate that murder."
"Okay, okay---you know, Walker--you're not the only one that wants to get back to Dallas for some more TLC---I met this nurse, she's hot----and she's got this friend---I was thinking of asking you to keep her friend occupied while Mona and I got down to business------"
"Not interested Trivette."
"How do you know, you haven't even seen her, Walker, I'm telling you---she's hot---she's a nurse."
Walker starts reaching for his wallet to pay the bill, Alex's picture is in the window slot, across from his badge. He smiles, "Trivette, I wouldn't care if she was the playboy bunny of the month---I'm not interested---alright?"
Trivette has seen the picture of Alex, he nods his head, "Okay, man---you know I didn't mean any disrespect for Alex---I'm sorry."
Walker puts his wallet away and slaps his partner on the shoulder, "Apology accepted---and since you're feeling so generous---you can pay the bill---see you in the truck!"
Trivette groans as the cashier looks back at him and smiles. Trivette nods in Walker's direction, "Never let it be said that I would interfere with cupid---my partner is in love----he just doesn't know it yet."
The waitress continues to smile at Trivette as she touches his left hand and replies, "No wedding band---how about you--tall, dark, and handsome----who holds the key to your heart?"
Trivette grins as his eyes go over the young waitress' body, "No one holds the key to my heart---but would you like to try?"

Sarcophagus Part V

It's early morning back in Dallas, and Alex is walking into her office, she carries a cup of hot tea. Andy is all smiles as he jumps up to greet her.
"Morning Miss Cahill----I got those depositions ready, just like I said I would, they're on your desk."
"Thank you, Andy," she sips her tea and looks around to Denise's empty desk. "Where's Denise?

Andy smiles nervously, "She called in sick."
"Oh no---I hope it's nothing serious."
"Actually, Miss Cahill---Denise said she would probably be out for several days."
Alex looks at Andy curiously, "You talked to her yourself, she's suppose to call the answering service when she's not going to be here?"
Andy nods, "Yep---I took the call---I hope that's alright---I didn't break any rules, did I?"
"No, Andy---it's okay--I'll have to call the secretary pool and have them send over a 'sub'---will you get a hold of them, please? I have a lot of work for them to do."
"Yes ma'am, I'll do that---right now----I hope you like the way I did the depositions---I worked all night on them." He stops and studies the smile on Alex's face, he asks cautiously, "You seem like you're in a very good mood this morning, Miss Cahill?"
Alex smiles, "Yes--yes I am. She walks into her office, picking up the files and scanning through them. She walks back out to Andy's desk, "Everything looks great---and so neat---thank you, Andy. If you keep up this good work, there's no telling what law offices you will wind up in---you're going to make a fine lawyer someday."
Andy is all grins, "Thank you, Miss Cahill--thank you."
Alex turns and starts back to her office, a voice calls out to her--"Alex Cahill---these are for you."
The blonde turns to see a huge bouquet of flowers being presented to her. Her mouth drops open at the sight of the lilacs and yellow roses, embraced with a huge lavender ribbon, bearing her name.
She takes the flowers and smells them, tears come into her eyes as she whispers, "They're beautiful."
She takes the flowers and walks hastily back to her office  and closes the door, still smelling the flowers. She sits them gently down on her desk; her right hand goes to her mouth as the tears begin to fall, she smiles and whispers, "Walker---you constantly surprise me."
She giggles lightly and runs behind her desk picking up her phone and dialing. Trivette answers his cell phone.
"Jimmy, is Walker around?"
Trivette is all smiles, "Heyyy Alex--how you doing? No, Walker was just called into to testify, they just called him in--want me to tell him you called?"
Alex is smiling and admiring the flowers again, "Yes----please."
"Will do, but his testimony may take awhile---the defense attorney is really drilling him, I don't think the Cherokee warrior likes him too much."
Alex laughs, "Walker doesn't care much for lawyers."
The black Ranger is grinning from ear to ear and trying to visualize Walker and Alex in a romantic tryst----"Ooooooh, I wouldn't say that counselor---there's certainly one  lawyer that gets his interest up, and I think he likes her----a lot!"
Alex takes the phone away from her ear and stares at it then giggles, "Really? Walker generally doesn't talk about personal matters---now what makes you say that?"
Trivette is laughing, "You're fishing for compliments, counselor---you know as well as I do that Walker doesn't share his personal feelings with me---but that doesn't erase that silly little grin that he's had on his face ever since he got back this morning."
Alex can feel herself getting warm as she remembers just hours before, "He was suppose to call and let me know that he got back okay---is he alright?"
"He's fine Alex, he got in around 7am and we rushed over to have some breakfast. I had to keep nudging him, he was about to fall asleep in his coffee-----you sure were rough on the big guy, counselor---you should be ashamed."
"I'm totally ashamed, Jimmy----I'm so ashamed that-----I can't wait to do it again!"
Trivette is laughing so hard, that the people in the hallway are staring at him, "I got to go, Alex---I'll give Walker your message!"
Andy is watching Alex through the window, he grins. "You're so happy now Miss Cahill, but you won't be for very long, your trust in that Neanderthal of a boyfriend will soon be crushed and I will be here for you to lean on."
"You'll make her pay, won't you Andrew? She's not good enough for you either, no one is."
"You just behave yourself, Annie----things are going just fine--I don't want anything to get messed up--and you have got to be nicer to our guests."
"Which one? I don't like that little bitch you brought home and I don't like our other guest much better!"
Andy snarls, "I got no time for this---just do as I say."

                          **************************************

It's now almost noon as Alex is rushing to finish her lunch, she has her cell phone nearby. She finds a table near the rear of the cafeteria and is enjoying a club sandwich, ice tea, and cantaloupe. Lisa, the young cashier sees her and walks over to Alex's table.
"Hi Miss Cahill, are you busy, could I ask you something?"
"Of course, Lisa--sit down---I hear through the grapevine that today is your birthday---Happy Birthday!"
"Thank you, I'm 18 today and guess who is taking me out to dinner and to a movie?"
Alex bites slowly into her sandwich, "I'll take 3 guesses---Andy, Andy, Andy!"
The young girl laughs, "You're so nice. Miss Cahill---and yes, yes, and yes to your guesses."
"I'm so happy for you, Lisa---Andy is a handsome young man, isn't he?"
Lisa sighs, "He's gorgeous!  I love his eyes--they are so green---and he has such long eyelashes and they curl up on the ends."
Alex is nodding her head, "Yes--he does have nice eyes and any girl would give her right arm to have lashes that long and not have to worry about mascara."
"You're not referring to yourself, are you Miss Cahill---you have beautiful eyes too---such a beautiful blue, azure---like the sky. And, I've noticed that you wear little eye makeup--you don't need it, your look is natural. How do you keep your skin so soft looking?"
Alex smiles softly, "Well--I try to stay out of the sun, but I do go to a tanning salon once a week, I use tons of cold cream and baby oil, and I drink gallons of water."
"It definitely works! I just wish I didn't have so many freckles---they're a real 'turn off'."
"Lisa, stop being so hard on yourself, you have to work with what God gave you----and as for freckles---look what they did for Doris Day?"
Lisa stares back at the pretty blonde, "Who is Doris Day, a friend of yours?"
Alex laughs, "Doris Day was a famous actress, and her freckles were her trademark."
            "Oh, I guess I don't watch enough television, I usually read a lot---you know--romance novels. Needless to say, I haven't dated much, boys don't find me attractive--which is why I was totally swept away when Andy asked me out to celebrate my birthday."
"You said you were going to a movie, what do you plan to see?"
"I'm not sure--- I like tear jerkers, I would like to see "Terms of Endearment"; I read the book----twice!  Did you ever see that movie, Miss Cahill?"
Alex sips her tea, "Yes, I saw it---and it was a tear jerker---but I didn't see it at the movies, I rented it--along with several Clint Eastwood movies."
Lisa shakes her head, "I can't picture you liking Clint Eastwood movies--some of them are so---so  bloody. He kills a lot of people."
"Yes, I know---but Walker likes Eastwood, so in order to get him to sit through Terms of Endearment, I had to agree to the Eastwood movies----but I like Mr. Eastwood--so it wasn't much of a compromise, I just let Walker think it was. He hates tear jerkers."
Lisa laughs, "Ranger Walker is so nice, he always speaks to me and asks how my mornings are when he comes to get his coffee. Have you and he been dating long?"
"No, not long--but we've known each other for several years--working together upstairs and all. It took us a long time to let our relationship become personal, but there was always something there--we both fought it. But now, we are dating, and personally I couldn't be happier."
Lisa bites her bottom lip, "I've watched the way you two are with each other when you come in for breakfast---you always take this rear table, away from everyone else."
Alex is starting on her cantaloupe, "You're very observant, Lisa."
"I'm not trying to be nosy or anything, Miss Cahill---it's just that I think it's so romantic the way he looks at you, and when he thinks no one is looking---the way----he----well you know--- the way he kisses you."
Alex clears her throat, "You know, Lisa----there's someone out there for everyone---and I just have a feeling that your prince is out there. It might not be Andy---just don't give up----and don't settle for the first young man that tries to turn your head with sweet talk. You're a lovely girl, Lisa---and you deserve the best---don't ever let anyone try and tell you different. You said that you read a lot--do you remember what Dylan Thomas said?"
Lisa nods her head slowly, "Be True To Yourself."
"Hmmmmm, you just remember that, and when your prince comes---you'll know it."
They remain silent and then Lisa replies softly, "Is Ranger Walker your prince, I hear he lives on a ranch, and he's definitely the 'hero' type?"
Alex starts to reply and then her cell phone rings. Lisa excuses herself and walks away. The voice on the other end makes Alex's heart beat faster.
"Hi hon---sorry I didn't call earlier-- been in court all morning."
"It's okay, that's where I'm heading as soon as I finish my lunch, but I had to talk to you---Walker--the flowers--are breathtaking---thank you".
There's a long pause and then Walker replies, "Flowers? What flowers are you talking about?"
"Honey---stop teasing---I love them---they are beautiful."
Another hesitation as Walker is trying to figure out what to say, "Alex---I didn't---send any flowers."
Alex stammers, "Good try sweetheart---but no one else knows that my favorite flower is the lilac--------"
Walker starts to reply and then he looks over to Trivette who is standing by the coffee machine, he whispers, "Did you send Alex flowers?"
Trivette's brow arches, "No---now why would I send your woman—flowers?"
Walker turns back to the phone and Alex is calling his name, "Walker---are you there?"
"Yeah---I'm here-----and I sure would like to know what other man is sending you flowers?"
Alex shakes her head, "You're just playing this to the hilt, come on honey---stop teasing."
The long silence has Alex disappointed----"Are you saying you didn't see me flowers—Walker?"
"I’m sorry---hon----no---I didn't send them---I would have if I thought of it sooner----I mean---I wanted to-----------“
Alex clears her throat, "If you didn't send them----who did?"
An angry Ranger is walking in circles and muttering, "That's what I would like to know."
She closes her eyes, she knows he can feel her disappointment in him, "Look----Walker---I’ve got to go--what time will you be in tomorrow?"
"As soon as the trial is over, I'm out of here. I should be on the road no later than 5pm---that'll put me in there around 9pm, I'll go straight to my ranch and change---I'll meet you at the ceremony---okay, hon?"
"Yeah," she replies slowly---"Okay, I'll see you, drive carefully."
"Alex---I'm sorry---about the flowers---I've been so busy, I didn't have time to send-----"
"It's alright---Walker---don't worry about it, bye."
The Ranger hands the cell phone back to his partner, Trivette is looking at him curiously.
"What was all that talk about flowers, someone else sent Alex some flowers? What yahoo is trying to move in onto your territory, Walk-man?"
Walker's face turns rigid, "I have an idea and if it's who I think it is, I'm going to introduce him to my boot---with my foot in it!"
"What idiot would be fool enough to try and move in on Alex, everyone in the federal building knows that the two of you are an item. Is the guy 'brain dead?"
The two Rangers exit out of the Abilene courthouse, and commence walking towards Walker's gray Ram. The bearded Ranger says nothing as he sits down gruffly behind the steering wheel. Trivette tries to start a conversation.
"Look, Walker--are you referring to that Stevens creep that was trying to put moves on Alex last year?"
"The same!" Walker answers angrily. "Apparently, he didn't get my message---he was at C.D.'s last night and was harassing her. C.D. said that he threatened to put a iron skillet to Stevens' head if he didn't leave Alex alone."
"How did you find out about that?"
"I called C.D.'s looking for Alex but she had just left and was on her way back home. C.D. filled me in on what had happened, that's when I decided to drive back to Dallas."
"Soooo---how did Alex explain the incident?"
Walker takes a deep sigh, "I didn't ask her about it----it was early morning-----the incident wasn't mentioned..
Trivette starts shaking his head in confusion, "But, that was why you drove back---I mean at least----one of the reasons---the subject never came up?"
Walker's silence is all Trivette needs to hear-----“Ooooohh----other things on your mind, huh?"
"Well, actually---I forgot all about it."
Trivette starts to grin that silly grin, "Yeahhhhh---seeing a sexy woman like Alex in a nightie can change your mind real quick, right Walk-man?"
Walker shoots his partner a dirty look, "Something like that----I sure didn't want to waste the rest of the night talking about that son-of-a-bitch."
Trivette turns sideways, "Look, all of this can be solved---just stop at the florist and send Alex some flowers to make up for the ones you didn't send, throw in a extra dozen roses, and when you sign the card---lay on the mushy stuff---real thick."
"I can't do that----it would be an 'afterthought' and---and Alex would see right through it."
"So? All's fair in love and war---- was she upset with you?"
"She was disappointed---I could hear it in her voice---she was hurt. Maybe you're right----maybe I should send some flowers. Let's look for a florist shop----wait a minute--we're suppose to be on our way out to Mt Adobe."
"Yeah, and I want to hurry and get back---got a hot date lined up with that waitress at I-Hop----I think she wants my 'bod'."
Walker shakes his head, "Another 4 hour drive, but somehow this drive just doesn't make me very happy. Let's get it over with, the sooner we get down there, the sooner we get back."

                               ***********************************

The man awakes in terrible pain, he can't see anything; his eyes are blindfolded. He feels his hands bound behind him, he listens to hear the sounds around him. All he can hear is the faint 'clank clank' of something similar to that of a chain. He starts to speak, his voice is hoarse and his throat is very dry.
"Hello----hello---is there someone out there?"
The clanking noise continues, he cries out louder.
"Hello---please--can someone---hear me?"
The clanking noise stops, and he hears a woman's voice reply. "Hello-----where are you/"
The man feels a slight chance of hope, and struggles to make his voice stronger, swallowing his own saliva over and over. "I don't know----I can't see-----my hands are bound. Can you help me?"
The voice answers him, "No, I'm chained--chained to an old radiator----who are you?"
The man's hopes start to fade, his head is hurting worse, he feels something warm dripping down the side of his forehead. "I'm hurt----my head hurts so bad."
The woman's voice rises in terror,  "I can't figure out where you are, I'm in the front room of an old rundown farm house, I can see only the kitchen----or what is left of it. Are you on the other side?"
"I don't know where I am? I don't even know-----who is doing this, why I'm being held."
"I can tell you who is responsible---Andy----he's the one that chained me----he raped me last night----he's crazy! He is two different people!"
"I don't know anyone called Andy----who the hell is he---and who are you?"
"My name is Denise Hanks, I work at the Tarrant County law offices of the Assistant District Attorney."
The voice doesn't answer at first and then finally the voice asks, "Alex Cahill? You work for Alex Cahill?"
"Yes!! You know her----who are you?"

The voice starts to quiver, "My name is Tom Stevens."

    To be continued.....       
Sarcophagus Part VI

By Sasquaw

Denise repeats the name to herself, "Tom Stevens? Oh my God, Andy kidnapped him too, why?"
"Mr. Stevens---how bad are you hurt?"
"I'm not sure, my head is hurting like hell---I think I feel blood, I'm really weak. Who is this Andy, why has he taken us, I don't even know him."
"He's possessed with Alex Cahill, we saw you together at C.D.’s last night, and Andy heard the way you came onto her----I guess sometime during the night he went back after you."

Stevens starts shaking his head, "That can't be, no one approached me last night---except for the hooker in the parking lot."
Denise groans, "A hooker? What did she look like?"
"Why do you care what she looked like, she was the average slut---long dark hair, kind of tall---very pretty."
"Listen carefully to me, Mr. Stevens--were her eyes green?"
Stevens nods his head, the pain is getting worse. "Yes---she had beautiful dark green eyes, they accented her black hair--she---was gorgeous."
For a moment Denise wants to laugh, she knows the hooker was Andy. She thinks back to all the times that Stevens was so rude to her, he was always so smug and considered himself to be a lady 'killer'. Denise takes a deep breath and then she asks slowly.
"What happened next, Mr. Stevens----did you leave together?"
Stevens is silent, "Well----not right away---we went to my car and things got a little heated up-----she was all over me---telling me what she wanted to do and all----she----she gave me a blow job!"
Now Denise is laughing quietly. "Mr. Stevens---you have a rude awakening coming to you----that hooker was not a woman---it was a man---it was Andy."
Stevens is babbling to himself, "No----you're wrong----I think I would know a real woman-----------"
"Think about it, Mr. Stevens, did she undress for you? Trust me, it was Andy and his counterpart/sister, Annie!  But, we got to get past that----Andy will be coming back soon, it would be best if you didn't let on about what I just told you--do you hear me?"
Stevens slumps down on the floor, "I think I'm going to be sick----I'm about ready to pass out----you've got to get us out of here."
Denise looks over at the chain that is holding her to the radiator, and then down to her nude body. She pulls on the chain again, the pipe is starting to give way. For a moment she worries about leaking gas, then she recalls seeing no signs of electricity, the light she saw earlier was from an old oil lantern. She assumes there are no utilities hooked up. The water that he gives her is bottled. That morning she had seen him carrying a garment bag, which probably held a change of clothes, she had smelled a man's deodorant and a soap smell, so he had to have bathed somewhere else.
She yells back to her co-prisoner, "Believe me, Mr. Stevens---I'm working on a way to get us out, you'll be the first one to know---creep!"

                         *******************************************
 Abilene: 7pm
The Rangers have returned from Mt Adobe, and Walker is exhausted as he heads for the shower. Trivette has already showered, and putting on a fresh shirt.
He's mumbling to himself, "I knew I should have brought a suit---these girls just can't resist me, I should have known one would be seeking out  'the kid'---they know a good thing when they see it---now where's my cologne?"
A knock is heard at their motel door, Trivette saunters over to see who it is. The waitress from I-Hop is standing there looking back at him.
Trivette glances at his watch, "Hey Lynn---you said  7:30--you're early."
The tall brunette enters the room, "I know I said 7:30---but I have to talk to you, I couldn't wait."
Walker comes out of the bathroom with just a towel around him; he sees Lynn and quickly grabs his jeans. "Sorry---didn't know we had company."
Walker ducks back into the bathroom, Trivette is looking at Lynn and smiling, "Couldn't wait to see me, huh-----yeah I have that effect on most women."
Lynn tries to smile, "You're going to think I'm crazy but I need you and your partner to check something out for me."
"Like what?"
Lynn looks towards the bathroom, "Could we wait till your partner gets out, I don't want to have to repeat this."
Trivette is puzzled, "Hey Walker---get out here."
Walker comes out trying to dry his hair with a towel, "Thought you two were going out?"
"Yeah, me too---but Lynn says she has something she wants to talk to us about---okay, Lynn---what's so important that our date is being put on hold?"
Lynn sighs, "First of all, my name is Lynn Masters, I'm working undercover for the FBI---and I'm into something really big. When I heard the Texas Rangers were here, I had to take the chance to talk to one of you."
Walker is reaching for his shirt; Lynn can't take her eyes off of his muscular chest, Walker's eyes narrow.
"What kind of case are you on--and how can we help?"
The woman is very pretty, a very nice build with long dark hair and dark eyes. She keeps looking at Walker, "We've been investigating the cover-ups of the Gateway funeral parlor and all the bodies that were found in the basement--you recall the case---about 15 yrs ago?"
Trivette and Walker exchange glances, "We thought that case was wrapped up, the owners were convicted and doing time, the bodies were identified and eventually given proper burials? So, what are you still investigating?"
Lynn sighs and shakes her long beautiful hair, "It's not completely closed---not as far as I'm concerned."
Walker is yawning and trying to stay awake, "Sounds like you have a personal interest in this?"
"Yeah, I do--Jimmy---would you and your partner please drive out to the old funeral home with me?"
Trivette looks to Walker, "My partner is beat, he's had a long day---and previous night---but yeah--I'll drive out with you."
Walker takes the keys and throws them to his partner, "Don't forget your keys, I don't want to have to get up in the middle of the night to let you in."
Trivette grins as he looks to Lynn, "Who says I'll be coming back tonight---see you in the morning Walk-man."
Walker shakes his head and heads for his bed, reaching for the phone and dialing. He misses Alex at her office, so he dials her cell phone, a sultry voice answers.
"Hi gorgeous----are you still angry with me?"
Alex smiles, "No, I'm not angry at you, I never was---maybe just a little--disappointed. I was so sure that you sent the flowers, because they were lilacs and who else but you knows that's my favorite flower?"
"Alex, I don't mean to disagree with you, but Trivette and C.D. know about the lilacs----and if you remember correctly you mentioned your favorite flower in that little interview you did last month in that WOMEN LAWYERS journal."
"Yeah, you're right, I had forgotten about that."
Walker lies back on his bed, "But that still doesn't explain who sent the flowers to you---and I don't mind admitting---I'm not too happy that another man is sending you flowers."
Alex smiles, she takes the opportunity to tease him, "Do I detect some jealousy in your voice?"
"You're damn right! And, if this turns out to be who I think it is, I'm going to have a nice long talk with him."
Alex's eyes turn to concern, "Who? Who do you think it is, I certainly haven't a clue."
Walker is yawning even more, "Never mind----I'll see to it. Are you on your way to your apartment or to the ranch?"
"I have to go home, my secretary is out sick and she didn't finish all the files on the Hemming’s case---and the secretary that the pool sent over is not to swift with the computer. Honestly, I don't know how they get through secretarial school these days and not be computer literate!"
"Maybe they hate computers as much as I do," Walker replies.
The blonde giggles, "If that's the case, then they need to find other work, and I can't think of any occupation that doesn't deal with computers in some shape or form. And, also---sweetheart you did promise me that you would take some classes and try to learn more about the computer age?"
"I'm not going to any class room, you can teach me all I need to know---and while you're at it, you can teach me about the computer, too!"
The blonde is now laughing as her voice purrs back, "Honey---there is nothing you need to learn in that department----and we will work on the computer."
Walker smiles, "Okay, hon---I'm going to try and get some sleep before Trivette comes back and turns on the TV again."
"Where is Jimmy, he's not watching the game?"
"Nope---had a date with----a waitress from I-Hop----actually she's not a waitress---but I don't want to get into that now--hon---I'm exhausted---you wore me out."
Alex is smiling, "It's nice to know I have that effect on you, so Jimmy has scored again----umm, 200 miles away and he's still managing to pick up dates. So, tell me sweetheart----how many women are 'eyeballing' you?"
Walker laughs, "I wouldn't know--I haven't been able to keep my eyes open long enough! ----Wouldn't do any good anyways----a certain blonde attorney has all of my attention."
"Oooooh---good comeback, cowboy! Okay, sweetheart I will let you get some sleep--call me tomorrow---okay?"
"I will---bye hon."

**********************************************

Andy has picked Lisa up for their date, they are driving to down town Dallas. Lisa looks around at the car that Andy is driving.
"Nice car, Andy---is it new?"
Andy stammers as he quickly looks at the sticker in the left hand corner of the windshield. "Uhhh---it's almost a year old, yeah, it's new to me."
"Did you trade your little blue car off for it?"
Andy is racking his brain, "How does she know about my blue car?"
"No," he explains, "I'm just borrowing this one for the night, why so many questions?"
"No reason, Andy---I was just asking----hey I thought we were going to Arlington--to the Regal--Terms of Endearment is playing there."
Andy frowns, "Well----I've changed my mind--I thought we would go to the Dallas museum--they are having a special documentary on archaeology, I would like to see it--is that okay?"
Lisa nods her head, "Sure---that's fine, are you talking about dinosaurs?"
"No, I'm referring to the ancient times of Egypt, mummies and all that cool stuff."
Lisa moans, "It's not going to be scary, is it? I can't stand bloody things."
"Would you relax, it's going to be most interesting---pay attention---you might learn something about ancient times."
"I can't imagine what there is so exciting about seeing mummies and learning about how the pharaohs were buried, who cares? That happened thousands of years ago."
Andy is getting angry, "Don't be so close minded about something you know nothing about---just listen to the lecture first---okay?"
They continue on to the Dallas museum, Andy pays for their admission and gently pulls Lisa towards the entrance to Egypt Antiquities; they find a seat and sit down. Andy is straining to see the exhibits on display, he nudges Lisa to join him before the lecture starts, but does so reluctantly.
They are walking along the display, pictures show step by step on how the pyramids were built, and then they show the ancient weapons of years passed. Andy is talking as fast as he can, explaining things to Lisa that she's not the least bit interested in. He stops and stares at the different types of coffins that were built to encase the dead pharaohs, his heart is beating faster as he points to the one that is similar to the one that held King Tut. He's breathless as he looks to Lisa.
"Do you know what these are called?"
Lisa looks back at him nervously, "They're coffins."
"Not just coffins---they're SARCOPHAGUSES!"
Lisa tries to pronounce the name "Sarcpus---what?"
"Sar-cuf-agus----I thought you liked to read----and you don't know about these kind of coffins?  They were built for only the greatest of the pharaohs----oh man---are you dense?"
Lisa swallows, "Well excuse me---but I don't find this kind of reading interesting or educational. As for my being 'dense' I resent that remark, I have you know I read my Egyptian history and I scored 100% on my tests--I know about the Egyptian period, I detested reading about how their people were treated and how the pharaohs were like Gods---I still detest it---so there!"
Andy is speechless, and then the guest speaker enters the room and everyone takes their seats. A giant screen is brought out and a projector is set up. The speaker clears his throat.
"For the next hour you will see step by step on how the embalmers prepared their bodies for mummification. I warn you that some of the scenes are not for the faint hearted, if you have trouble with the sight of blood, this is definitely not for you and I advise you to leave now."
Lisa starts to stand, but Andy grabs her hand, he whispers--"Just give it a chance---you might learn something."
"Please, Andy I don't care to see this," she argues.
"Five minutes---just give it five minutes----okay?"
Lisa sits down nervously as other spectators are watching her. A young page walks over to them and whispers to Andy, "Perhaps your lady friend would prefer waiting in the lobby?"
Andy pulls the page down to him by his collar and snarls----"My lady friend is staying---is that clear?"
The page stands up, adjusting his tie and looks to Lisa. "Ma'am----if you want to leave---you can."
"It's okay---thank you---I'll try to stay----thank you for being concerned."
Andy is doing a slow burn, "The imbecile, I would like to embalm him."
The speaker again clears his throat, "If everyone is ready, the film will begin."
The lights dim and soon Andy is all engrossed in the step-by-step demonstration. The young page is watching Lisa closely, she turns and catches his eye, and he nods back to her. She watches the screen with one eye closed.
Andy is watching the screen intensely, his eyes following every move of the demonstration. Lisa watches him, she whispers, "Are those real bodies?"
Andy answers her without taking his eyes from the screen, "They're cadavers, of mostly homeless people that the medical colleges use for their experiments. Some of the cadavers are then donated to the museums for exhibits like this--to show how the Egyptians mummified their pharaohs."
Lisa opens both eyes to see someone pouring a white substance into one of the body cavities, she gasps, "What are they doing?"
Andy is getting aggravated at so many questions, "They're pouring natron into the cavities."
"Natron? What is that and why are they doing it?"
Andy stares back at Lisa, "Look, I want to watch this and I can't with you asking so many questions."
Now Lisa is getting angry, "How will I learn anything, if I don't ask questions?"
"Okay, okay---natron is a salt that the embalmers pour into the cavities, it coaxes moisture from the flesh and reduces odors, in this case there is no body order, and the cadaver has long been preserved. Anyways, it's packed into the cavities, and then later the wrapping begins."
Lisa takes a deep breath, "I've got to get some fresh air, and I’m going to the lobby."
"Fine---go to the lobby--you missed the best part anyways!"
Lisa walks past the young page, he follows her into the lobby and asks her if she would like some water, Lisa nods. The young man returns, he keeps looking at Lisa and shaking his head.
"I sure can't picture someone like you---being with a 'weirdo' like that one. This is the third time this month that he's been here---is he a medical student--or something?"
Lisa looks at the page, he's very homely looking, some would call him a 'nerd'. He wears horn-rimmed glasses and his hair is slicked down, he's tall and lanky.
"No, he's not a medical student, not that I know of anyways, he works in a law office---and why do you call him 'weird?"
"Because anyone that would find all of that---that trash 'interesting' has got to be weird----some of that stuff gets really gruesome."
Lisa nods, "It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but bad enough."
The page adjusts his glasses, "Yeah, well you should have seen the first half of the lecture, when they first start getting the body ready to be embalmed."
Lisa grimaces, "There were more demonstrations?"
"Of course, they had to first empty the body of all organs----they showed that in the first two segments----and your boyfriend was here for both sessions---totally into it---just like he is now."
"Ugh," replies Lisa, I know I will kick myself for asking, but what else happened?"
The young man starts to reply and then he sees the double doors opening, the session is over.  He looks quickly to Lisa and whispers.
"I can't get into this right now, here, take my phone number---call me---I'll explain to you later---my name is Wesley."
The crowd files out, and Lisa walks up to Andy slowly she tries to smile. "How was it?"
Andy looks to her and then over to the young page, Wesley turns away quickly. "It was most interesting---I'm hungry--let's go eat."
Lisa's stomach gets queasy, "How can you think about food after what you just saw?"
"When I'm hungry, nothing bothers me---I'm in the mood for spaghetti and meat balls---with lots of sauce ---you coming?"
Wesley watches as the couple heads to a brown mustang, he gets an uneasy feeling. "Damn, why didn't I ask her name so I could call and check on her---that clown is up to no good---I can feel it."

Sarcophagus Part VII

Denise listens as the front door slams and Andy walks in, throwing things around. He's mumbling under his breath, "The bitch--I knew she would do this to you, to embarrass you---who does she think she is?"
Denise has the blanket thrown around her and she's sitting up against the radiator, hoping that Andy doesn't see that the pipe is almost broken. Andy is walking towards her, cursing. She looks at him and asks nervously.
"What's wrong----why are you so angry---and who are you angry with?"
"What do you care? All of you are just alike-----whiney, and always wanting everything your way---you're like little titmouse’s----always complaining."
Denise looks quickly towards the kitchen she prays that Tom Stevens will keep quiet. "Andy, where did you go earlier---talk to me about it, who are you angry at---is it Miss Cahill?"
"Miss Cahill----never! I could never be angry at her, she's the love of my life--I will die for her!"
Andy continues to walk in circles and cursing under his breath, "I have to work fast---I haven't got much time----that boyfriend will be coming back tomorrow. I thought he would be angry at her because another man sent her flowers---I've got to go to step 2----he's going to pay for trying to take her from me!"
Denise stammers, "He hasn't tried to take her from you---it's the other way around---can't you see that she loves him?"
"NEVER! Alexandra doesn't know what awaits her, she just thinks that he is the one she wants, but soon she will know better---when we are together for always and eternity."
Denise starts to cry, "Andy, please let me go--I can help you get medical help---it's obvious that you need a friend, and I want to help you---to be your friend."
Andy stares at her for the longest and then he answers slowly, "Do you really want to help me, Denise?"
"Yes," she answers hesitantly.
He gets down on his knees in front of her, "And, you'll do anything I ask you to do, right?"
She grimaces, thinking of the previous evening when he made her perform oral sex. She ponders her agreement, saying to herself, "I've already been raped by this creep and made to do god awful things, what else can he make me do?"
Denise nods her head, "Yes----wh---what do you want me to do? Will you let me go---if I do as you ask?"
He smiles that sardonic grin, "We have a guest--would you like to meet him?"
She swallows, "Yes---I would like to meet him, where is he?"
"Come with me," he undoes the lock around her ankle and jerks her up, he nudges her towards the kitchen, "Just keep walking--he's on the back porch."
Every bone in Denise's body is tensing up, and she's shaking uncontrollably. She prays that Stevens will not let on that they have talked. Andy pulls her back, and kicks open the screen door, leading out to an enclosed back porch. The form is laying in a fetal position, Andy yells at him.
"Get up---you piece of scum and meet your reaper."
Andy kicks out at Stevens, the man screams and tries to stand up, his hands bound behind him, making it impossible for him to get his balance. His eyes are blindfolded, as he keeps trying to follow the voice that he is hearing. Andy stomps over to him and jerks him around, facing Denise. He yanks the blindfold off and Denise screams, Tom Stevens has no eyes!

                             ***************************************

Alex Cahill has a visitor, Jack Mooney, the head district attorney.
"I'm telling you Alex, if Tom Stevens doesn't walk through those doors in the next five minutes, I'm ordering a warrant for his arrest. He's already up to his eyeballs in sexual accusations, and now he fails to show up in court!"
Alex sighs, "What that man does, doesn't surprise me! I read the reports on some of the things he's done to women, especially his last two secretaries."
"Nothing has been proven yet, Alex---you know better than to form assumptions without proof, Mooney warns.
"Proof?" Alex asks, "I saw the pictures, and I heard the last victim describe how he made her do sexual acts-----in front of her small child---the man is a pervert, I'm glad you're prosecuting him, and not me!"
"Only because you went before Judge Barnes and declined Stevens' case," he snaps back.
"I could not have been unbiased--and besides I have too many cases already, Judge Barnes said I needed a vacation----and I agree with him."
"I would like a vacation myself, Miss Cahill---I hardly get to see Margaret and the kids anymore----the other day my young nephew was spending the night, I thought he was one of my own---hell, I can't even remember how many kids I have."
The blonde laughs, "Yes---you definitely need a vacation. So, when are you going to put the warrant out on Stevens?"
Mooney scratches his chin, "Right now, I'm tired of wasting time." The head DA turns and walks out of Alex's office.
Andy has been watching the scene through the window of Alex's office. He studies Alex's body and the way she carries herself. Alex is wearing white slacks with matching jacket, and her blouse is a powder blue that makes her eyes even bluer. A narrow chain belt wraps around her slender waist, and her heels are low. She has her blonde hair swept up on one side, with blonde ringlets down around her ears. She wears a simple gold chain along with another necklace that has a small star dangling down. On her left wrist she wears a simple wristwatch, the right wrist has a bracelet that looks a little out of place with the attire she is wearing. The bracelet is turquoise with a silver band.
He smiles, and whispers to himself, "Only you could wear something like that and look like a princess, my love."
He continues to watch her, every now and then the fragrance of her lilac perfume reaches his nostrils. His thoughts go back to the previous night when he watched her from the closet as she applied body lotion--all the way up to her sexy thighs. His body begins to warm as he recalls watching her hands smooth the lotion over her abdomen, he could see the blonde ringlets of hair in her pelvic area and swallows. Her body looks so smooth; he closes his eyes and visualizes touching her. He can see himself going down her smooth body with his hands, and then his tongue. He sighs slowly. Suddenly someone hits his desk and he jumps.
Andy is staring back at the UPS man, the man smiles at him and then stares in the direction that Andy has been looking.
The UPS man is wearing his summer attire of shorts and he stares back at Andy, popping his gum. He nods towards Alex's office, "She's quite a looker, isn't she? Don't mind telling you that every time I see her, my shorts 'hike' up, and my flag rises to full attention."
Andy's anger is showing, "Get out of here, and don't be talking about Miss Cahill that way."
"Hey----I'm not the only one that has their underwear getting all scrunched up, I can see that you're almost ready to raise that end of the desk."
Andy stammers, "You don't know what you're talking about, you're obscene and dirty minded."
The man continues to pop his gum, and looks into Alex's window just as the blonde is bending down to retrieve something out of the lower drawer. The UPS man groans and makes a slight gesture with his lower torso.
"Man---what I wouldn't give to ride that rear----she's hot!"
Andy stares back at the man, "Get out of here, before I call security!"
The man turns and leans over Andy's desk, "Yeah, you would have to call someone else to throw me out because you're in no shape to even come out from behind your desk. I have a better idea, why don't you call the Texas Rangers----maybe that bearded one that has been sharing the sheets with your 'dream girl’?"
Andy lowers his voice, "How do you know about him?"
The man laughs, "I don't live on the moon, and I’ve seen the two of them together! They try so hard to be discreet when they're in the building, but I see the little touches here and there. I had to deliver a package out to his ranch once she was there; I saw her little convertible in the driveway parked next to his truck. I guess I interrupted something, cause it took forever for him to get to the door and when he did, he was only half dressed. But hell, if I was sharing the sheets with someone that's as hot as that lady is---I wouldn't be in any hurry to answer the door either!"
Andy is getting angrier, thinking about the scenario that the man has just described, he can't stand the thought of another man touching Alex Cahill.
"You need to go, before Miss Cahill comes out and sees you standing around--doing nothing. Don't you have more deliveries to make?"
The man stares back at Andy, "Listen kid----I've heard about that Rangers' temper, you don't want that man breathing down your back. You better cool yourself off, before he gets wind of your little 'observations', cause if he ever finds out, you'll be pulling your head out of your ass hole!

"I don't need your advice, and I’ll have you know--I'm not afraid of Ranger Walker."
The man shakes his head, "You're crazier than you look----just put your 'John Henry' down at the bottom of that receipt---I got to get out of here, before I laugh myself to death."
Andy signs the receipt and shoves it back at him, the man shrugs----"See you in the obituaries, kid!"
Andy watches the man walk away, he mumbles to himself, "Not if I see you first--you idiot!"
A soft voice calls out, "Andy, will you come in here please?"
The young man jumps up from his desk, "Coming, Miss Cahill."
Alex looks back to her young law clerk, "Andy, I'm going to be in court, probably for the rest of the evening, will you take my calls? If it's important, have me paged---if not--tell the caller I will return their call as soon as possible."
The young man smiles, his eyes watching Alex's blouse rise up and down, he answers softly, "Yes, Miss Cahill----anything you say."
Alex grabs her briefcase and then turns to Andy, "Ahhh, Andy--if Ranger Walker should call, please have me 'paged'----is that clear?"
"But, Miss Cahill---pagers are cut off while court is in session."
"My pager doesn't beep, it just gives a slight vibration--I can press the button, indicating that I will call back as soon as possible. I won't be cross examining anyone on the witness stand, I'm just assisting Mr. Mooney."
Andy nods his head slowly as he watches Alex walk away, watching her buttocks as they sway back and forth. "Poetry in motion," he sighs.

                                         ***********************************

Abilene, Texas.
Walker has awakened early and drives over to the I-Hop for his breakfast, Trivette still hasn't come back to the motel room. The Ranger orders The Grand Slam, the whole works. The waitress smiles at him.
"Someone has gotten their appetite back, the last two mornings you've ordered nothing but coffee."
Walker smiles as he hands the menu back to the waitress, she too, is young and very pretty. "Well, hopefully my testimony will be over today and I can head home."
The waitress lingers as she fills his coffee cup, she glances at his left hand. "Anxious to get home to someone special, huh? I see no ring, but that doesn't mean anything, does it?"
Walker watches her as she looks at his hand, "I'm not married, but yes I am very anxious to get home."
"My name is Tammy---what's yours?"
Walker sips his coffee, "Walker," he answers.
"Well, Walker----Abilene can get very swinging once the evening comes, lot of nice places to go---to dance---and so forth. My shift ends at six, so maybe you can hang around instead of heading back to Dallas so quickly? I promise I can show you---a nice time."
Walker takes another sip of his coffee, "No thanks, Tammy---I'm involved with someone."
She leans over in front of him for the sugar, so he can get an eye full of her extra tight uniform. "Doesn't bother me---what she doesn't know can't hurt her, right sweetie?"
Walker takes the sugar and puts it back where it was, and looks back at her and says very clearly, "Sorry."
Tammy walks away and then looks back over her shoulder to see if the Ranger is watching, she sees him take out a cell phone. She sighs, "Well, can't win 'em all." 
Walker calls Alex's office, and Andy takes the call.
"Sorry Mr. Walker, but Miss Cahill is in court and she can't receive any calls."
Walker starts to object, then he sees Trivette and Lynn walking in. "Tell her I'll call later." He then looks up to Trivette, he's smiling as Lynn goes to clock in.
"It's about time you showed up, you know we both have to be in court in less than an hour."
"Noooo problem, Walk-man--I'm wide eyed and bushy tailed as C.D. would say--by the way, what does that mean exactly?"
Walker is downing his coffee, "Okay, when did you see through Lynn's phony story about working for the FBI?"
"Almost immediately, I just didn't let on, the poor girl was desperate for us to listen to her story. She thought if she came on as just a hysterical woman that wouldn't let something die, we wouldn't be so quick to listen. Anyways, after a few questions, she broke down and confessed that she does have a personal interest in the case---so I went with her to check out the funeral home, what's left of it."
Tammy brings Walker his breakfast, smiling as she sits it down in front of him, "Enjoy, sweetie."
Trivette is watching the eye contact and grins, "What's going on, partner? What have I missed?"
Walker takes a deep sigh, "You haven't missed anything--now can we get back to the funeral home, what happened out there?"
Trivette watches as Walker breaks the yolk on his eggs, reaching for the pepper and hot sauce. He then breaks open his biscuits and sops up the yolk. Trivette grimaces.
"Your stomach must be going into overdrive with all of that cholesterol you're putting into it."
"My stomach is just fine, now are you going to tell me what happened out there?"
Trivette motions for Lynn, she walks over quickly, "Did you ask him yet?"
Walker looks to Lynn and then back to his partner, "Ask me what?"
"Lynn wants to know if you will ride back out there with us, after we get out of court?"
"No way," answers Walker, "as soon as that stupid lawyer releases us, the Ram is heading East--back to Dallas."
Lynn looks hopelessly at Trivette, the Ranger motions for her to leave, "Just bring me some poached eggs, and plenty of orange juice----fresh squeezed."
"Don't try to change my mind, Trivette----I've got to be back in Dallas in time to take Alex to her awards' dinner, we've got to leave no later than 5pm."
"It's only a hours' drive, we'll be back in plenty of time."
"Trivette---that case has been closed for nearly 15 years, what is so important to Lynn about opening up old wounds?"
"How familiar are you with the case, Walker?"
"I remember that the owners of the funeral home were keeping unburied bodies in the basement--family members thought their loved ones had been buried in the cemetery. If it hadn't been for that flood coming through and washing the bodies out of the basement and upon the streets, they may never have been caught. However they were, and last I heard they were all serving time."
Trivette nods as he reaches over and takes the strawberries from Walker's pancakes, "Yep, you're right, except for one thing. The older couple only served 10 years of their sentence, the older boy is doing life."
Walker motions for more coffee and Tammy is there immediately. "Actually, Trivette---I always thought that sentence was rather light, after what was written about how those bodies were found and the shape they were in."
"Yeah, the media said that it looked like some experimenting was done after the embalming, some of their organs were missing."
Tammy almost drops the coffee pot, "Organs? Embalming? I thought you two were Texas Rangers, you sound like medical examiners?"
Trivette laughs, "Sometimes we must feel like we are, right, Walker? We've had to witness a lot of gross things in our jobs, some things are not too pretty, trust me."
The waitress shivers, "Yuk, how can you stand to eat while you're talking about such things---my stomach is getting queasy just thinking about it."
Trivette smiles and looks to Walker, he just shakes his head. "Sorry we've messed up your morning, Tammy---you ready to go, Trivette?"
"Go? I just got here and I haven't finished my breakfast. I haven't even got my breakfast yet!"
Walker grins as he lays a $20 down on the table, "Tell Lynn to pack your breakfast and let's get to court---get this over with. I'll meet you in the truck."
Tammy grabs Walker's arm and smiles. "If you change your mind, my shift ends at 6?"
He takes her hand away gently, "Sorry, Tammy---I don't play those games."
The waitress watches as the bearded Ranger walks out, she turns to Trivette, "The lady that has his heart is one lucky woman."
Trivette is motioning for Lynn to wrap his breakfast as he looks back at Tammy. "Yep, Alex is a classy lady----and my partner has definitely been bitten by the love bug." He stops and observes Tammy's body, and before Lynn reaches the table, Trivette whispers, "How do you feel about threesomes?"
Tammy stares back at him, her eyes go up and down his muscular frame then looks out the window as Walker is getting into his Ram. "Only if the 3rd party is your partner."
Trivette chokes on the water he's drinking, "No way----I was thinking more along the line of you, me---and Lynn?"
"Forget it, you wouldn't be able to handle both of us."
"I sure would like to give it a try---what do you say?"
Tammy smiles back at the black Ranger, "I tell you what, you convince your partner to stay another night----and we'll work on that threesome---later."
Trivette sighs, "There's no way I could convince Walker to stay another night----he told you--he's involved with someone---and when he's in a relationship---it's strictly monogamous! But me, on the other hand---I have no such morals, I was put here on this earth to satisfy as many women as I can before I walk down that aisle of holy matrimony."
Tammy reaches out and touches Trivette's face, "You're cute---I'll think about it."
Lynn reaches the table as she sees Tammy stroking Trivette's face, and her jealousy is showing. "What was that all about, is your partner going with us, what did he say?"
"Whoa--one question at a time! No, Walker has to be back in Dallas. His girlfriend has a very special awards ceremony that he has to take her to. We have to leave as soon as my testimony is over with."
"Are you sure you can't convince him to stay---to at least drive back out to the funeral home with us?"
Tammy's eyes narrow, "Funeral home? You people sure talk about weird things---Lynn--is this how you spend a date---at a funeral home?"
Lynn's eyes start to mist up as she turns on Tammy, "How I spend my dates is of no concern to you, and furthermore, keep your hands to yourself. Just because you couldn't get to first base with his partner doesn't mean you can move in on mine."
The restaurant's customers are starting to stare at the arguing waitresses, as the owner is walking in their direction. Trivette grabs his breakfast, kisses Lynn's cheek and hurries to the door. He looks back as the owner is giving both of the waitresses a scolding, he mumbles to himself,  "Well---there go the threesome."
Trivette is still grinning as he slides into the Ram; Walker is staring back at him. "What are you grinning about?"
Trivette eyes his partner, "Just for curiosity’s sake, Walker---have you ever been in a threesome?"
Walker stares his partner down, Trivette shrugs---"Just thought ---I'd ask."
They head for the courthouse.

  ***************************************

Denise has been allowed to stay on the back porch with Tom Stevens, she's now chained to several cinder blocks, making it almost impossible for her to walk. She has to drag the blocks with her, moving only inches at a time. She has cried all night as Tom Stevens has also, the pain is now excruciating for him.
Denise was given water to wash away the blood from Tom's empty eye sockets. She talks to him as gently as possible, trying to keep him from going into shock. The blood has congealed, which Denise hopes to be a positive sign; at least he won't bleed to death. She fights to keep her voice steady. Andy took his hands from behind him and bound them in front. Stevens keeps trying to put his hands up to his eyes, Denise fights to keep him from doing so.
"What's wrong with my eyes---Denise? I can't see anything, everything is black----and there's so much pain."
Denise starts to cry, "You have---no eyes---Andy---gouged them out--don't you remember anything that has happened?"
"My head hurts so bad and the pain across my face is worse than I could ever imagine. I remember going on a long drive---it seemed we drove forever, the 'hooker' said she was taking me to her place, then she gave me something to drink, it made be feel lightheaded."
"There was no hooker---it was Andy dressed like a woman---and he drugged you. He brought you here, to this old farmhouse. I heard screaming in the night, but I didn't know how much of it was a dream. Did the 'hooker' tell you why you were being brought here and why this was happening to you?"
Stevens shakes his head, "All I remember is being forced to lay on something hard, and then the pain of something sharp going to my head. I couldn't even rationalize what part of my head was feeling the most hurt, my brain was on fire--I kept losing conscious, I heard a voice screaming--I know now it was mine."
"Listen to me, Mr. Stevens----"
"Tom----will you please---just call me---Tom?"
"Yes, Tom. We are in a old farmhouse, I have no idea how far we are from help, I was driving, but the night was so dark, and just like you---we drove for a long time. There are no utilities, so the hope that a service repairman could ever venture out here is almost impossible. I'm chained to several cinder blocks, as near as I can figure I'm pulling an extra hundred pounds or so. I wish Andy had left me chained to the radiator, I had the pipe almost ready to break----I could have gotten away."
"Who is this Andy? Why does he hate me so, I don't even know him."
"Andy works in Miss Cahill's law office, he's possessed with her, he thinks he's in love with her. He saw you making moves on her at C.D.'s bar and grill and he can't stand the thought of another man being with her, or even talking about her. He dressed up like a 'hooker' and tricked you into coming here with him----or her--whatever."
Tom reaches out for Denise's hand, "But--why are you here?"
Denise takes his hand, "I was stupid enough to think I was attracted to him----we were at C.D.'s on a date, then he asked me to drive him home---and like a fool I did. Then his multiple personality took over and his female side attacked me, saying she was going to kill me. Andy got that side of him calmed down, and then----he raped me. But, it wasn't me he was raping---it was Miss Cahill."
Tom groans, "He's sick, he's going to end up killing us--you've got to get us out of here----I can walk---I can help you pull the cinder blocks."
"You're right--he's definitely going to kill us----are you strong enough?"
"We have no choice----just point me in the right direction."
Denise looks around and decides their best choice is to go out the back door and down the steps. She sees a cluster of trees, and that will be their destination. She grabs two bottles of waters and their trek begins.
She wraps the blanket around her the best she can, to hide her nakedness, then urges Tom to stand up and get behind her, holding onto the chain. They start towards the steps.
"This will be one of the hardest parts, getting down the steps--there are six steps, we have to take them one at a time, are you ready?"
"Yes---we're wasting time--let's go."
They both start pulling on the chain, the blocks begin to gradually move, they inch forward.
Denise reaches out with her right foot and steps down on the stoop, she gently urges Tom to follow her movement. He moves forward slowly, loses his footing and the two of them go stumbling down the steps. The blocks are caught in between the first two steps, the third block goes crashing into the ankle of Tom, he screams out in pain.
Denise is struggling to get up, "It's okay Tom---stay calm----we're out the door, but the first two blocks are caught up."
Tom is screaming out in pain, "My ankle---oh my God-----it's broke---I know it's broke!"
Denise is shifting around to try and look at Tom's twisted ankle---"It's not broke----just twisted---can you stand?"
The man is still screaming, "Hell no, I can't stand--what's the matter with you, I'm in pain!"
Denise draws a deep breath, "Don't yell at me, I'm doing the best I can.." She shifts the bottles of water to her underarm and yells back at him. "You have got to try and stand up, I can't pull your weight and the blocks too---I'm not superwoman."
It takes almost an hour for them to get the two blocks unstuck, and now they are on solid ground. Denise urges Tom to take a drink of water. "We have to go easy on the water, this is all we have and I don't know what is on the other side of those trees. Are you ready, can you walk?  You have to walk--Tom---do you hear me?"
"YES---I may be blind and a cripple, but I'm not hard hearing," he snaps back.
Denise wants to lash back at him, but she laughs instead. "When we get out of this---you're treating me to a steak dinner!"
Tom tries to laugh, "Hell, I'll buy you the whole restaurant---just get us out of here!"
They move forward slowly, putting only inches between them and their prison of hell.

                                     ***********************************
Walker is staring back at his partner and Lynn. He sighs. "Okay--I will take the drive out to the funeral home with you two, but what do you plan to prove? Trivette, you said there was nothing left but the shell of the parlor, what do you plan to accomplish, there's nothing there."
"Please, Walker---this is important to me, no one else will listen to me---I just lost my job-----I need your help."
"I'm not going anywhere till you tell me what your interest is in all of this---you first lie to us about being a agent---explain!"

Sarcophagus Part VIII

Lynn looks back to the bearded Ranger and sighs, "Okay---I will tell you why it's personal----my parents were among those victims of the Gateway funeral home. My Mother had cancer, she suffered for many months before she died, my father died a few months after her. I was about 12 at the time, my aunt and uncle took care of all the funeral arrangements--I thought my parents had a decent burial, there was the services and everything---I was just a kid--I didn't suspect anything."
Trivette moves forward and puts his arm around Lynn, "It's okay, Lynn--no one is blaming you---now just slow down and tell us everything you know."
The young waitress takes a deep breath, "I never suspected anything about my parents' burials--but I did know that there were some weird things happening in that funeral home. My Dad worked at the funeral home, doing odd jobs and taking care of the cemetery. I used to go to the home late at night to take my Dad something to eat and just to keep him company. I could hear weird sounds coming from the basement where the bodies were prepared for embalming, weird sounds like---like---like muffled screams!"
Walker keeps looking at his watch; it's now 1:30pm. "Are you sure they were screams?"
Lynn shakes her head, "I'm not sure of anything----I wanted to check out the basement, but my Dad wouldn't let me go down there. I was scared---I didn't know what to do."
"Lynn---funeral homes are sometimes very spooky and sometimes a person's mind can play tricks on them---maybe these sounds you heard were the instruments used in preparing the body for the embalming fluid?"
Walker nods his head as he looks to Lynn, "Maybe you're right, Trivette, but why was this procedure done at night time, it's usually done during the day----unless there are numerous bodies to prepare and from what I remember about the home, it was rather small."
"Yeah," agrees Trivette, "And so numerous bodies would have been sent to a bigger city, like here---Abilene.”
Lynn runs her hand through her long dark hair, she looks to Walker---"I know you don't want to believe me---but I have proof."
"What kind of proof?" asks Trivette.
"Would pictures be proof enough for you?"
"Pictures? You have pictures----of what?"
"Of what was being done to those bodies, what do you think I mean?"
Walker's eyes narrow, "Who took the pictures and where are they?"
"I took the pictures----and they are in my safety deposit vault at the bank."
"Wait a minute, you said earlier that you never went down to the basement, how could you take pictures?"
Lynn sighs as she looks to Trivette, "I went down there without my Dad's permission, he never knew about it. Look---all of this can be proved if I show you the pictures."
The Rangers exchange glances, Trivette nods his head in agreement, "Go get the pictures, Lynn."
Walker looks at his watch again, "You better hurry, the bank will be closing in half an hour," he then looks to Trivette and groans, "and if you want to drive out to this place where the funeral home was, we're going to have to get moving, I want to be on the road back to Dallas by 5pm, can you do that?"
"Yes, yes, I'll be back as soon as possible, then we can drive out there," Lynn turns and starts running to the parking lot for her car.
Tammy has watched as Lynn is running out the front door, she reaches for the coffee pot and starts towards the Rangers' table. She looks to Walker and smiles.
"Warm your coffee up, handsome?"
Walker looks quickly at Trivette, who is starting to grin, he whispers "Handsome? Ohhhh Walker---is she hot for you?"
Walker sighs, "No thanks Tammy---we got to go."
"Go? Go where? We have to wait till Lynn gets back with those pictures!"
Walker looks up to Tammy as she keeps smiling back at him, he reaches for his hat, "Well, you can stay here if you want, but I think I will check out that florist shop down the block."
As Walker is leaving the restaurant, Tammy stares at Trivette---"Couldn't talk him into staying, could you?"
Trivette shrugs, "I told you--my partner has been bitten by the love bug---he's going to the florist shop to buy her some flowers---there's no way that he would stay another night in this town. If it wasn't for Lynn and her problem, my partner and I would already be on our way back to Dallas."
Tammy looks at the black Ranger curiously, "What problem does Lynn have?"
"Sorry---can't discuss it---it's personal."
Tammy laughs, "Personal, huh? Well, handsome, did you discuss our little threesome with Miss Lynn?"
Trivette's eyes light up, "Hey---are you serious, you're game?"
Tammy smirks, "Well, I would much rather your partner be the third party---but since he's so wrapped up in some blonde back in Dallas---I guess Lynn will do."
Trivette smiles, "Alex Cahill is not just 'some blonde' she's as smart as she is beautiful---not just beautiful—gorgeous."
"Sounds like to me you have a little crush on this woman."
"Yep--I've always been smitten by her---Alex just has this way about her, she can make any man 'cream his pants' just by smiling at them---I know---it's happened to me----several times."
Tammy smirks, "So---why didn't you put moves on her?"
Trivette shakes his head, "I never stood a chance, she's always had her eye on Walker, it took awhile for him to get the message but believe me, he's got it now---- he's hooked."
"If this woman, Alex, is so irresistible, why did it take so long for her to get her claws into your partner?"
Trivette can hear the sarcasm in Tammy's voice, "Oh--Walker was well aware of Alex and he was 'hot' for her, but since we all work in the same building, they didn't want to start anything personal. They were friends for a long time, but anyone could see that he was fighting his true feelings for her."
"What happened?"
"Well, Walker was engaged to a woman named Ellen, she was murdered right before his eyes, it took a long time before Walker ever allowed himself to get involved again. To make a long story short, Alex talked him into going on a rafting trip after he was hurt---and then---things changed for them---he hasn't been the same since."
Tammy sighs, "So I don't suppose he would be interested----in the threesome?"
Trivette shakes his head, "No way! He's got eyes only for Alex---but---I can make you forget all about Walker---I see the way you're 'eyeballing' him---he's not interested, Tammy---save yourself the hurt."
Tammy fills Trivette's cup with decaf---"Okay, handsome---I'll see you later."
Trivette watches as Tammy walks away, swaying her hips. He grins as he thinks about having both Lynn and Tammy between the sheets, "Ooohhhh, I haven't had a threesome since my days with the Dallas Cowboys and those beautiful cheerleaders. Wait a minute, I forgot about that married woman in Tyler and her sister---how the hell could I have forgotten them two---I couldn't walk straight for days."
The Ranger finishes his coffee and tells Tammy to tell Lynn that he's joining Walker at the florist shop.

                                             ***************************

Andy's cell phone is ringing, he quickly looks around to make sure no one is seeing him take a personal call. He sees Alex putting things away into her briefcase.
He whispers softly, "You better have good news for me."
The woman's voice is soft, but nervous. "I'm sorry--I've tried to delay them, but it's not working."
Andy's voice is getting angrier, "Are you saying that you have failed me---try harder!"
"I am trying---the bearded one is too anxious to get back to Dallas, I don't know what else to do."
"You disgust me, you are like all the others--you think you are so desirable, you flirt your 'girlie' ways and then when it comes time to pay back your promises--you whine---like you're doing now."
The woman starts to cry, "Please---I have tried to do what you asked--- may I talk to him now?"
Andy's voice is rising, as he desperately tries to keep his voice normal, "I'm at work, you imbecile--how can I let you talk to him----he's fine."
"I don't believe you, you've lied to me before---now let me talk to my son."
The woman's phone goes dead, she desperately redials the number---she keeps getting a busy signal.
Andy puts his cell phone away and curses. "Ignorant imbecile---now I will have to go to my next plan."
"I told you, Andrew, that she would not do as you ask---they never do----get rid of her."
"And I told you to let me handle this---you've already messed up by killing her son---you will not mess this up, too."
"I was only doing as you instructed me to, Andrew----I always do what you tell me to do---because I'm the only one that loves you."
"Stop whining, must I do everything? Just let me handle this---I will make him pay."
"Andy? Are you alright?"
Andy turns quickly in his seat to see Alex staring back at him; she has her briefcase in hand.
"Miss Cahill---no---nothing is wrong."
Alex eyes her young law clerk suspiciously as she looks around the deserted office, the new secretary has been dismissed early.
"I thought I heard you talking to someone, you sounded angry."
"Oh---that---that was nothing Miss Cahill, I was just remembering a line from an old mobster movie that was on last night. I like to rehearse the lines, you know---it was an old Bogey film---that's all."
Alex sighs, "Well, okay---Andy are you sure that I didn't get any calls while I was in court?"
"No calls, Miss Cahill---no one called," the young man lies. "Are you leaving for the day, its only 2:00?"
"Yes, and you can go home early too. I'm leaving to go and get my evening gown, and I want to get my hair fixed."
Andy smiles at the blonde attorney, "Your hair doesn't need fixing, Miss Cahill---it always looks so---nice----and soft."
Alex smiles, "Well, thank you Andy--that is so sweet of you to say, but I think for the gown I'm wearing---I will wear my hair up."
Andy stammers, "Yeah, tonight is the big night---I was wondering, Miss Cahill since---your-----your boyfriend, Ranger Walker is still out of town----maybe I could escort you to the awards?"
"Thank you Andy, but I've already made plans to ride to the event with some friends, and-----Ranger Walker will meet me there."
Andy starts to feel his anger rising, he bites his bottom lip, forcing a smile, "Well maybe, I'll just see you there-----and maybe you could save one dance for me?"
Alex starts to looking for her car keys, "Are you and Lisa coming to the awards?"
"Yeah, I mean, yes ma'am----I just hope she hasn't forgotten--she's a little---you know---forgetful."
"Well, I’ve got to go.  Thanks again for your offer and I'll see you and Lisa at the awards---bye."
Andy watches as Alex walks to the elevator, he sighs. "Guess I'd better call the little birthday girl and ask if she wants to go to the awards with me-----I'm looking forward to asking her so much---like going to the dentist."

                                                  ***********************

The young man walks slowly into the cafeteria, he spots the young cashier and walks up to her.
Lisa feels that someone is watching her, she looks up at the young man, then smiles, "Hi----what are you doing here?"
The young man stammers, "I hope you don't mind me tracking you down, you do remember me, don't you?"
"Of course I remember you---you're Wesley--from the museum."
Wesley smiles and then adjusts his eye glasses, "Yes, I was hoping to talk to you about the other night, you never called me like I asked."
The young redhead is trying to close her register down, "I'm sorry Wesley, I meant to--I just forgot."
"It's okay--but I must talk to you, I was worried about you that night and since you didn't call, I got really worried and started tracking you down. I didn't have much to go on, just your first name."
"Why were you worried about me and how did you find out that I worked here at the courthouse?"
"One of the other pages heard that young man say that he was a lawyer, so I went back over the receipts and found the carbon copy of the charge card he used to purchase admission the last time he was there. I just took a long chance that you both worked in the same building, I hope you're not angry."
Lisa smiles faintly, she's impressed that a young man would go to so much trouble to find out where she works, and she smiles back at Wesley.
"No, I'm not angry. But, why do you want to talk to me so badly that you would go to so much trouble?"
"It was no trouble, Lisa----please I need to talk to you, I have such uneasy feelings about that boyfriend of yours."
Lisa points towards a table, and they go to sit down. "He's not my boyfriend, we've only had the one date----and personally---I don't much care to go out with him again---he can be really rude at times."
Wesley breathes a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness you're not involved with him, he's one weird duck."
"That's the second time that you have called Andy … weird, why do you say that?"
"Maybe I'm just over reacting, but I couldn't help but notice the rude way he had towards you, forcing you to watch that demonstration when you really didn't want to. What beautiful young woman would want to sit through such trash----I knew you didn't---you got more class than that."
Lisa blushes as she pushes her long red hair out of her eyes, "Thank you, that's so kind of you to say."
"I'm saying it, because it's true. This "Andy", I think there are some things you need to know about him, he has strange likes and dislikes. I told you that he had been to the museum several times before to see earlier demonstrations?"
"Yes----Andy likes the Egyptian times, he seems mystified with the way the Egyptian people treated certain Gods----personally I find it very repulsive."
Wesley clears his throat, "Well, the demonstration that you saw the other night was nothing into comparison from the two earlier ones, believe me. If you had seen the others, you would have been spilling your lunch-----they were gory."
Lisa grimaces, "I don't think I want to hear about them."
"Please, I'm not trying to scare you----but this "Andy" seemed very interested in the procedures for mummifying bodies----too interested---if you ask me. He sat through the whole demonstration and never once even batted an eyelid---I know----I was watching him."
"So? What's wrong with that, some people like gory things---I don't and I don't intend to ever go out with him again, so what do I care about what he likes."
"Are you serious? You're not going to go out with him again, really?"
"No, I'm not!  I thought he was my 'prince' but I kept remembering what Miss Cahill said to me about 'being true to myself' and suddenly I saw Andy---in a completely different light."
"That's great, I'm glad you're not wanting to out with him again---would I be to presumptuous to ask if there is someone else you're seeing?"
Lisa shakes her head softly as she looks back to the young man in the horn-rimmed glasses, "I'm not seeing anyone----are you?"
"Me? Heck no---I don't have a girlfriend---girls aren't too interested in guys like me."
"I'm interested Wesley---I think you're real nice."
The young man stammers, "Would you like to go out sometime---with me?"
"I would love to go out with you, Wesley----do you like movies?"
Wesley's eyes light up, "I love movies---I love all kinds, except for the really gory ones, I see enough of that at the museum.  What kind of movies do you like, Lisa?"
"I like romantic ones and comedies---have you see "Terms of Endearment" yet?"
"No, I'm dying to see that movie---it's playing at the Regal---would you like to see it? We could have dinner afterwards, do you like pasta?"
Lisa is almost giggling, "Yes, yes---I love all pasta, especially ravioli with gobs of parmesan cheese."
"And---and salad with vinaigrette dressing?"
"Yes-----so---is it a date?"
Wesley smiles and holds out his hand to Lisa, she takes it. "Yes, I would love to take you out for the evening, it would be an honor to escort such a lovely young lady."
He reaches down and kisses Lisa's hand tenderly, "I will pick you up at six---will that be okay?"
Lisa swallows, "Yes---I'll write down my address-----
"No need----I know where you live---763 Market—right?"
"How do you know that?" she asks.
"A 'prince' knows everything about his lady in waiting---until then, fair lady---my heart will continue to just pitter until I see your face again."
Lisa watches in awe as Wesley walks away, her heart is doing flip flops as she whispers to herself, "You were right, Miss Cahill, my prince has come just as you said he would----my heart is beating so fast---it never beat this fast for Andy."

                                         *******************************

Abilene:
The bearded Ranger is doing a double take at the price of roses, he turns to his partner, his mouth drops open.
"$250 for a bouquet of roses? They got to be kidding!"
"Walker---you mean to say that you had no idea on how much roses cost---you've never sent a woman roses before?"
Walker shakes his head unbelievably, "No--- I have never sent flowers and at this price I can understand why I never did!  They're just flowers---why do they cost so much?"
The black Ranger sighs as he lays his hand on his partner's shoulder, "Oh man---are you hopeless! Are you saying that Alex is not worth the price of those flowers, is that what you're saying?"
"No, that's not what I'm saying----I'm saying----they are just flowers."
"Walk-man, a woman doesn't see them as 'just flowers'---yes they are flowers---but to a woman they are like---like-----to us men---winning the Super bowl---or the World Series."
"Trivette---a ticket to see the Dallas Cowboys or The Texas Rangers play a game doesn't cost $250!"
Trivette throws his hands up in the air, "You can't see a super bowl or a World Series for that much."
"Who said anything about going to watch the World Series or a super bowl, and if a ticket costs more than $250 to see one---forget it!!! Do you know how much feed I can buy for "Amigo" for $250?"
Trivette rolls his eyes up in his head, "Walker, I know you're cheap-----"
"I'm not cheap------"
"Yes, you are!"
"No, I'm not---I'm just---- frugal."
"No matter how you say it---You're Cheap!  Now if you don't want to pay that much for flowers, I have another suggestion."
Walker stares back at his partner, "What?"
Trivette tilts his head sarcastically, "We can stop along the highway and you pick Alex some wild flowers---she would love that. In the meantime, I'll bet the next time she receives flowers from her 'secret admirer' she won't bother to tell you about it, since you're so cheap."
"Cheap, huh? I'll show you who's cheap--I'm buying the biggest bouquet they have, and I will also have them add a extra bouquet of lilacs---how does that sound?"
Trivette nods his head, "Fine, you do that! Hope you have your charge card with you, because knowing you, you're not going to have enough cash to pay for it!"
Walker hesitates, rocking back and forth on the heels of his boots, "Just being curious, how much money are we talking about?"
"Here you guys are, I've been looking all over town for you two, what are you doing here---in a florist shop?"
The Rangers look to Lynn, "Didn't Tammy tell you where we were?"
Lynn grimaces, "That 'bimbo', why would I ask her anything, she's like a piranha----a man eating tiger-----a nymph-----"
"Lynn!"  Trivette reaches out and shakes the woman's shoulders, "calm down---where are the pictures?"
She stares back at the Rangers, "They're gone---they weren't there!"
"What do you mean they're gone, who else knew about the pictures?"
"No one knew about the pictures except me---Jimmy---someone took them!"
Walker shakes his head, "Wait a minute, you said they were in a safety deposit box, there are only two keys, you would have one, and the bank would have the other. You have to have both keys in order to open it, so what kind of trick are you trying to play on us now? Tell the truth, Lynn---I'm getting tired of all of these little games."
"I'm not lying----I swear! Look, here's my bank key, doesn't that prove anything?"
Trivette is seeing his partner's temper starting to rise, "It only proves that you have "a" bank key, what it opens is the main question here. Now, come on Lynn, who could possibly know about those pictures----are you sure you didn't tell anyone?"
Lynn shakes her head back and forth and then she starts crying, "I'm not lying about the pictures-----and no one else knows."
Trivette shrugs, "There's only one thing to do, go to the bank, talk to the president and ask to see the safety deposit box. That will prove to us that you had a safety box, but it won't prove what was in the box or how someone else could have opened it, without your key!”
"The bank is closed, Jimmy," Lynn sobs.
Trivette grins back at her, "Not for us."
Walker shakes his head, "We don't have any legal cause Trivette, we would have to get a warrant first."
Lynn stops crying, "Does this mean that you're not going out to the site of the old funeral home with me, as you promised?"
"I can't see what the point would be, there's nothing out there," argues Walker.
"Come on partner, let's drive out there, we did promise her."
Walker takes a deep sigh, "Okay, okay----let's get this over with."
They spend more than an hour going through the ruins of the old funeral home and they find nothing more than the media released 15 yrs before.
"Okay, we've checked it out----for what I don't know---there is nothing here---I'm heading back to town, gassing the Ram up and I'm out of here---you coming, Trivette?"
The black Ranger looks to his partner and grins, he looks over at Lynn who is leaning up against her little car.
"Uhhh---give me five seconds, Walker, I got to run something by Lynn first---I may not be riding back with you----to Dallas--I mean."
"Whatever---you got five minutes---or I'm leaving without you, I'll wait for you in the truck."
Walker returns to his Ram as Trivette approaches Lynn and they start talking. Walker takes out his cell phone and dials Alex's office, but the answering service says everyone has left for the day. He then dials her home number, and gets the answering machine there, too. He then dials her cell phone, it rings and rings---suddenly he hears a loud "whack", he looks around to see Trivette getting slapped by Lynn.
"A threesome----who the hell do you think you are----and with Tammy---that nymphomaniac-----how dare you?"
As Trivette grabs his face, Lynn kicks him in the groin, then hurriedly enters her car and burns rubber. Trivette has a stunned and painful look on his black face, he groans as he makes his way to the Ram. Walker helps him to get inside, and looks to his partner and shakes his head.
"I tried to warn you, Trivette---these threesomes can be very painful---in more ways than one."
Trivette tries to talk, his voice comes out in a hoarse whisper,  "Could we just go home now----I need some TLC from Minerva?"
"Minerva, who the hell is she?"
"The nurse, and believe me---I need a nurse-----bad!!"

Sarcophagus-Part VIV


Denise and Tom Stevens are still inching towards the tree line, they've only managed to pull the cinder blocks a quarter of the way. Tom keeps stumbling on the rough terrain, and Denise is trying to hold him up. She's panting heavily as she sips on the bottle of water.
"Water, I got to have water---I'm so thirsty," begs Tom.

Denise opens his bottle of water and closes his hands around it, "Go easy---you've been drinking too much, you got less than half a bottle left."
Tom pays her no mind as he throws his head back and takes a long drink; she pulls it away from him. "I told you, go slow!! This is all the water we have!"
The man is reaching blindly for the bottle, "I got to have more, my throat is so dry."
Denise shakes her head as she takes the lid and fills it, "I'm giving you the lid full, slosh it around in your mouth----and swallow slowly---we have to make it last."
Tom does just the opposite of what Denise tells him, he swallows it quickly. "Easy for you to say, you're head is not splitting from all the pain I've had to endure----he took my eyes out---for Christ's sake."
"I know you are blind, and I know you have got to be in the worst pain, but if we don't conserve the water---we'll dehydrate! Is that what you want?"
Tom reaches around for the hard ground, he sits down and starts rubbing his head. "My head feels like it's going to come off---Denise----how do I look?"
The young secretary grimaces as she forces herself to look at his empty eye sockets; the blood has dried to an ugly red. She answers slowly, "You don't look bad, Mr. Stevens. I'm sorry for the pain you are feeling, I guess the pain killer has worn off."
"How far have we come, are we almost there? I don't know how much longer I can go on."
Denise looks to the tree line then pulls the old blanket tighter around her to cover her nakedness, making her body even hotter. She sighs, "I can't tell him the truth that we haven't even made it half way yet, if I do---he'll quit on me."
She looks back at him, "We're almost there----Tom---I have an idea---I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier."
             He's following the sound of her voice, "What? What did you think of?"
Denise takes the blanket from around her, and then takes Tom's hand and pulls him gently around. "I'm going to take this blanket and try to put the cinder blocks on top of it, hopefully this will make the pulling easier----but I need your help."
Tom starts shaking his head, "I'm so tired----I can't possibly lift those blocks again---I counted five---do you know how much weight that is?"
             Denise is starting to get agitated, "Yes!---If I remember right, each block weighs around 35 lbs----that's  175 lb-----of dead weight!---Now listen to me, I need you to help me pick them up and lay them on the blanket. We wrap one end around the chain, and then we pull, the blanket will help to make the blocks glide easier over the rough ground----do you understand?"
             Tom stammers-----"Blanket? Why are you carrying a blanket----in this heat?"
              Denise stares back at him, "Have you forgotten---I'm nude! I'm as naked as a jay-bird!!"
             A slight smile crosses Tom Stevens' face, "Nude? Imagine that---and I'm blind----who would ever believe such a scenario?"
             Denise is trying hard not to get angry, then she smiles, "And you----a known sex offender----where's the irony in that?"
They both remain silent and then Tom says softly, "What do you want me to do, you will have to show me."
Denise takes the blanket from around her, she wants to fold her arms over her naked breasts in one final act of decency. She wants to cry, but she reaches out for Tom's hands and gently pulls him to the cinder blocks.
"We will have to take one block at a time and roll it over on top of the blanket. Here---lift this one up just high enough so I can slip the blanket under."
The process is slow as every time Tom bends over, the pain in his head increases. Denise can hear his stifled crying and she reaches out and touches him.
"You're doing fine, Tom---wait a minute---I have another idea."
"For Pete's sake, would you hurry up and let's get these damn blocks on top of the blanket----and----and…"
He hears a ripping noise and then the faint sound of water. He then feels something cool going across his eyes and he can feel the moisture.
"What did you do?"
"I ripped a small piece of the blanket off and put some of my water on it, I'm now going to tie the cloth around your head--does that feel better?"
The man nods his head up and down, "Yes----oh God----that feels so good---thank you---Denise---thank you!"
Denise smiles, "You're welcome-now let's get back to our chore-----it's the middle of the evening, and it's getting hotter."

  ***********************************************

Andy has gone down to the cafeteria to ask Lisa to go to the awards with him but he's been told she has left for the weekend. He then calls her at home but there is no answer. He curses to himself.
"Guess I will just have to go alone---but first---I have that other little matter to take care of." He dials another number and a woman answers.
"Andy!  Don't you dare hang up on me again---I need to talk to my son."
"And I told you---little Michael is just fine---I'm at home now----and he's sleeping like a baby."
The woman's voice gets hysterical, "I don't believe you---wake him up--I want to talk to my son-----if you have hurt my baby-----I'll----I'll--------"
"You'll what? You do not threaten me---you know what happens when people threaten me----haven't you learned your lesson?"
"Okay---okay--I'm sorry----what do you want me to do now----the Rangers have already left, they're on their way back to Dallas."
"How long ago did they leave?"
"About half an hour ago," the woman answers.
Andy smiles to himself, "What about the little matter I told you to take care of, did you do it?"
"Yes! I did it---just like you said----now can I please come home?"
Andy nods, "Yes----you can come home now. Annie and I will take care of the rest, I can always depend on my sister---she never lets me down, and soon that Ranger Walker will not know what has hit him."
The woman hesitates, "Andy----don't hurt them---they seem like decent human beings----you don't have to hurt them. That Ranger Walker is a nice person, and he sounds so much in love with that woman, what's her name?"
Andy draws a deep sigh, "Alexandra------even her name is poetic---and soon she will be with me----for eternity."
"But why? Andy----if this woman is in love with the Ranger, she will never accept you, especially if you hurt the man she loves."
"Listen, bitch----you have your orders---and what I do to the Ranger is of no concern to you, do you hear me? Or do I have to give you a friendly little reminder of what I'm capable of---maybe I should wake your son and we-------"
"NO! Oh please Andy----don't hurt him!" Her voice lowers, "I won't ask any more questions---I'll do as you ask---please don't hurt Michael again."
The woman's phone goes dead again and she falls to the floor, crying uncontrollably.

   ****************************************
I-20--- Almost 6pm
The Ram's radio is blaring with the Spurs/Lakers game, the score is now tied at halftime.
Trivette gives out a loud expletive, "Ooooh man----what I wouldn't give to be at center court watching this game----can you believe the way the Spurs have come back, huh, Walker?"
Walker nods his head and reaches for more coffee and grimaces. "Yeah----the Spurs have really pulled this one out---the critics were saying they couldn't do it---but they've proved them wrong."
Trivette is grinning, "I got $300 bet on this game, they had better win!"
"Three hundred dollars? Geez-----I could think of a lot of other ways to spend $300---and not on some damn basketball game!"
"You know, Walk-man---you are afraid to live----and you are so tight you squeak. 'Big dog' was right, you squeak when you walk."
"Maybe so, but I know how to hold onto my money---I work too hard to just throw it away."
The black Ranger smirks, "Yeah, you know how to hold onto to your money, because you never let it go! Now, I ask you, how many times have I paid for our meals on this trip?"
Walker downs the last of his coffee, "What are you complaining about, the money will be reimbursed to you once we fill out the expense account."
"That's not the idea of it all, take for instance---you talked yourself out of buying those flowers for Alex----because you're too cheap to spend the money."
Walker smiles, "Well, that's where you're wrong---I did buy the flowers, and right now they should be being delivered to my ranch in about the next hour. Maize is going out to receive them, and I told her specifically where I wanted them."
Trivette is all smiles, "Heeyyy---big guy, I take it back---you're not cheap---wait a minute----you did buy that bouquet that we were looking at, the one that cost nearly $250?"
"Nope----I bought her a different one."
Trivette shakes his head, "How much did it cost---$1.99?"
Walker says nothing as he reaches into his shirt pocket and hands his partner a receipt. Trivette reads it slowly, "Three dozen red roses, one dozen yellow, with a spray of baby breath----and another bouquet of lilacs-----holy smoke---is this a telephone number or is this the actual cost?"
Walker smiles, "It's definitely not a telephone number and for your information--I also bought that little item---in the glove compartment. Go ahead----open it."
Trivette stares at the glove compartment, and then back to Walker. "You bought something else---what is it?"

"Open it up and see."
Trivette reaches inside the compartment and takes out a long blue velvet box, he opens it slowly, his eyes grow wide and his mouth drops.
"Holy--sh------" he stares down at a wristwatch, on a silver band, inlaid with turquoise. The face of the watch is glimmering. "Are these real diamonds?"
"They better be," snaps the bearded Ranger, "for what it cost me---they damn better be real diamonds!"
Trivette is speechless, "I take it back, Walker---this is some gift----Alex is going to be blown away."
Walker reaches over and takes the wristwatch and smiles, "I chose this one because it will match that turquoise bracelet that I gave her that belonged to my Aunt Ruth—remember?"
"Oh yeah, I remember that bracelet, she wears it a lot----how much did this set you back?"
Walker hands the wristwatch back to his partner, "Let's just say that you're going to be buying my breakfast, dinner, and supper---for about the next 6 months----maybe the whole year!"
Trivette returns the bracelet to its box and then puts it back into the compartment and locks it. He smiles, "Does this mean that things are really heating up for you and Alex?"
Walker nods his head slowly, "I guess you could say that, I just have trouble----saying how I really feel about her---I just know that--she's on my mind constantly--- and hopefully all of this will be able to say what I can't seem to say."
"Well, I know one thing, Walker---if the flowers and the watch don't say what's on your mind----then you may as well give up and become a monk! But, there's just one thing that might go against you-----"
"What?"
Trivette is stammering to find the right words, "Diamonds? Walk-man when diamonds come into the relationship---women have a way of----wanting--more---like a commitment?"
"I've thought of that, Trivette----and I know that someday Alex and I might someday decide to take that path---but for right now---we're happy with just the way our relationship is."
The black Ranger stares back at him, "Boy--are you clueless! Women don't think that way."
Walker sighs as he sees a small diner, "You're wrong, Trivette--Alex doesn't want to commit anymore than I do---but right now--I want to get my thermos filled up and go to the 'head'---you getting out?"
Trivette turns the volume up on the Ram's radio, "Nope, the game is starting again----hey Walker---grab some doughnuts---you do have enough money for doughnuts----right?"

                                            **************************************

Andy has followed Alex back to her townhouse, he sits in Denise's little Mustang and watches as the blonde reaches in the back for a garment bag. He watches until she's inside the building and then he points Denise's car west.
He's driving steadily down I-30 till he sees the Jacksboro exit where he takes the right lane and exits. He's smiling to himself, "After tonight Alexandra, you will be so upset with your 'boyfriend' that you will never want to see him again. Then I will comfort you---and we will forever be together."
"I'm so nervous, Andrew---I hope I can remember to say and do everything you have told me to---I do not want to make you angry with me."

"You will do fine, sister dear---I have everything else taken care of--nothing can go wrong---it mustn't go wrong---I want Alex Cahill with me tonight---do you understand?"
"Yes Andrew----I will not let you down---you will see."
Andy continues up to the long gravel road, he finds a safe place among the mesquite trees to hide the little car then he continues on foot. He makes it to the front door but decides he will go in through the basement window instead. He pushes the window back as far as it will go and then he squeezes himself inside and drops to the floor. He walks slowly up to the stairs, and opens the door, letting himself into the kitchen. He looks around slowly, he's amazed at how neat everything is, then he remembers that Alex was there the night before and he recalls how neat she is.
"Only a few more hours my love, and we will be together," he walks over to the refrigerator and then he swears under his breath, "not even a beer---but there are things to make sandwiches out of---I'm starved."
He hurriedly throws a couple of sandwiches together, grabs a glass of tea and then heads for the stairs to the master bedroom. He's whistling to himself as he opens the door wide and whispers, "Oh Alex------I'mmmmmm home."
He laughs out loud, "I remember this room, Alexandra and the way you stripped for me---you will again and you will be begging me to take you----and I will---all so eagerly."
He walks around the room slowly, and sees the tuxedo hanging on the suit rack and smirks. "For a moment I would like to tear that to shreds, but it would mess up my plans---I have to stick to the plans---I can't let myself get angry."
He walks to the bed and flops down on it, he visualizes Alex next to him, he starts making erotic sounds and pretends to be caressing her. He then sits up in the bed and pulls the phone closer to him, and then he takes out a small disc and inserts it into the answering machine.
"It's just a matter of time Alexandra till you will be so angry that you will call your 'lover' and then---------what was that? There's not supposed to be anyone here till close to 9pm."
Andy walks cautiously to the top of the stairs, he sees an elderly lady walking in ahead of a man carrying flowers. He curses to himself, "What the hell---what are they doing here?"
He walks closer and then he hears the woman talking.
"I almost beat you here, you were suppose to be here half an hour ago."
"Yes ma'am," the young man answers, "but I had another delivery in Springtown, I knew Ranger Walker wanted these here as quickly as possible."
The old woman is smiling and sniffing the roses, "Umm, they smell so heavenly---put the red roses by the fireplace, the yellow ones go to the foot of the staircase---the lilacs go upstairs----never mind---I will take them!"
Andy watches as the young man arranges the roses in front of the fireplace, he looks back to the old woman, "Will this be okay, ma'am?"
Maize smiles as she puts her hand up to her mouth, "They are perfect, thank you so much, I will get you your tip---hold on."
The young man looks at the $20 and smiles, "Thank you ma'am-----thank you so much."
As the young delivery man leaves, Maize picks up the lilacs and smells them, "Ooooh Alex---this fragrance is out of sight as the young folk would say----now I got to find the perfect place in the bedroom."
Andy starts scrambling for the closet as the old woman is carrying the huge bouquet of purple and white flowers. She walks into the bedroom and looks around, "Now where would be the perfect place---oh---now I remember what Cordell said---he said to put them on the nightstand to my right as I come in."
Maize walks over to the nightstand and places the flowers down gently, she shakes her head, "No---I'm sorry, Cordell---but this is not romantic enough-----I know what I will do, I will place little rose petals all over the bed----yes---that's what I will do---got to run and get some red rose petals."
The woman scampers back down the stairs, Andy grunts, "For an old woman---she sure moves fast."
He stares back at the flowers, "Why wasn't I told about this---this spoils everything?"
Andy hears Maize running back up the stairs, she has a handful of rose petals and under her other arm is a champagne bucket. She sprinkles the petals all over the center of the bed, she then takes one single lilac and places it on the pillow to her right as she faces the bed. She's mumbling to herself, "Oh dear, I hope I got this right, Cordell said to the right as I walk in---so it's the pillow to the right----right?"
Andy is listening to the woman talking to herself, "Hurry up and go---you cackling old hen."
Maize turns around quickly, "I almost forgot, I got to chill the champagne, oh my----I hope it has time enough to get cold----the ice---I got to get ice into the bucket---first of all I got to go downstairs to the basement----for the champagne----C.D. you old coot, I told you I should have came out here earlier."
Again the old woman runs back downstairs, Andy stays in the closet. A few minutes later the woman is back as she places the ice and the bottle into the ice bucket. "Now, what am I forgetting? The music----yes, yes---the music--Cordell said to put the disc out called 'PURE COUNTRY'----now where is it?"
Andy is shaking his head back and forth as he listens to the old woman opening drawers, he then hears a loud gasp.
"Cordell Walker---you dirty old man-----what kind of contraption is this?" The old woman holds up a small cylinder shaped like a toothbrush holder with a hole at one end. She studies it for the longest, and then she turns on the button, it starts vibrating. The old woman is laughing, "I know this has got to be for Alex's benefit----umm, maybe I should get me one of these. Hell, who am I kidding? C.D. has too many dirty thoughts going through his head as it is---but still---I wonder if Cordell and Alex would miss it?"
Andy is trying to get a better look as the woman then goes to the other nightstand. "Oooooohhhhh---exotic creams------chocolate? Ummmmmm---peaches and cream-----now this tastes good---of course---I'm not the one that is suppose to be tasting it----what will I find next?"
Andy groans and sits down inside the closet, "You're going to find your head up your ass old woman, if you don't hurry up -----and leave."
"I found it," the woman exclaims! "Yes George Strait's Pure Country!"
She takes the disc and puts it in the small stereo, and then she looks at the picture on the nightstand of Walker and Alex taken on the rafting trip. She sighs.
"No offense, George---but old Cordell still looks better in those tight fitting jeans than you do! Wow---is it getting hot in here? I'd better get out of here before I find some more of those little 'sex items'----old C.D. is going to have his hands full tonight---I guarantee! -Ain't gonna be no 30 seconds and I'm through. No sir---I'm all hot and bothered---hell, I may even let the old coot stay on the bottom this time."
Maize takes one last look around the room and then she walks out, pulling the door behind her. Andy sighs, "Finally!”
He walks over to the bedroom window and watches as the old woman drives away. He stares back at the bed, "You will never share the same bed again----after tonight, Alex---you will never want to speak his name----again."

                        *****************************************************

Denise and Tom Stevens have finally reached the shade of the trees, they both fall to the ground, breathing heavily. Denise looks all around her, Tom is pulling on her arm.
"Do you see anything, what do you see?"
Denise sighs, and she starts to cry softly. "I don't see anything---just open field---wait----I see an old truck and it's coming this way."
"It's not him, is it? It's not that 'sicko' coming back, is it?"
"No, it's not Andy---as far as I know, he's still driving my car---no this is a old, old truck, a farmers' truck and I see someone behind the wheel---an old couple."
Tom is trying to stand, "Try and get their attention, wave your arms, Denise----Help! Help!"
Denise pulls him down gently, "It's no use, they turned down that side road over there---about a quarter of a mile away."
The man groans as he tries to find his water bottle, Denise hands it to him. "There's only about a swallow left---and I've got less than half a bottle myself."
Tom Stevens drinks the water, then throws the bottle away. "Damn it----what did we do to deserve this? I don't even know this "Andy" and he blinds me? What did I ever do to him?"
Denise takes a small sip of her water and lets it slosh around in her mouth slowly, she watches as the sun is setting. "At least it's getting cooler----the sun is almost down it will be dark soon."
Tom groans as he puts his hand up to his forehead, "The pain is getting so bad, I don't know how much longer I can last."
"Tom, do you remember anything about the night that Andy---took your eyes out?"
The man shakes his head back and forth, "All I remember is drinking this drink that tasted almost salty, I started feeling queasy and this woman---or this idiot 'Andy' is whispering to me, "You will never slap me again" and then I felt something going into my head, I felt pressure around my eyes----my head was hurting so bad--I thought he was splitting my head into. Then I heard a shrill voice laughing--the pain was just so bad----I must have passed out!"
Denise grimaces, "It's probably for the best that you did pass out. I'm just afraid that he intends to do far worse to both of us----that's why we have to keep moving. He usually comes back to the old farmhouse about this time---unless he's got another victim at his mercy-----oh no-----I almost forgot."
"Forgot what?"
"Tonight is Friday the 13th----it's the annual women’s lawyer's convention."
"So? What does that have to do with us?"
"Alex Cahill will be attending that event----and if Andy is stalking her---this could very well be the night that he tries to take her!"
Tom Stevens groans, "I hope the idiot has plenty of insurance, because once that Ranger 'boyfriend' gets hold of him, he's going to need it!"
Denise smiles, "That's true, and you would have thought that you had learned your lesson with Miss Cahill when Ranger Walker threatened to throw you out the 4th floor window if you didn't leave her alone."
"Yeah, well, with a 'hot babe' like Alex, a man just doesn't know when to quit--and I figured while the cat was away----maybe the mouse would play---you know the old saying?"
"Yeah," Denise frowns, " I heard my grandmother say that---years ago. But, the mouse didn't want to play, did she? And, you almost got a frying pan up beside your head."
"And, that old codger would have done it, too---I've seen that old man in action--------he takes care of his customers, especially Alex Cahill."
Denise ponders their next move, "We will rest for awhile then we’ll move towards that side road. Hopefully, Andy has not returned to the farmhouse, and for once in my life I'm praying that he is after another victim. We have got to have time to reach that road, maybe the old couple will be coming back."
Denise and Tom Stevens huddle together. As Denise begins to shiver from her nakedness, Tom asks very softly.
"Can I put my arms around you---for body warmth?"
Denise tries not to laugh, "Can I trust you to be a gentleman?"
"I may be blind, but I can still feel----and if I remember right Denise---you are a very attractive young lady----yes-----you can trust me."
They lay gently down on the grass, Denise shakes her head as she hears Tom Stevens breathing steadily, then snoring.
She looks back at him shaking her head. She whispers, " I can just see the headlines now- Naked woman attacked by blind man while both are chained to cinder blocks." 

*********************************

Orland, Texas------8pm
The sports announcer's voice is rising in disbelief----"I can't believe it---the Spurs have missed two of their last three free throws ---sorry to say--I told you so-- but this game is almost over with. The Lakers lead 110---97."
The black Ranger swears and hits the dashboard, "Damn it---Smitty, what's wrong with you, pass to Nryant----you stupid idiot."
Walker stares at his partner, "Hey, take it easy on my truck, will you? There's still half an hour to go, the Spurs have come back once, they can do it again."
"You're wrong, Walker--there's only 22 minutes to go---it's over---I've lost $300---I just know it."
Walker looks to his watch, he's making good time, he should be back at the ranch in plenty of time to dress and get to the awards.
"Have faith, Trivette-----Nryant has made some fantastic throws, he'll get them back in the game again."
Trivette's voice rises, "Not if they don't get the ball to him----holy crap---what was that?"
The loud pop has caused the Ram to swerve as Walker tries to get his truck back under control. "Damn it---got a blowout!"
The Rangers both exit the truck and walk to the front left wheel, where the tire is barely hanging on to the rim. Walker swears again as he kicks out at it.
"I knew things were going too smooth--------okay, Trivette---start undoing the lug nuts, I'll get the spare out from under the carriage."
Trivette is stammering, "Walker---what about the game?"
"What about the damn game--it's just a game---for Pete's sake!"
Trivette runs to the drivers' side and turns the engine back on, turning up the volume. He's mumbling, " Just a game, my ass----I got $300 riding on this game."

 Sarcophagus – Part X

Walker goes to the rear of the Ram and inserts the long jack handle, bringing the spare tire down, he reaches out for it: then he swears.
"Damn it----what the hell happened to this----hey Trivette--we have a big problem"!
Trivette is straining to loosen the lug nuts and listen to the truck radio, "No problem, Walker---the Spurs just scored!"
Walker carries the spare up to Trivette and throws it down beside him, "Take a look at this!"
"What the hell happened to it---looks like someone took a knife to it."
Walker shakes his head and reaches in to turn the radio down, then reaches for his radio. Trivette runs around to the other side and sticks his ear up to one of the speakers, "Walker---I can't hear the game---turn the volume up."
"Would you forget that damn game, we got to get hold of a garage to come out and fix the tires, or we're going to be walking back to Dallas."
As Walker is trying to call for help, a DPS squad car is slowing down and approaching the truck. Walker breathes a sigh of relief, "The Calvary has arrived."
The two troopers approach the truck slowly as they see Trivette hanging halfway out of the door, with his head stuck to the door's speaker. Finally one of the officers recognizes Walker.
"Hey, Walker---what's going on?" The trooper asks as he keeps looking towards Trivette.
"Sure glad to see you guys--we got two flat tires, including the spare," answers Walker.
The troopers look at the spare tire and then again to Trivette, the black Ranger lets out a holler----"It's about time---give the ball back to Nydrant!"
The second trooper frowns, "Hey Trivette---it's hopeless---the Spurs are going to lose---again."
"Up yours, McGee---it ain't over yet."
"What can we do to help you, Walker---there's a garage back in Orland, about 30 miles back?"
Walker keeps looking at his watch, "Got no time to go all the way back there, we're really pressed!"
The second trooper is still laughing at Trivette, "Hey Tanner--call your brother-in-law and have him bring out a spare."
The trooper starts reaching for his radio, "Yeah, why didn't I think of that---yeah---get me Rose's garage. Hey, Walker, what happened to your spare, what did you run over?"
Walker takes a deep breath, "That's a brand new tire---someone got to it with a meat cleaver, and I'll just bet that once we look at that other tire, we'll see that someone has messed with it, too."
They both look at the tire and find a small puncture is near the valve stem. "Yep. You're right, Walker---just a small puncture---letting the air out slowly."
"I could kick myself for not feeling the tire going down, or hearing the air escape when we stopped at that diner back there---" he looks towards Trivette---"but, my partner has had the radio up so damn loud, I couldn't hear myself think."
McGee nods his head, "Yeah, we were trying to listen to the game too, but when the score got down to 110 to 97---we gave up."
"What about your brother-in-law---is he on his way?" Walker asks impatiently.
"It'll be a few minutes, he has to find that particular size---- about half an hour."
Again Walker checks his watch, "It's going to be close," he mutters.
“YES---YES---The Spurs have tied it up again----only 3 seconds to go!"
The two troopers run to Trivette's side, "Turn it up, Trivette---hurry!"
"Oh great, "mutters Walker, he reaches for his cell phone and dials the all too familiar number. The answering machine picks up at Alex's, he quickly calls her cell number, it's not turned on. Walker has walked away from the truck, he's getting angrier. "Damn it!  For months, that's all I hear--"Walker---you have to get a cell phone, you need a cell phone!  I buy one of these damn things like she asks and she doesn't turn her's on---and forget those damn answering machines---I hate those things with a purple passion!"

                              ********************************************

C.D. does a double take as he looks to Alex, "Alex---sweetheart---you are the cat's meow!"
Alex smiles, "Well, thank you C.D.-I take it that's a good thing?"
"You better believe your sweet Dixie it is-----you are so beautiful in that new gown, ole Cordell's eyes are going to pop right out of his head when he sees you!"
Alex again thanks her dear friend as she climbs into the "74" Cadillac, she looks around for Maize.
"Where's Maize, I thought she was coming?"
"She is," C.D. stammers, "but she had something to take care of first, she'll meet us at the ceremony."
Alex glances at her watch, it's almost 7:30, "I hope she doesn't miss the dinner, they changed things around this year, we eat first and then the awards."
"Good, I'm starved---I just hope they remember to season the food this time---dad burn morons----haven't they ever heard of salt and pepper."
Alex laughs, "Oh C.D.---don't you know that no one seasons their food like you do---you are in a class all to yourself---no one can come close to your cooking."
"Guilty as charged, Alex! Have you heard from Cordell?"
Alex's tone suddenly turns to hesitation, "No, I haven't--he hasn't called since Thursday night, I wonder why I haven't heard from him?"
"No news is good news, honey girl---" the old man smiles to himself, knowing that Maize is at the Walker ranch, arranging the flowers that Cordell has sent. "He's probably on his way back as we speak."
Alex tries to smile, "I hope so, I just can't understand why he hasn't called, and there are no messages on my machine at home."
"Don't get upset, Alex honey---you know Cordell is still trying to come into the computer age and you know he hates those machines."
"Yes, I know! He certainly balked enough when I asked him to buy a cell phone, and I thought I was never going to talk him into buying a answering machine. Half the time he never turns the machine on to get his messages."
The old man cackles, "That's Cordell alright---he would be perfectly happy living back in the days of the old west---and Hayes Cooper."
Alex sighs, "I'm going to call the ranch, maybe he's in already."
She reaches into her purse for her cell phone, then she groans---"Oh no---my phone isn't on---the batteries are dead!"
"Could be the reason you haven't heard from Cordell, sweetheart, " C.D. turns and looks at her with raised brows.
"I feel like such a fool---but my phone was working fine up until my appointment with my hair dresser, cause I called Walker earlier and couldn't get him or Jimmy."
"Stop fretting---we're almost there---you can call him once we get inside."

                                     **********************************
The front tire has been changed and Walker is tightening the lug nuts, he stands up to shake hands with McGee's brother-in-law.
"Thanks again for getting the tire out here so quickly."
"No problem, sure sorry I only had the one in that particular size-----but I'm sure you'll make it back to Dallas okay now.  Here's the receipt."
Walker signs the piece of paper as Trivette and the two troopers give out rebel yells, "We did it!"
The three men are slapping each other on the back and giving high fives, Walker just shakes his head. The mechanic sighs, "Hey----don't you two have some bad guys to catch?"
The troopers say their goodbyes, the mechanic shakes his head mumbling, "And to think they are out there on the road- protecting and serving---not to mention that one is married to my sister."
Trivette is bouncing around, "$300 Walk-man-!! I just won $300---how about that, not bad for hours work, huh?"
Walker looks at his watch, it's now 8:33, he shoves the receipt into his shirt pocket and motions for Trivette to get in. "That's great, Trivette--I'm happy for you---now hold onto your seat because we are about 60 miles from Springtown and I'm going to be putting the pedal to the floor."
Trivette groans, thinking of the way that Walker drives---he mumbles to himself---"Great, I just hope I live long enough to spend that $300."

                                  ************************************

Andy can stand to look at the flowers no longer. He grabs them up and starts shredding them as fast as he can, the rose petals going everywhere. He then runs back up the stairs and throws the bouquet of Lilacs down the stairs.
"Why wasn't I told about the flowers---she's going to pay for this lack of information."
"Who will pay, Andrew---the Cahill woman?"
Andy's voice keeps changing back and forth, he takes a deep breath---"No, not my Alexandra----I will not raise my hand to her----she will suffer from only---my love. I will suffocate her with my love, she will beg me to take her over and over again."
"Then---who are you talking about---who will pay?"
"Little Michael's Mother, that's who," Andy hisses.
"I don't like her, Andrew--she is evil---she tried to trick you too--but you were too smart for her. You saw her deception, and you---took care of it."
Andy smiles his sardonic grin, "Yes, I did, didn't I? No one lies to me, not even her----I thought she had learned her lesson when I punished Michael the last time."
A shrill voice giggles, "Her kind never learns, Andrew----Michael is no longer an embarrassment to you----just like the others---they are forever lost."
"Yes, Annie-----you did a good job on taking care of Michael, I may let you take care of his Mother too. But, right now---we have to clean this mess up---there can be no evidence there were flowers here. I have to clean up the upstairs too, get rid of those damn petals on the bed---how sickening. And, the music-----hurry sister dear---we have to get busy."
"Do you think that the woman will be calling soon?"
"Oh yes," he replies softly, "by now she's probably getting very agitated on where her 'boyfriend' is---are you ready, Annie---this is very important! Have you got everything ready as I instructed you?"
"Yes Andrew--I am ready."

         **********************************

"Tom, wake up, we have to start moving again---we have to make it to that side road, are you ready?"
"Could I have one small sip of your water, I promise---just a sip?"
They each take a small sip and then their trek begins again. The night air is cool, a slight breeze has picked up.
"We're making good time, Tom---just keep up with my pace---you're doing great!"
The couple is more than halfway to their destination when Denise sees the headlights of a car coming from the opposite direction. "Oh my God----what if it's him?"
The two are desperately trying to get to the cover of the trees, Tom keeps stumbling as Denise reaches out to support him. "Is it him? Oh my God---please don't let it be him," Tom begs.
The headlights are upon them, they hear the car slamming on the brakes, a woman calls out to them. "Are you alright?"
Denise is laughing and crying as she looks back at the woman, "Please help us---he's going to kill us!"
The woman approaches them slowly, she stares at Denise's nudeness. "My God, what happened to you," and then she sees Tom, the headlights from her car shinning onto his face.
The woman approaches Tom slowly, she pulls the rag away from across his eyes, she screams.
The woman is screaming out of control and Denise is trying to calm her. "Please---would you please help us to get out of here, he'll be coming back soon, we have to hurry."
"I don't understand, what has happened here---who are you running from?"
"It would take too much time to explain---please, Andy will be coming for us once he knows we have escaped."
The woman stops and stares at Tom and Denise----"Andy? Someone called Andy has done this to you?" The woman quickly looks around her, "Where is he?"
Tom is getting impatient---"Would you please listen---help us to get out of these chains----do you have something to break them?"
The woman starts nodding her head up and down, "Yes, I think so---I have a tire jack, maybe we can break the chain with that."
The woman reaches inside to pop the trunk, then she runs to the rear of the car and comes back with a tire jack, she and Denise are trying to pry the links loose.
Denise is watching the woman, the woman is starting to cry, "Oh my God---what has he done?"
"Excuse me----what are you talking about-----do you know Andy?"
The woman starts to cry harder, "This place where you were held captive, is it an old farmhouse, was there anyone else there?"
Denise is getting scared as she stands up and tries to move away from the woman, "You do know Andy, don't you? Are you going to hurt us, are you working with him?"
The woman starts shaking her head, "No, I'm not going to hurt you---was there----was there a little boy there?"
Tom is straining to hear the words between the women, "A little boy---what little boy?"
Denise shakes her head, "There was no one else there----at least not that we know of---who is this little boy that you keep talking about?"
The woman is crying harder, "Michael----oh God---where is my baby?"
Denise kneels back down in front of the woman, "Please---who is this Michael----and who are you?"
"Michael is my son-----my name is Lynn Masters."

                               ********************************************

Dinner has been served with Alex is pecking at hers very slowly. Maize has joined them as she keeps looking at C.D. and smiling.
C.D. leans into her, "Everything taken care of?"
The old woman continues to smile at C.D., "Oh yes---everything is fine--and I have a surprise for you."
"A surprise? What kind of a surprise?"
Maize winks as she reaches for her purse and pats it gently. "Let's just say that---you're spending the night at my place tonight---Romeo."
C.D.'s brows go up in a arch as he looks back at the old woman, "Maize---have you been nipping the apple cider again?"
She pulls her chair up closer to C.D. and then she whispers, "It's going to be a long night."
Alex pushes her salad away from her as she observes the flirting going on between Maize and C.D. "Someone is in a good mood tonight--glad to see that the night hasn't been completely wasted."
Maize reaches out and grabs Alex's hand, "He'll be here, Alex---the night is still young," and then Maize rubs her foot up against C.D.'s leg.
Alex looks at her watch again, it's almost 9:00 pm She taps her long manicured nails down on the table. "I'm going to call the ranch again--I'll be right back."
Alex finds a courtesy phone and dials the number. A woman's sultry voice answers, "Hello."
Alex stares at the phone, "Excuse me, I must have dialed the wrong number, I'm sorry."
She looks back at the phone, shaking her head, "I could have swore I dialed the right number---767-4803---Alex---you're tired---try it again."
The phone rings three times, the same woman answers, Alex is confused. "Excuse me, but what number is this?"
The woman hesitates; her voice is all very sexy. "This is the Walker residence---who did you wish to talk to?"
Now Alex is not only confused but getting angry, "I would like to talk to Cordell Walker," she answers firmly.
Again the woman hesitates like she's putting her hand over the mouthpiece, "I'm sorry---but he's in the shower---I'll get him, who should I say is calling?"
Alex's bottom lip is starting to quiver, "This is—Alex."
"Oh---just a moment---he's coming out of the shower now," the woman replies.
There's a pause and then Alex hears Walker's voice asking, "Who's on the phone?"
Alex is listening intently as again, it sounds like someone putting their hand halfway over the mouth piece, "It's her."
Alex listens unbelieving as she hears Walker's voice say, "Just hang up the phone."
"Wait a minute---let me talk to Walker---" the phone goes dead.
Alex is now fuming as she redials, but gets a busy signal. She slams the phone down, completely confused. She dials the number again, another busy signal. She stands there for the longest, her anger is getting to the boiling point.
"Games? You think you're going to play games with me, Cordell Walker---I'll show you." she stomps back to her dinner table.
"C.D.--may I please have your car keys?" She snaps.
Both C.D. and Maize stare back at her, "Keys? Why do you want my car keys, sweetheart---Cordell will be here any moment."
"I doubt that---please C.D. your keys---or do I take a taxi?"
"A taxi? What in tarnation are you squawking about?"
Alex's voice is starting to crack, "Please C.D. no questions."
The old man stands up and reaches for his keys, "I don't know what this all about---but it's obvious that you're in no shape to be driving---come on Maize---now where the hell do you want to go Alex?"
Alex turns and starts walking away quickly, "To Walker's ranch!"

                                     ******************************************

The sultry voice has turned into a squeal, "Did I do good, Andrew?"
Andy's voice is deeper as he paces the floor of the master bedroom, "You did perfect, Annie---her voice was getting so angry----she will be so upset---she will need to be comforted."
The other side of Andy is prissing around in front of the mirror, "You will comfort her, right Andrew, we have to leave now, she will be here soon, right?"
"No," snaps Andy's masculine side, "I don't want her to come here, she will be going to her own apartment, she will not want to see the Ranger----will she?"
"I'm not sure---she's mad, Andrew and women behave strangely when they are made angry----I think she will come here---to confront her boyfriend."
"You could be right---if she comes here--then I will have to make sure she sees me---or rather you, sister-dear."
The feminine side is giggling, "This is so much fun---what do I do now, Andrew?"
"The Ranger should be coming home anytime now, if my calculations are right and if Lynn has followed my instructions. If not, she will pay dearly. Listen closely sister---this is what we do next."
It's a good 45 minute drive to the Walker ranch, and C.D. has hit heavy traffic, he has to slow down. He keeps looking to Alex, she's staring straight ahead, but her bottom lip is quivering.
Maize is sitting next to C.D, and they exchange glances. Maize takes Alex's hand, "Alex dear---from what you told us---I can't believe this is Cordell you are talking about."
Alex remains quiet, she's fighting back the tears. C.D. lets out a curse word, "There's got to be an explanation to all of this, Alex---are you sure you dialed the right number?"
"Damn it C.D., don't you think I've dialed that number enough times to know it by heart---and that was Walker's voice I heard in the background, telling that woman to hang the phone up on me."
Maize shakes her head, remembering how anxious Cordell's voice was on the phone asking her to go out to his ranch and be there when the flowers came. She could hear the anticipation in his voice and the eagerness to get back to Dallas. She looks at C.D. helplessly, she whispers, "Something is not right."
C.D. is now pulling off highway 199 and starting up the first leg of the old gravel road, suddenly a small car swerves in front of the Cadillac, and flies past. C.D. shouts an obscenity.
"Did anyone see who was in that car?"
Both Maize and Alex have turned around to look at the car, Alex is now crying. Maize looks to C.D.----"It was a woman---with long hair."
C.D. hesitates about driving the rest of the way, Alex is reaching for her door handle, "Never mind---I will walk the rest of the way."
"Get your hinny back in this car---we started this together and by damn--we'll see it through."
As they pull up to the ranch house, they can see the Ram sitting in the driveway. Alex throws open the door and goes stomping up to the front porch, the door is not locked, and she walks in. C.D. and Maize are scrambling to catch up to her. Alex is in the middle of the living room, she's walking in circles as she stares at the staircase, leading up to the bedrooms.
"Walker!"
A few seconds pass and Walker is running down the stairs, buttoning up his tuxedo shirt. He stares at his unexpected guests, they are all staring back at him.
"Alex--hon---what are you doing here--I thought I was suppose to meet you at the awards?" He asks as he walks towards her.
Alex backs up, her voice is shaking---"Who was that woman that just left here?"
Walker stares at Alex, "Woman, what woman?"
Alex's temper is boiling as her lip continues to quiver more, ""Don't act innocent with me, Cordell Walker--I asked you a question---now who was that woman, and I want the truth!"
Walker's brow arches as he looks to C.D. and Maize and then back to Alex, "What woman, there was no woman here."
Alex is taking deep breaths as she walks closer to the Ranger, "Are you denying that you didn't tell that woman to hang up on me?"
Now Walker is getting impatient, "Hang up on you? Alex, what the hell are you talking about--I haven't been on the phone---I just got home---not more than half an hour ago! I've been upstairs, showering and trying to get into this damn monkey suit------"
"I heard you Walker, I heard your voice--I didn't just imagine it."
"I don't know what is going on here, and I don't know what you think you heard, but it wasn't me on any damn phone---and now that we're on the subjects of phones----why haven't you been answering yours?"
Alex yells back at Walker, "Don't you dare try to change the subject---I want to know who that woman was, and how long have you been seeing her?"
Walker is speechless as he looks to his dear friend, C.D. "C.D. did I just step into the Twilight Zone or something? For the last time, there hasn't been anyone here and least of all---another woman! Alex---you know me better than that, I have never lied to you, and I'm damn well not lying to you now."
Everyone is silent as Maize is quietly looking around the room, "Cordell---where are the flowers?"
Now Walker's voice is angry, "That's what I would like to know, Maize---where the hell are they?"
"Now just calm down Cordell---there is no reason to jump down Maize's throat, she did as you asked."
Walker runs his hand through his hair, "I'm sorry, Maize---I didn't mean to yell at you----you were here when they came, right?"
Alex is looking back and forth, "What flowers?"
"Yes, Cordell--I received the flowers and I arranged them just the way you asked."
Alex is tapping her foot, "Maybe the other woman thought they were for her, and she took them with her." She stares back at Walker.
Walker is straining to keep his voice under control, "Alex---I have told you, there is no other woman, not tonight--not any night---not since our relationship started getting serious!!! Now, would someone please tell me what this is all about, why am I being accused of being with another woman?"
C.D. looks to Alex to explain, she turns her head. The old man relays the earlier conversation to the confused Ranger. Walker stares back at him, "Here? You're saying that I was heard in the background telling someone to hang the phone up on Alex?"
C.D. nods, "Yeah, Cordell----and that was definitely a woman that just left here---she practically ran us off the road, she seemed to come out of nowhere."
Walker looks to Alex, he approaches her slowly, "Hon, what time did you say that this all was happening?"
"What difference does it make? Walker, I thought we had an agreement?" Alex is crying harder, "We both said when we started our relationship---that we would be honest with each other-----" (sob) and we said if there was ever a time that we wanted to be with someone else---that we would have the decency to tell the other and not-----try being dishonest abut it."
"Alex, that's true---and we also said that we would trust each other. Alex--the clients that you defend everyday are getting more trust than I am---I've already been tried and prosecuted."
Alex is shaking her head, "But---I heard you--I heard your voice----"
"Alex, I don't know all the answers but it's obvious that someone is playing a cruel joke and when I find out who it is, I'll kick them across Texas and back----and-----and I'll just bet that Stevens' creep has something to do with this."
"Tom Stevens? Walker---the man knows I detest him."
"Well, apparently he's not getting the message clear enough---he was still making moves on you at C.D.'s the other night."
Alex stares back, "The other night? What night are you referring to---the night you drove back from Abilene?" She looks to C.D., the old man wants to crawl into a hole.
"Now, Alex---sweetheart----it just sort----of slipped out----when I was talking to Cordell---I didn't mean---damn it--I did mean to tell Cordell about that scumbag----he was coming onto you and I told Cordell about it! So there---ride me out of town, tar and feather me----I was just thinking of you, Alex."
Now Alex is fuming again, as she looks back to Walker, "So--that was the reason you drove back, because you thought Tom Stevens was coming on to me-------"
"Alex, come on---one argument at a time---okay? I drove back to spend time with you---not because I wanted to confront that s.o.b. and yes---I was angry that he was still coming onto you and I wouldn't be surprised that it was him that sent you those flowers----but my main reason for driving back was----to be with you."
C.D. and Maize look quickly to each other, the old woman smiles and nods her head, "Umm."
"What are you mumbling about, old woman?"
Maize squeezes her purse tighter to her body, "You'll see, you old coot-----and you're not playing 'minuteman' tonight--I guarantee."

Sarcophagus – Part XI

By Sasquaw

C.D. is staring back at Maize, who’s acting completely different than usual. Walker and Alex are staring back at the couple.
"Alex----could we just sit down and talk this out?  What time did you call?"
Alex is trying to clear her voice as she wipes the tears away, "About 8:30---somewhere along that time."
"Yep, Cordell that's about right---they were getting ready to give out the awards."
Walker sighs, "Then, I know I can prove that I wasn't here---I have a receipt from the mechanic that brought out my tire, hold on, I'll get it."
The Ranger runs back up the stirs, returning with the small wastebasket, he's pulling trash out. "It's here somewhere, I know it is, I just threw it away when I changed clothes---here it is!"
He hands the receipt to Alex, "You see hon---the date and time are right there---Orland, Texas----that's over 60 miles away and the time I signed for the tire was 8:33---there's my signature! Now, how can I be in two places at once?"
C.D. nods his head, "He's right Alex, I know where Orland is and it takes over an hour to drive that distance."
"Actually, it only took me less than 45 minutes to drive it, C.D. I kept the flashers on all the way. I got home a little after nine, I went straight upstairs and started showering----alone-----and there was no one else here."
Alex looks to Walker and then she starts walking in circles,  "Am I losing my mind? Walker----I heard your voice," she sobs.
                    "Hon, like I said, I don't know all the answers but we both know that voices can be imitated--and maybe someone has recorded my voice and pieced the words together. I'm going to find out who's behind this, someone is trying to set us up."
Suddenly Maize yelps, scaring C.D., causing him to jump. "I just remembered---I have proof too that the flowers were delivered---right here in my purse----give me a second."
The old woman starts handing C.D. things to hold, an object drops to the floor, she quickly scoops it up and turns her back to her friends.  "I got it---here Alex----here's the receipt that I signed, showing that there were flowers delivered. And, Cordell----I placed them right where you told me----I just arranged them a little differently-----I put some of the red rose petals on the bed-----and I put a single lilac---on the right pillow----I think it was the right pillow."
Walker's face turns a light shade of red as C.D. looks to him and grins. "Dat burn it Cordell----you do have a romantic bone in your body."
Alex tries to smile as she looks to Walker and the receipt, "You bought all these flowers for me?"
Walker stammers, "I damn sure didn't buy them for any other woman----those flowers cost me a fortune----and you don't even get to see them!"
The two look at each other and then Alex walks slowly towards him, "I'm sorry---I've acted like a complete fool---an over jealous woman."
Walker reaches out his arm for her and pulls her into him---"It's okay, hon---I would have reacted in the same way had the situation been in reverse." He kisses the side of her head as she buries her face into his chest.
Maize nudges C.D. "I think we better go."
The old man is clearing his throat, "Yeah, yeah---we better be going-----we'll see you two later----everything is okay----isn't it?"
"Would you come on, you old coot---can't you see they want to be alone." Maize pulls on C.D.'s arm.
C.D. is shoving the purse contents back at Maize, "Here---take this junk----why do you women carry so much junk----and what is this crazy contraption?"
Maize jerks him to the door, "You'll find out-----or rather----I will!"

                           *********************************************

Andy pulls the long dark wig off and tosses it to the other side of the car. He smiles to himself and gloats.
"I know that they saw me, I was so clever to wait until they were almost on the last stretch of road before pulling out in front of them. There is no way they could missed seeing the long hair----sometimes, I amaze---even myself."
His voice giggles then takes a falsetto pitch " Yes, you are so smart, Andrew. I know that woman had to have seen you, thinking you were a woman with the long hair and all. I'll bet she is so angry with her boyfriend, I'll bet she is throwing things at him, and calling him every name in the book--thinking that he was home---with another woman."
Andy nods his head in agreement, "Yes, and soon she will be leaving and going back to her apartment, she will be so vulnerable, she will be easy to overtake."
"But, Andrew---what about the doorman? He will not let you near the apartment, and even then he will ring her apartment before letting you in."
"You worry too much, sister dear---dead men can do nothing."
Andy is so busy arguing with himself that he almost fails to see the vintage Cadillac coming towards them, he slinks further down into the seat of the little Mustang. The mesquite trees are covering the car as Andy strains to look into the old car he only sees two figures.
"Damn it----this can't be happening---where is Alexandra, she's not with that old couple."
His voice changes back and forth as he argues with himself. "There is no way that Alexandra stayed with that Neanderthal--not by choice! He's making her stay---he's telling her all kinds of lies---how could she believe what he's telling her? She needs me---I must go to her---I must take her away from him---I'm coming, Alexandra---love of my life---I will save you."
The Mustang creeps closer to the Walker home, he pulls the little Mustang over into another cluster of trees, and turns it around, facing the road. Andy smirks, "Just in case we have to make a fast get away----I have to be prepared. ‘Daddy' always said---'be prepared'---I think those were his last words---right Annie?"
"Yes, Andrew----right before you split his scull open with that axe----the look on Mama's face when you held up his brain---was priceless!"
Andy takes a deep breath as he reaches under the car seat and takes out a similar weapon, but smaller in length. "I will enjoy bashing the Rangers' head in with my little 'toy'--- and you sister, dear can have what is left for your little 'experiment'.”
The door to the Mustang opens and Andy walks slowly up to the house, staying in the shadows of the trees. He approaches the porch slowly as the living room light goes out and the sentry lights come on. He scrambles quickly to the side of the house, breathing heavily. He circles the house slowly, and goes up on the back porch, leading to the laundry room. He tries the door, but it's locked. He shrugs, "Guess, it's time to try my old 'standby' in the basement."
He walks slowly towards the basement window, he reaches out to touch it--when the light suddenly comes on, and he backs up quickly. He's trying to look into the basement when he spots the Ranger coming down the stairs and looking around. He sees Alex stop at the top of the stairs.
"Alex, stay at the top of the stairs, I don't want you tripping over your gown, trying to maneuver those steps---I just want to check the windows."
Andy pulls back out of sight as Walker is coming closer to the window, Andy snarls as he clutches the axe tighter.  "Get a little closer, Ranger-- and I will bash your head in."
Walker sees that the window has been pushed back---"Just as I thought--this will definitely be fixed, come morning. In the meantime---it will be locked and the steel grate will be pulled down---not even a squirrel will be able to get through it."
"Walker---do you see anything?"
"I found the basement window open--don't worry---I'm locking it," Walker yells back.
Walker quickly looks around the basement, making sure there is no one hiding in the shadows. He breathes a sigh of relief and starts back up the stairs, then stops and heads for the other end of the basement..
Alex is getting nervous as Walker has vanished from her sight, "Walker---honey----where are you?"
Suddenly, Walker reappears with a bottle of wine in his hands, "Right here, hon---I thought maybe we could both use something to help us unwind."
She smiles as she reaches out to take his hand as he's coming up the stairs---"I definitely agree---and maybe a nice, warm, shower?"
Andy's anger is rising as he watches the couple pause at the top of the stairs to share a kiss and Walker's left hand goes gently to the back of the strapless gown that Alex is wearing. He hears them laugh, and the Ranger's hand goes lower to her buttocks, squeezing gently.
"You are making me angry, Alexandra---why do you let him  'paw' you like that?"
His voice changes again, "Because she is like a 'dog in heat'---they are all like that----''
"Silence! Do not talk about her like that, she's not like the others----he is making her do things that she does not wish to do."
"You are so blind, Andrew---the others lied to you and betrayed you---this one will do the same thing---you will see."
Andrew sits down on the hard ground, rocking back and forth, "No----nooooo--you're the one that is wrong---you are jealous---you've always been jealous of every woman that I have been interested in---I will prove to you that Alexandra wants to be with me---and not him! I have to find a way to get to her and take her away from all of this."
He looks around the outside of the house and finds the master bedroom and observes the small ledge that runs along the windows and the oak tree that grows nearby--it's mighty braches reaching out towards the ledge. He smiles, "What do we have here----another entrance? For a man that is suppose to be a smart lawman--he's not too smart in the security field."
Andy tucks the axe away under his belt and starts to climb the tree very slowly.

   ***********************************

The woman throws the tire jack down on the ground, "It's no use, I can't break the chains."
Denise is exhausted as she looks around her, "There's only one thing we can do---Lynn, you have to help us put the cinder blocks inside your car-----then take us to the nearest police station."
Lynn starts shaking her head, "I can't do that, I have to find my son first."
Tom is getting angry, his thirst is getting worse, "For Christ's sake----get us to the police first, then you can come back and look for your son."
Lynn is crying harder, "Noooo--don't you see---if Andy comes back and sees that the two of you have escaped, he will take it out on Michael---he's done it before----he's hurt Michael real bad---he's done some very bad things to my son."
Denise is trying to console Lynn as she starts to shiver from the night air---"We can't stay here and take the chance on Andy finding us---look what he did to Tom's eyes---he gouged them out----and he will do worse to us if he catches us. Please take us to the police first and they can come back and help you to look for Michael."
Lynn nods her head, "I will help you get into the car and get the blocks loaded, but first I am going back to the farmhouse---for one quick look---then we will go to the police—agreed?"
Tom groans as he tries to follow the sound of Lynn's voice, "Do we have a choice?"
Denise and Lynn maneuver Tom into the little car lifting the blocks in after him, next Denise crawls in beside Tom, in the back seat. Lynn gets behind the steering wheel and starts driving back to the little farmhouse.
"Be careful, Lynn---if there is a brown Mustang in front---please don't stop---drive like hell and get us away from here."
"I will, I will----I don't see any autos in front or anywhere around---it's safe for me to go in---I'll only be a moment."
Lynn jumps from the car and runs to the front door, Tom is shaking his head. "I don't have a good feeling about this, I'm not so sure we can trust her."
Denise looks to the front seat, Lynn has left the keys in the ignition.  "Tom, we may have to do some Houdini magic here, I need to get on the other side of you so I can climb over the seat----can you help me to lift the blocks?"
Tom groans, "Are you saying that we're going to drive away, then yes--I will help to lift the blocks again---for the umpteenth time."
The two start climbing over each other and for a moment, Denise is sitting directly over Tom's lower body--he has his hands on her naked waist. Denise clears her throat, she had forgotten what a handsome man, Tom Stevens is. She quickly moves over him, and Tom begins to weep.
Denise is halfway over the seat, she turns back to her friend, "What's wrong, why are you crying?"
Tom shakes his head, "I guess I suddenly see--or rather 'feel' that I am no longer a whole man. I'm scared, Denise-----at least you can see---but I have to rely on you to tell me what is out there."
"You trust me, don't you?"
"Yes," he replies weakly.
"Then, you listen to me---and listen good. We're going to get out of this and when we do---you and I are going to have that steak supper----do you hear me?"
The man nods his head, "Is that all that you want to share with me---I was thinking we could go to a nice romantic place for a night together---we owe it to each other to fulfill our needs."
Denise shakes her head in disbelief, "I can't believe you----we're in a dire situation and you're wanting to fulfill your sexual desires--is that all you ever think of?"
Tom tries to smile, "Apparently a few seconds ago you were having the same desires--I could feel your body tense up when you were straddling my midsection--you want me as much as I want you----admit it."
Denise sighs, "Okay---so I confess that I find you attractive---but you know as well as I do that if you could get your sight back, you would be off and running with any woman that looks at you twice, and I would be left in the dust."
Tom grins slowly, "You're probably right--about wanting to be with all beautiful women--but losing my sight has made me 'see' the light---so to speak---but I wouldn't hurt you, Denise---we wouldn't owe each other any commitments--we could just follow our instincts."
Denise is still trying to climb over the front seat, with her left foot dangling over the seat. "Tom, would you please just think about the present right now---you're going to have to try and stand up, so I can have more leverage to get behind the wheel---can you do that?"
"I suppose," Tom groans as he tries to stand, his head hits the roof of the car--"can you get over the seat now, how far are you from the steering wheel, can you turn the key---can you get us out of here?"
"One question at a time---okay--my left leg is almost to the floorboard, I'm turned sideways--but I can reach the key---steering is another question though."
"Can you hit the gas pedal?"
"Just barely, "Denise groans---"I guess if I have to--I can drive in this position to get us out of here--but--we can't just drive off and leave Lynn here."
Tom is still standing backwards, his head hitting the headliner, he swears, "I've got to sit down, this position is killing me---why can't we leave---drive to the nearest police station, then tell them where Lynn is---they can come back to help her find her son."
Denise has to shift her body back to the seat, giving Tom enough of the chain so he can sit back down. "You heard what Lynn said about Andy hurting her son, if he came back and found us gone, he would take it out on both of them."
"That's her problem!” Tom yells--"Let's just go before that maniac comes back and does us all in."
Denise remains quiet as she keeps looking at the front door, "I would say it's about 10pm or so, the awards ceremony should be over with----"
"What ceremony? What are you mumbling about?"
"The lawyers' convention---it should be winding down, it's a sure bet that Andy has attended, and if tonight is the night that he tries to take Alex Cahill, it should be happening soon and he would be bringing her back here."
"Why do you say that, what purpose would he have for bringing her back here---of all places?"
Denise is looking around their surroundings the best she can, "I don't know, I just have a funny feeling that this place holds a lot of mystery--come on, Lynn---what is holding you up/"
Tom kicks the back of the seat, "If she's not out here in exactly 5 minutes---start this damn car---and let's get the hell out of here."
Denise nods her head, "For once I agree with you--------"
The front door is slammed open and Lynn comes running back to her car, "He's here---my son is here, but I can't find him."
"How do you know he's here?" Asks Denise.
"I saw his little jacket, the one I bought for him on his 7th birthday, he's here---I know he is---and I found this," she replies, holding up a set of bolt cutters!
"Thank God--now get these chains off of us."
Lynn steps back from her car and stares at Denise being behind the steering wheel, "You were going to drive away and leave me here, weren't you?"
"No Lynn----we were waiting for you---if I had wanted to leave---we would have."
"I don't believe you----I'm not cutting those chains till you promise to help me find Michael."
Tom is swearing, "Not again---Denise---start the damn car--- let's get out of here."
Denise studies the fear in Lynn's eyes, "I promise to help you look for Michael, I will give you 15 minutes to find him--then we are out of here."
"Okay---I trust you," and Lynn goes around to the passenger side to climb in, and puts the bolt cutters over the chain. She groans as she tries pulling the links together. Denise is helping her to squeeze it together, it finally snaps. Denise gives out a victory yell, and Tom breathes a sigh of relief.
He whimpers, "That's the most beautiful sound I've ever heard----now please---get me loose from this damn prison."
Lynn starts scampering for the back seat and snaps Tom's chain into. They all breathe a sigh of relief and Lynn replies softly. "I think I may have a change of clothes that will fit you in my baggage, Denise---would you like to put some clothes on?"
Denise starts to laugh, "I would be so grateful, playing Lady Godiva is not my forte."
Lynn motions for Denise to follow her. Denise turns to Tom and touches his arm gently. "Tom, I am going back inside with Lynn, wait right here, don't go wandering off—okay?" Denise has found a pair of pants and a blouse to fit her, she's still barefoot.
"How long will you be, you said 15 minutes---do you promise that we will leave then?"
"Yes, I promise—okay, Lynn---you have 15 minutes, and if we don't find your son in that length of time, I'm leaving---and going straight to the police---understood?"
The woman shakes her long dark hair, "There has got to be another section to this old house, it's not the typical place that Andy generally picks."
Denise stares back at Lynn, starting to get that uneasy feeling again. "What do you mean 'generally picks'--you've been through this before--with Andy-haven't you?"
"I've known Andy for a long time, I knew his whole family--and believe me--they were 'one screwed-up family'---to say the least."
The women move slowly to the inside, Denise whispers. "How did you get mixed up with Andy---how did he get your son?"
"I made a very bad misjudgment--I thought I was in love with him, in the beginning he was a very nice person, but that was before---his sister was killed."
"Sister? You mean there really was a sister—Annie?"
Lynn laughs, "You've met the other side of him; you've met Annie---sweet---isn't she?"
Denise has a chill run down her spine, "Oh yeah--real sweet---the first time I met her, she came after me with a knife! He's got a spilt personality, how could you ever get involved with someone like that?"
"I could ask you the same question, Denise---how did you end up here---and naked? He had his way with you, didn't he?"
"He raped me," Denise snaps, “but I'm not his intended victim---he was using me to get to my boss-----"
"Alex Cahill?"
Denise stops in her tracks and glares back at Lynn---"How do you know about Miss Cahill?"
Lynn is heading towards a closed door, she turns to Denise--"Relax, I know all about your boss lady and Andy's obsession with her---I also know all about that 'boyfriend' of her's, that Texas Ranger."
"How? How do you know all of this---unless you're working with Andy."
Lynn takes a deep breath, "All I did was try and stall the Rangers into staying in Abilene longer---so that----so Andy could--take Miss Cahill! But, I failed and Andy said he was going to hurt Michael---that is why I'm here---to get my son----and get as far away as I can from that sick maniac."
"I don't like the sound of any of this---we have to warn Miss Cahill--we got to go--let's get to a phone."
Denise turns to run, but Lynn grabs her, "You promised me--you said 15 minutes----we're wasting time, I got to find Michael."
"Okay, okay---let's get this over with----have you been here before---where do you know to look?"
Lynn starts to cry as she puts her hand over her mouth, and replies, "Yes, I've been here before----this is where ---I conceived my son."
"Here? In this old farmhouse?" Denise looks at Lynn and then she starts shaking her head slowly, "No----please don't tell me that Andy raped you, too?"
Lynn is sobbing, "He didn't rape me---I was in love with him, I consented!"
"You're saying that Andy is your son's Father? How could he hurt his own son?"
Lynn is now opening the closed door, "You do not know what Andy is capable of-----you will see things in here that only your worst nightmare could hold---are you ready?"
Denise backs away, "I'm not so sure, could we just leave-------oh my God----sweet Jesus----what is this place?"
Lynn pulls Denise into the room, the light from the full moon shines in through the window, it's all the light that Denise cares to have as she stares back at the gruesome sight.

                                               *****************************

The couple stumbles through the bedroom door as Walker struggles to gain his balance. Alex's left leg goes around the Ranger's midsection as he gropes her body hungrily, his mouth taking all of hers inside him.
They're both breathless as Alex purrs, "What was I saying----about---a nice, warm----shower?"
Walker reaches down and scoops her up into his arms, walking slowly towards his bed, laying her down gently. He whispers, "Forget the shower--I can't wait----any longer----I want you now."
Alex begins trying to get her gown off, but Walker is too impatient as he pushes the gown upwards, and pulls her stockings and underwear down, spreading her legs with his knees. She gasps as she lays back and tries to help him undo his belt, she can feel his hardness.  She closes her eyes as she feels him climbing on top of her, then he enters her with one quick thrust.
He continues to kiss her deeply, pulling the gown down from her breasts and taking them both and squeezing them together, Alex moans.
"Walker---slow down---let me catch my breath."
His pace quickens as he kisses her neck, going down to her breasts, "Can't," he whispers" I'm too hot---ready to explode."
At almost the same moment he releases his fluid deep within her loins, Alex gasps as her body becomes completely engulfed in ecstasy. She breathes deeper, and she screams out in rapture. Walker collapses on top of her.
"I'm sorry," his voice is raspy, "I know you don't---like---it quick----but I couldn't wait----I owe you."
Alex is still trying to catch her breath, as she starts kissing Walker's chest---"You're damn right---you -----owe me--Cowboy---and I expect-----full payment within the half hour."
Walker is laughing and nodding his head, he reaches down and kisses her tenderly---"You can count on it, hon---now----how about some of that wine?"
She nods her head in agreement as he rolls off of her and begins to shed his clothes. He looks back at Alex as she is looking down at the new gown she just bought. Walker groans.
"Oh no---your gown---hon---I'm sorry----I wasn't even thinking--I'm sorry----is it ruined?"
Alex tries to smile, "No---nothing that a good cleaning can't take care of--you never even noticed it earlier, did you?"
Walker takes a deep sigh, as he reaches for the bottle of wine. "I confess---I didn't----so much has happened and then that stupid argument over your thinking that some woman was here with me----I didn't have much time to notice anything."
Alex tilts her head, her mouth sets firm, "Stupid argument? I didn't think it was stupid---"
"Alex---hon, come on---I didn't mean it that way," he starts towards the bed, completely in the buff---crawls back up on the bed and starts admiring her gown. He purses his lips in a little boy look, "I like your gown--I really do."
"So much for the gown, I've had it on for a full 5 hours, you never even noticed it, now it's all wrinkled---I never even got to show it off for you, I never got to see you in your tuxedo, and we never got to dance, I never-----"
He silences her with a kiss, "Enough already---- honey---your gown was--I mean is---beautiful--but don't you know by now that everything you wear---or don't wear can't compare to your beauty?"
Alex is trying to keep from crying, "But, I wanted to look extra nice for you tonight, I had my hair done---I took a mud bath----------"
Walker starts to snicker as he begins to nibble on the side of Alex's neck, "Mud bath? I seem to remember another mud bath that we both took, just awhile back--damn it woman---you look good in anything----even mud!"
Now Alex is laughing, "You're not off the hook yet, Cowboy---I still insist on getting you into a tux---and taking me dancing" She takes a long drink of the wine as Walker holds the bottle up to her.
Walker traces his forefinger down the blonde's cheek, pausing at the little mole to the left side of her mouth. He kisses it gently, "If that's what you want, that's what we will do. We won't be able to do any dancing there, but----what do you say------we go to see that play you've been talking about?"
Alex's eyes look back to the Ranger in confusion, "What play?"
"You know----the one with that guy with the mask over his face---at the opera?"
"The Phantom of the Opera? Are you serious---Walker--are you teasing me---you don't like that kind of music." Alex is jumping around in the bed and climbing on top of the Ranger. She stares back at him, her eyes are wide, "Please tell me---you're not teasing me?"

Sarcophagus – XII

Walker is grinning as Alex is climbing on top of his naked body, "I'm not teasing--and "no", I don't like that kind of music---but I figure since with all that's happened this evening and all---it won't hurt me to sit through it for a couple of hours.
Alex grimaces, "Uhhhh, honey--it's more like 4 hours."
"Four hours?? How can anyone stand to listen to that kind of mus------never mind-----guess I should have checked out the time before volunteering."
Alex lies down gently on top of his solid body and starts playing with his chest hairs, "I'm sorry about the argument and not believing you."
He massages her back gently, letting his hands seek out her soft flesh--"It's okay, hon---I would have reacted the same way, had it been in reverse----and I too, am sorry for getting upset with you. We were both angry, and when I see that Tom Stevens, we're going to have it out."
"Walker----what about that night you drove back from Abilene, did you have words with Stevens that night?"
"No, I never even talked to him---but I assure you if I had we would have had more than just words----but, he was pre-occupied."
"What do you mean?"
"After C.D. told me what happened, I was pretty angry---and I was hoping that I would run into him at C.D.'s---but C.D.'s was already closed by the time I hit Ft. Worth. I saw Stevens' fancy car in the parking lot, but it was having some activity--so to speak---he was with someone---I assumed it was one of the streetwalkers. I waited a few seconds and sure enough he emerged with some young lady, ---I didn't want to get her involved in even more problems, if she got busted by the police---so I just left and drove to your place."
Alex traces the hairline going from Walker's navel down to his mid section, she purrs--"Oh yes---I was so shocked to see you standing at my door--but pleasantly shocked. That night was magical, just like all of our nights together."
The Ranger smiles as he reaches down and pulls her gently up to him, kissing her long and tender. He stops and looks into her eyes, "Alex--how could you have thought that I was with someone else--after all that we've shared?"
She touches his lips, "I don't know---call me jealous----when I heard that woman's voice and then she said 'you were in the shower'--I just lost all of my logic--but--what was I suppose to think? Another woman answers your phone, and I heard you--or rather I hear someone that sounds like you--telling this woman to hang up on me--what was I suppose to think?"
Walker nods his head, "I guess you did what was expected----what about this woman's voice, have you ever heard it before?"
Alex rises up and looks back at Walker, "No--I've never heard it before, I don't know what your old girlfriends sound like."
The Ranger can still hear some anger in Alex's voice, "Okay, hon---that came out wrong----and just for the record--I don't think it was one of my ex-girlfriends, this is more along the line of what Tom Stevens would try and pull----paying some woman to try and cause trouble between us."
Alex shakes her head, "I'm not so sure--"
Walker begins taking the little flowers out of Alex's hair, her shoulder-length hair cascades down, he brushes it back from her eyes, "All I'm sure of is this," and he kisses her deeply. She begins to return his kiss, slowly at first then intensifying. They do not hear the light thud coming down onto the rooftop outside of the master bedroom. They are too wrapped up in the promises of ecstasy to see or hear the figure looming closer to the window, it quickly peers in.
Andy watches as Alex is moving slowly atop the rancher's long, hard, muscular body. He listens to them both moan as their bodies are aching for the other. Andy shakes his head in anger and disbelief as he watches the blonde attorney slither downward on the rangers' body, kissing him slowly, and nibbling gently at his abdomen.
"No," he whispers, "that should be me, enjoying the fruits of your labor--not him---he doesn't deserve you, my love."
Alex watches as the Ranger begins to breathe heavier, "I told you I would want my pleasure, too—slowly."
Walker exhales as he anticipates the pleasure to come, "You just take all the time you want---I'm not going anywhere."
The blonde giggles, "Don't be so sure, I may just take you to the moon------"
"You don't even have to bring me back, just circle the universe with me--let's visit every planet."
Alex starts at the scrotum, and gently starts a licking motion, moving slowly upward, her hand circling his manhood in slow upward motions. She continues to watch her lovers' eyes as he reaches for the top of the sheet to hold on to. She stops and blows a gentle, warm, breath onto his manhood as he exhales deeper.
Andy is tightening the grip on the little axe, as he moves closer to the window. He's breathing heavier as his anger begins to rise higher, "I will smash his head in, and then I will make him watch as I take Alexandra and make mad, passionate, love to her----- and then----"
He stops and watches as Alex has taken all of Walker's manhood into her mouth, rising up and down, letting it come halfway out, then inhaling it again, moaning softly.
Andy's anger starts to fade as he can feel his whole body starting to get warmer, his eyes begin to close and the vision of Alex with her lips caressing his manhood overtake him. He's breathing heavier as he feels his legs becoming weak, so he kneels down on the roof, putting the axe down beside him. He continues to observe Alex as his own hand begins to find his crotch, rubbing slowly.
Walker has his eyes completely closed; the sensation overtaking him has his body convulsing. He reaches down and touches the top of Alex's head, he whispers, "My turn now----what planet do you wish to visit first?"
Alex is purring as she leaves her treasure and climbs back up his lean body, she stops momentarily and kisses him hard. "You choose the planet----I will refuel the launching pad," and she rolls off him gently, reaching towards the nightstand.
Walker rolls over and starts kissing her breasts, taking each nipple and biting down gently, then letting his tongue encircle them. He moans as his tongue licks downward and stops at her navel.  He sticks his tongue in and kisses her softly, he then takes his forefinger and rubs it gently, whispering, "The portal of all life----"
Alex is licking her lips as she's fumbling inside the drawer with her left hand, mumbling to herself, "Where is it?"
Walker seems to be pre-occupied with Alex's navel, "Did you say something, hon?"
"I can't find the cream--I know it's in here--maybe it's on your side?"
Walker continues to massage Alex's navel with his forefinger, "Not on my side--- just your 'little friend'---you want him?"
Alex sighs as she watches the little game that Walker is playing with her navel, "If I don't get some action out of you soon, I may need 'him'---honey, what is so fascinating about my belly-button?"
He kisses it again and then reaches up to find Alex's hungry lips, "Everything about your body fascinates me," he continues to kiss her slowly and then retraces his previous route, going lower to her pelvis. He watches her as she too, anticipates the pleasure that is about to waken every inch of her body. He flicks his tongue out in one complete sweep of her vaginal area, and then back again.
"Oooohhhh, yes," Alex whispers, "that's where I want you---at least for a few moments."
Andy has stopped massaging himself as he takes another look into the window, seeing the Ranger in a kneeling position angers him more. He grits his teeth, as he watches Walker continue his onslaught. He can see Alex squirming, her body arching upward to the Ranger’s mouth. Andy can feel himself getting warmer, and his voice begins to change, as he begins to massage his chest.
"Ohhhhh, Andrew, I feel so warm, it's been a long time---since I have felt this way."
"Be quiet, Annie----I have to--- plan my next move---to get Alexandra."
Andy turns back to the window, he throws all caution away as he moves closer to the window---and watches.
Alex is coming up off the bed as she groans, "Walker----I'm about to explode---I don't want to 'cum' yet---please----come up here."
Walker is grinning, "Want your 'little friend'?"
Alex grabs the Ranger and kisses him, her whole body is jerking----"No---I couldn't take the both of you---not just yet," she purrs.
"Roll over," he whispers, "you are still so hot that my throttle is going into overdrive."
Andy watches as Alex rolls over on her stomach, reaching for a pillow to place under her, she raises her right leg higher as Walker massages her buttocks in a circular motion. He then caresses her tenderly with his tongue, going into her vagina from the rear. He pulls her vaginal walls backwards gently with his teeth, and then he inserts his forefinger, going deeper and deeper. His right hand caresses the length of her leg, then he gently lifts it higher as he positions himself behind her, entering slowly.
The thickness of him causes Alex to gasp, then she relaxes her muscles taking him in slower, and deeper. Her pace is slow as he gently pushes back against him, he lets her come all the way back, repositions himself and thrusts harder each time her body comes back to him. He breathes out slower as he bends over her back and starts kissing her backside.
Andy's eyes are going up into his head, and his manhood is getting harder as he envisions himself to be the one making love to Alexandra. He's groaning as he is constantly re-positioning himself to get a better grip against the ledge. He can feel his right foot starting to lose its grip, he swears to himself, and forces himself to stay in the same position. He opens his eyes wider, taking in the beauty of Alex's body.
"Sooooo soft," he whispers-"I can almost feel her---her skin is so soft, and hot."
Walker straightens back up, his hands going around Alex's slim waist, pulling her back against him, inhaling deeply. He stops and gently takes her left leg and positions it higher, letting the right one come down. Alex again gasps as his manhood enters from a different angle. She waits till his pace has equaled her's, then they both began a slow tempo.
The Ranger has sweat dripping down into his eyes as his tempo increases, Alex is moaning. "Ooooh yes---right there---oooohhhh, just a little faster----yes---that's it."
Walker is gasping for his breath, "Woman, you're going to have to make up your mind--slow---or fast?"
He can hear her giggle, "I'm a woman---I  can change my mind---if I want to----now slow down-----oooooh---yes---oooooohhh right there----slow."
Walker stops and pulls out of her slowly, rolling her over on her left side, pulling her right leg straight up, and entering her from the side. His left arm goes under upper torso, massaging her left breast. His manhood enters in an upward motion; she has to again---take him in slowly, then increases her tempo to his. Their bodies are starting to sweat more, as their tempo rises to an ultimate pitch. Alex reaches back to touch Walker's right thigh, and motions that she wants to change positions.
Andy watches as the 'love of his life' positions herself on top of the bearded Ranger, backwards. Alex begins a fast tempo as Walker's hands steady her up and down in a steady motion. Andy is starting to get light headed as he hears Alex moaning each time she comes down the full length of Walker's manhood. Alex then stops and turns around, facing the Ranger and leans forward. He raises her up lightly and inserts his penis into her from behind and then a slow pace begins as he pulls her forward and then back down against his throbbing membrane.  They both reach for each other's lips, their tongues going deeper each time. Walker rolls her over onto her back, pulling her left leg up and over his shoulder, thrusting deeper.
           The view from this angle is even better as Andy watches every thrust from the Ranger going deeper each time, Andy groans as his own tempo has increased, he can feel himself ready to ejaculate.  He watches as Alex's body has inched upward on the bed and Walker pulls her back into him, now putting her other leg over his shoulder, thrusting harder and faster. The sweat is dripping off him as Alex is caressing both her breasts and moaning. She stops and whispers.
She puts out her arms to her lover, "I want you against my body----I want you inside me."
Walker lowers her legs gently as they encircle around his waist, pulling him down to her in a nice slow tempo. Her arms go around his massive shoulders and back, massaging and whispering in his ear.
"OOOOOhhh yes---this is the way I like it--feeling every inch of our bodies against each other------"
Walker is breathing even harder, "Did I ever tell you"---(pant) that I think you're "--(panting more) a nymphomaniac?"
Alex is purring as her body takes him deeper into her loins, "Yes---you have----and you love it."
Walker's pace is increasing faster as he feels himself getting lightheaded, his legs are starting to become weak, and he can feel the rush coming over him. He can feel Alex's legs going tighter around his mid-section, he lays gently on top of her as their bodies move in a slow and rhythmical movement with one another. He kisses the side of her neck as he feels her breathing getting more intense.
Walker groans, "I could stay like this forever---your body is so soft and intoxicating---begging for more, but I feel you're about ready to explode------"
Alex inhales his body scent deeply, pulling him closer, "Nooo, not just yet---I don't want this moment to end," she finds his lips again, his right hand cups her buttocks into him, "I love this closeness, I love holding you tight like this."
Walker can feel himself getting warmer, a sensation is starting to shoot through his loins as he thrusts deeper, he throws his head back and they both climax. Alex's whole body is shaking as she feels the room spinning. Walker exhales as he lowers his spent body down on top of her, gliding his right hand up and down her back, soothing her.
Andy has ejaculated, his right foot misses its hold and he scampers to grab on to something. He can feel himself sliding downward, and in an effort to stop himself he grabs hold of the window. Alex has her head tilted to the side as she continues to massage Walker's body on top of her. She hears the slight thump and looks towards the window, she sees a figure staring back at her.
"Walker!" She's pushing him upwards; "there's someone at the window."
Walker is trying to climb off of her as he's looking over his shoulder, "What----are you sure?"
Andy turns quickly and tries to get his footing secure, he starts rolling off the roof as Walker is running nude towards the window.  He sees a figure hit the hard ground and give out a yelp.
Walker hits the side of the wall, "Son-of-a bitch---wait till I get my hands on that bastard!"
He starts running back to his chair, grabbing his jeans and reaching for his boots. He's hopping around, trying to get them on and Alex is grabbing a sheet, "Did you see him---Walker---be careful."
Walker is swearing as he gets his second boot on, he reaches under his side of the mattress and brings out a .357. Spinning the chamber, he grumbles, "It's not me you need to be concerned about--'cause if I get a clear shot, I'll blow that bastard away!" He runs to the door, jerking it open.
Alex scrambles to get out from under the twisted and damp sheets, runs to the window and sees a man running down the driveway. She looks back towards the garage and sees Walker jumping into his Ram and burning rubber and gravel to give chase. Andy has reached the little Mustang, guns it and takes off flying down the gravel road. He fails to stop as the gravel road meets with the exit road off 199, the Mustang starts spinning, throwing up the gravel. He flies across the highway and almost goes headfirst into a semi. The truck jack-knifes and starts sliding off the highway.
Walker is swearing at all the dust and gravel that the little car has kicked up, and as he hits the highway, he too almost hits the semi---broadside! The Ram comes to a screeching halt as the truck driver gets out of his rig and starts towards Walker, shaking his fist at him. The man stops and reaches for a tire iron, he stomps angrily towards the Ranger.
Walker is straining to see which direction the little car took, then yells at the trucker to get out of the way. The truck starts swinging the metal bar at Walker.
"You caused me to wreck my rig---I'll split your head into," the trucker swings the bar and Walker ducks. Walker reaches out and grabs the trucker's arm, spinning him around and shoving him into the side of the Ram.
"Take it easy---I'm a Texas Ranger---I was trying to stop that car."
The trucker is still angry as he swings at Walker, hitting him in the face. The trucker outweighs Walker by a good 100 lbs, Walker hits him with the back of his elbow, the man falls backwards, then comes at Walker again. He gets a foot to the chest as the Ranger slams him into the Ram again. Walker shakes his fist at the man.
"Stay down! I told you I'm a Texas Ranger," Walker reaches into his back pocket for his badge when he remembers that his wallet is in the tuxedo pants.
Other cars are beginning to stop as Walker runs around to his side to grab his radio and begins telling the dispatcher to tell the DPS to look out for a small, dark, car, traveling south down 199 at top speed.
The dispatcher is asking for more info, "That's all I can tell you---get back to me as soon as possible." The Ranger looks up to see the trucker coming at him again. The trucker stares back at Walker and swears.
"Don't look like no Ranger to me---where's your badge?"
Walker looks down at his bare chest, he sighs----"I don't have a place to pin it---but if you don't drop that tire iron--and pronto---you're going to be wearing the butt of this .357--is that clear?

The two men stare at each other, the trucker sees a look in the bearded man's face that he doesn't like and drops the tire iron. Walker exhales, "Did you see the car---is there anything you can tell me about it, make, model?"
The trucker grunts, "No---it all happened too fast---it came off that side road, doing 'lickety split'---I didn't have time to see nothing--look what happened to my rig---and I just made the final payment on it last week."
Walker looks to the rig, lying on its side. He shakes his head and slaps the trucker on his shoulder, "I'm sorry for your loss---are you okay---was anyone hurt?"
"No---just my pride----if I ever get my hands on that idiot---I'll rip him into!
Walker nods his head, and replies angrily, "Wait your turn---I get him first." The Ranger gets back into his truck and starts back to his ranch.

                                  ***************************************

The brown Mustang has hit I-30, it's driver is furious as he weaves in and out of traffic. He keeps hitting the dashboard and swearing obscenities at the motorists he's passing.
"No, no, no---it wasn't suppose to be this way--Alexandra is suppose to be with me tonight---that Ranger----he's to blame----why was she letting him do those things to her when I'm suppose----to --be the one----she wants to be with."
"I told you, Andrew--she's like the others--you saw the way she writhed and moaned at the things her boyfriend was doing to her--she liked it, Andrew---she's trash."
Andy begins to cry, "You're right, Annie---she is trash--I will make her pay, she will be sorry she lied and teased me with her flirtations, you'll see, Annie--I will make her pay."
"How, Andrew? Are we going back there?"
Suddenly Andy begins to laugh, he slows the Mustang down, his eyes turn a deeper green, the sardonic grin appears, and he answers slowly, "I wonder what our two little friends are doing back at the home front--I think it's time that they learned their lesson too. Annie---are you up to some experimenting?"
His voice changes again as he starts to giggle---"Oh yes, Andrew, I'm ready to play---can I have him again?"
"Why sister dear, are you feeling hot after what we just witnessed?"
Andy rubs his chest again and pinches his nipples, "Oh yes, Andrew---and this time---he will know who I am and what I am doing to him. What about her?"
Andy grins, "Denise? Oh, I have plans for her--you might say she will die laughing as she watches that helpless and blind rodent find his 'cheese'----his bait."

                                        *********************************

Denise stares into the room, and Lynn backs up slowly, putting her hand over her mouth. She's starting to have trouble breathing as she looks at what is before her. The two women inch more into the room, Denise starts coughing.
"It's stifling in here, I can barely breathe, what's that smell?"
Lynn starts shaking her head, "I'm not sure, but it smells like chloroform--I'm going to bust that window open."
The woman crosses the room and picks up an old chair and slams it into the glass, shattering it. She steps back towards Denise as she is looking at all the instruments lying on the table. She picks up a tool that resembles long needle-nose pliers. She observes knifes of all shapes, scalpels, vice-grips, saws, battery charged drills, and sacks of salt. At each corner of the table are handcuffs, linked to lead pipes that are cemented into the floor.
Denise swallows as she looks to Lynn--"What on earth does he need with all these things---Lynn, what is going on here?"
Lynn starts to cry, "Michael---oh my God----where are you, Michael---what has he done to you---this time?"
"This time? Lynn what do you mean---'this time'?"
Lynn starts to shake, she looks to Denise---"We have to get out of here--before Andy comes back---" she runs towards Denise, grabbing her hand, ---"hurry---we got to go."
Denise is scrambling after Lynn and looking back towards the room they just exited---"What did you see in there? What about your son?"
"No time to explain--I'll tell you on the way--hurry, Denise."
The two women hit the front screen door running, they come to a sudden stop as they see Andy standing by Lynn's car, he's got Tom's head in a hammer lock. He sees the women and he starts taunting them.
"Now, look who we have here---Lynn--welcome home, sweetheart---I've missed you," he spits-- then says quietly, "like the plague."
Tom is squirming to get out of Andy's grasp, "Denise----help me!"
Andy slams Tom's face into the front window of the car, the glass shatters and Tom screams out in pain. Denise is running to them screaming, "Stop it!!! Don't hurt him anymore."
Andy reaches out and backhands Denise across the face, she falls to the ground. He then stares at Lynn, "You want some of me, too? I seem to recall how you would beg me to stop beating you, want to try again to ---make me angry?"
Lynn is backing up as she starts to whimper, "Where's Michael, what have you done to our son?"
Andy's rage is elevating as he again slams Tom's head into the windshield, "He is not my son---stop saying that!"
"Okay, okay---I'm sorry----please don't hurt these people anymore---please tell me where my son is----please?"
Andy's sardonic grin overtakes him again as he mimics Lynn, "My son--my son--you are pathetic, Lynn!"
Denise is trying to stand up as Andy kicks her feet out from under her---"Whoops!!!---You fall down."
Andy is laughing as he turns Tom around and sees all the slithers of glass protruding from his face, he laughs harder as he adds---"And---you're ugly!"
Lynn starts towards Denise and tries to help her up, Andy glares at her. "Take her back into the house---now."
"No," she pleads, "just let us all go and we’ll forget all of this ever happened!"
"Do you think I'm stupid?" He yells back at the woman, and takes out a long slim knife and holds it up to Tom's neck, "take the bitch back inside or I slit his throat---move."
Lynn is crying harder as she keeps trying to apologize to Denise, they stumble back inside the farmhouse. Andy half drags and half shoves Tom into the living room, throwing him down onto the floor. He nods towards the room that Denise and Lynn were in earlier, "Drag this piece of crap in there---and hurry it up."
The women go to each side of Tom and steady him in between them, walking him into the room. Tom's face is bleeding profusely, and he starts to cry.
"Help me, Denise---please help--I'm so scared."
Andy begins to laugh even harder as he smirks back at Tom Stevens, "Big Romeo----you're not so big now, are you? And 'help'? You're beyond help, lover boy---you sealed your death warrant when you slapped me that day in the cafeteria----you nailed your own coffin when you made improper advances towards Miss Cahill! Now you will get to experiment first hand what I do to people who annoy me."
"No Andy---please, don't hurt him, he's blind----he can't hurt you anymore," Denise is begging.
Andy stops and looks at Denise and then to the cowering Lynn. "I see you have found some clothes to wear---compliments of Lynn--no doubt--but they will do you no good---corpses don't need clothes."
Denise starts to shake as she stands up and tries to run for the door, Andy reaches out and grabs her, dragging her to the table where his instruments lay. He picks her up bodily and slams her down on the table, she screams to the top of her lungs.
Tom is hysterical at Denise's screams as he is trying to crawl towards her voice, "What's happening? Denise----where are you--where------"
Andy silences him with a kick to the head, Lynn turns and start to run out, Andy yells to her---"Take one step more and you will never see your son again---get over here."
Lynn's body is shaking as she inches her way to the table then Andy slaps her. "Imbecile---you haven't changed---get the handcuffs on her hands and feet---do it woman---or you'll be sorry."
Denise is crying as she keeps looking up at Andy's eyes, she has never seen them so green---so angry. She softens her voice, "Andy, what's wrong, why are you so angry?"
Andy is shoving Lynn out of the way, "Work faster---do you think I have all night---get her hands cuffed."
"I'm sorry, I'm, sorry---" Lynn whispers to Denise.
Denise is now cuffed to the table and Andy looks around the room and smiles. He looks back to Denise----and shakes his head---"It's all her fault for making me mad--she shouldn't have done that."
"Who's fault, Andy?"
Andy's body takes on a childish gesture as he moves back and forth on the heels of his feet, and pouts his lips--"I don't like it when people make fun of me----my mama used to make fun of me--and so did my daddy--did you know that?"
Lynn gasps, "Oh no---he's resorting to his childhood-and his parents."
Denise's eyes grow wide, "What? What about his parents?"
Another voice overtakes Andy, it's deep and masculine---"What are you doing in there boy---playing with yourself again?"
"No, daddy, I'm being a good boy--you said if I were good, I could go to your office with you and help you work."

Sarcophagus – Part XIII

Walker has returned home, Alex is meeting him at the front door.
"Did you catch him?"
Walker shakes his head as he approaches the porch, putting his arm around her and walking back into the house. Alex is shivering under the little gown she is wearing.
            "No, hon---couldn't even get close! He was kicking up dust and gravel all over the place---when I hit the highway, I almost plowed into a semi."
Alex's eyes grow wide, "Are you alright, were you hurt?"
Walker kisses her quickly at the side of the head, and then walks to the downstairs closet, grabbing a shirt and a flashlight, "I'm fine, I'm going up to the roof to see if I can get any clues as to who it was."
"I'm going with you---this makes me so angry--to know that someone was--watching us."
Walker starts up the stairs, "I'm just as upset about it as you are, and believe me when I find the little pervert---he's going to wish his daddy had been sterile."
They go back to Walker's bedroom and the Ranger opens the window and steps out on the roof, he looks back to Alex.
"Stay inside, hon--this roof can be pretty slippery---as our 'little friend' found out---the hard way."

                           ********************************************

The young couple has made a feeble attempt at having intercourse for the first time, the young man is totally embarrassed.
"I'm sorry," he keeps repeating himself, pushing the horn rimmed glasses up on his nose, "I'm not any good at this--you must think really bad of me."
"No, I don't Wesley---I don't know what to do either--we're both------virgins."
Wesley keeps his head down as he rolls off of the young girl with long red hair. He swears under his breath, "I've never been this far with a girl before--I feel so inadequate--I'm sorry, Lisa." He turns the small lamp on.
Lisa sits up in her bed and covers herself modestly with the sheet. "I'm not blaming you, Wesley---I've never been this far with a boy either, we both have to learn together."
"I've watched a lot of x-rated videos, I thought I would know what to do and how to do it----I thought it would come naturally--this is so embarrassing."
"Stop it---Wesley--stop putting yourself down--I'm glad that I'm your first--it makes it special."
Wesley looks back at the young girl, "It does? I'm just surprised that you haven't been with another guy---what about that---Andy? Did he try--to make it with you?"
Lisa smirks, "No way-----I was really shocked at the way he acted on our date, he was very rude at times---and downright obnoxious!"
"What can you expect--from a weirdo like that guy? He probably gets his 'jollies' by going to all of those demonstrations---I'm telling you, Lisa--that guy has a screw loose."
"You keep referring to Andy as weird, what has he done that is so weird? Without all the gory details, what was involved in those demonstrations at the museum---please don't tell me they embalmed a real cadaver?"
Wesley just stares at Lisa, she grimaces and asks timidly--"Are you serious?"
"I'm afraid so, that's what these lectures were all about, showing how the Egyptians entombed their pharaohs, putting them in those coffins that are called sarcophaguses. There were several lectures and demonstrations on how to do it, and believe me, your boyfriend was very interested."
"Would you please stop referring to him as my boyfriend--we had one date---that's all! I don't think that entitles him to be called a 'boyfriend'!”
Wesley smiles nervously, "We've only had one date---do you refer to me as your 'boyfriend'?”
Lisa blushes, she nods. "One date and we tried to be lovers---I guess you're more than just a date--after all we did try to be intimate--I guess you're my boyfriend---if you want to be."
Wesley grabs Lisa's hand, "Yeah, I want to call you my girlfriend, can I?"
She giggles, "Miss Cahill was right."
"What, who are you talking about?"
"Miss Cahill, she works in the federal building, she's a lawyer----and very smart---not to mention----beautiful."
"Oh yeah, I think you've mentioned her before, is she a good friend?"
Lisa smiles, "Oh yes---and she's so nice--she doesn't look down her nose at us--'little people', she's always so polite and gracious----we had a very nice discussion about----dating and stuff---and she was right----she said that I would know when my prince has come, and I definitely see you as my prince."
"That's good," Wesley blushes, "does this Andy work for her, you said he was a lawyer."
"He's not a lawyer, at least not yet---he's Miss Cahill's law clerk--in other words he does a lot of running around and getting testimonies and stuff for Miss Cahill."
Wesley is puzzled, "Then, I don't understand, why he's so interested in all the lectures and stuff, you would think that he was going to med school--to be so interested in all that. He was asking the lecturers a lot of questions. Some of them were getting a little angry at all the questions that he was asking."
"What were some of the questions?"
"You said you didn't want to hear the gory details, but Lisa--there is no to other way to describe what happens at those lectures. To put it bluntly, after sitting in on those demonstrations a lot of sickos could be tempted to try some of the things they are witnessing."
"I said Andy was rude and obnoxious, but I don't see him as trying to hurt someone," replies Lisa.
Wesley pushes his glasses back up on the bridge of his nose, 'I'm not so sure--he was asking how long it would take to empty the bowels and the rest of the organs, and he was very interested in taking the brain matter out through the nose------"
Lisa's face goes white, "Stop it, Wesley--I don't want to hear anymore--that's so gross---no one could do that to another human."
Wesley takes Lisa's hand and kisses it, shifting around on her bed, "I'm sorry Lisa, but you did ask---and things like that really did happen back in the Egyptian period. It says so in the history books."
Lisa shakes her head back and forth, "You can't believe everything you read---and I don't care if it did happen--I don't want to hear about it---and Andy could never be that cruel----he was just curious."
The young couple remains silent, and Lisa slides down in the bed, "Let's talk about something more pleasant---maybe you could play some music."
"Sure, what kind of music do you like, I brought some of my CD's--do you like opera?"
"Some of it, you're not talking about the long haired opera, are you?"
"Naw, I was talking about the sounds of Giovanni, Clayderman, and all those guys--the soft classics--but I wanted to ask you, have you ever read the book, "The Phantom of The Opera?"
"Sure---it was a little spooky---but it was romantic---I like romantic novels."
"That's great! Because you know that the play is coming to the Dallas Opera house---next weekend---right?"
"Yeah, I heard something about it—why?"
"Would you like to go---Mr. Evans, my boss, can get us complimentary tickets--would you go with me?"
"Sure, I would love to go. I have a cousin that lives in New York, she said the music was beautiful, she sent me the disc---my favorite song is "That's All I Ask of You" sung by the heroine, young Christine."
"All of the songs are great, but I vision myself as the Phantom." Wesley smiles and stands up in the middle of Lisa's bed and starts singing in a uplifting voice, spreading his arms out.
"Sing once again with me:
                                          A strange duet
                                         My power over you
                                         grows stronger yet.
                                         And, though you turn from me
                                         to glance behind--
                                         The Phantom of the Opera is there
                                          inside--your mind."
Lisa giggles and starts clapping her hands, "Wesley---you have a beautiful voice--you sound just like the man that sang that song."
Wesley plops down on the bed, "Michael Crawford, he's great, isn't he? I love his voice, I wish----I wish I could sound more like him--his voice is awesome."
Lisa smiles softly, "Well, I think you sounded great---I think you're pretty awesome yourself."
Wesley finds himself getting rather warm, and his manhood is starting to rise. Lisa looks down at his erection and smiles sheepishly, "Maybe---we should try again--if you want to---that is?"
The young man pulls his glasses off and slides up to Lisa's side, "I want to----and this time---the glasses stay off."
A soft giggle fills the room as the lights go off again.

    ************************************

The sounds filling the room of the old vacant farmhouse are that of pure horror. The screams from Denise mingle with the cruel laughter of Andy, as his voice switches back and forth to the masculine, and then to that of his other self, Annie.
Lynn is shaking her head back and forth in horror, as she keeps praying. "Stop him---God---please stop him."
Tom is trying to stand again as he stumbles back and forth, trying to hold onto something. He's screaming out Denise's name as the sounds of a drill is being used; the whirring, gut-wrenching sound brings back faint memories to him.
"Denise! Denise---where are you? What's happening?"
Lynn is trying to pull Tom down onto the floor beside her, "Please, sit down------don't anger him---there is nothing you can do for her."
Tom is crying, his whole body is shaking as he holds onto Lynn, "What is he doing--oh God--what is he doing to Denise, what are those sounds?"
Lynn cannot answer, her voice is choked as she reaches out and pulls Tom's head down into her chest. "Let it be over with---please---let it be over with."
Denise continues to scream, and Andy yells back at her. "Be still----you're only making it worse! I told you not to make me mad, you got no one to blame but yourself and her."
The giggling of Annie takes over, "They never learn, do they Andrew?"
The screams start to fade as a gurgling sound is heard----and suddenly the room gets very quiet. Lynn looks up to see Andy walking towards her and Tom. He's holding something in his hand. Lynn is trying to scoot further away from him, but Tom is struggling to hold onto to her.
"What's wrong--what is he doing now---I don't hear Denise------what's happening --where's Andy?"
Tom is jerked up to his feet and he feels something warm and wet being shoved into his hand. He feels Andy's hot breath breathing down on him, and hears the sick laugh.
"You want to know where Denise is-----HERE!"
"What is this? Lynn----where are you?"
"Answer him, Lynn----tell him what he is holding in his hand!"
Lynn opens her mouth to speak, but nothing is coming out. Andy is grabbing her and shoving her into Tom---"Tell him, Lynn---he deserves to know!"
Lynn is choking back the tears, as she whispers-"Its-----her---brain!"

                                     ****************************************

Alex is straining to look out the bedroom window as she sees Walker moving slowly across the roof.
"Do you see anything?"
"No---it's pretty dark up here, a lot of dark corners, even with the flashlight, I may have to wait till morning to continue looking-----wait a minute--I just kicked something."
"Honey---please be careful," warns Alex.  "What is it?"
Walker is walking back to the window, climbs in and holds up a small, sharp, object----"It's some kind of axe."
Alex's body starts to shiver as she looks at the weapon, and what could have unfolded. "An axe-----oh my God----he wasn't just a peeping tom---that person meant to hurt one of us----or both of us."
Walker is holding the axe as careful as he can, he nods his head--"I'll get the lab boys out here---try to get some prints."

                                       ********************************

The farmhouse is quiet except for the crying of Lynn and Tom. Their bodies shiver together as Andy watches them.
He whistles as he continues to work on Denise's still body. Lynn is watching him, keeping her hand over her mouth.
"What's he doing---oh God----I wish I could see," whimpers Tom.
"Be thankful you can't see----I thought he had changed---but he's gotten worse--he's sick--oh my God--what has he done to Michael--I can't bear to even think about it."
Tom wipes his bloody hands onto his shirt---"I know Denise is dead and the ungodly way he killed her---but I hear strange noises, I can't make them out-----what's that smell?"
Lynn is trying to keep her voice down as she tries to answer Tom's questions. "It's chloroform---why is he using it now, why didn't he at least put her to sleep---before he killed her? He's so sick---I’m so afraid for my son, I don't think he's even here."
"What's he doing now?"
Lynn grabs her stomach as she pukes up vomit, "Oh my God, he's going to embalm her---I can't stand to watch---I'm so sick."
Andy is smiling down at his work, he whispers, "Now, I have to decide which one of your friends over there, do I bury you with? Remember me telling you, Denise--that I would never entomb you because you didn't have anyone to be buried with---well----I've changed my mind. After I get through with my little experiment, I will let Annie take care of our Mr. Romeo----and I will entomb you with both of them."
"What about that other woman, the one that is causing you so much trouble, Andrew---will you bury her with the rest of them?"
Andy smirks as his personality keeps changing, "Alexandra? No---she is special, I have a special place for her, maybe our guests would like to see the very special coffin that I have ready for Miss Cahill."
The feminine side of Andy is prissing around as she saunters over to Lynn and a terrified Tom Stevens. "My brother has something special to show the two of you, and you will watch with great anticipation as he shows you what he has in mind for that 'bitch'--Alex Cahill."
The door is locked behind them as Andy's counterpart reenters the masculine side, he laughs. "I will be right back, with my prize possession."

Tom is pulling on Lynn's arm, "Let's try to make a run for it."
"We can't, the door is locked---and how far could we get---you're blind---you can't see."
The minutes feel like hours as Lynn hears a dragging noise coming down the hallway. Their eyes fill with fear; their hearts are beating faster, as Tom manages to speak.
"What in the hell is that noise, what's he dragging?"
Lynn is looking all around her, "I don't know---"
The door is thrown back and Andy steps in, pulling a rope-----"I’m home---did anyone miss me?"
Andy pulls the object in, Lynn's mouth drops open, as she looks at the most beautiful of coffins that anyone could imagine. The coffin is smoothed with a shiny, glassy look, and about twice the width of a normal casket. There are all kinds of hieroglyphic writings and pictures of bulls. The bull was a common element in Egyptian mythology as was identified with the pharaoh.
Andy watches as Lynn's eyes go over the artwork of the coffin. She stares back at Andy in fright, "I've never seen one so beautiful, why is it so wide?"
The young man glares back at her, "Because I want 'the love of my life' to be comfortable in her new life, her journey into eternity." Andy runs his hands over the smoothness, "Do you like the color?"
Lynn swallows as she takes in the beautiful shade of lilac, against the hues of a darker blue and a faded orchid and gray. "Yes," she stammers--"the colors are---beautiful."
Tom is grabbing Lynn's arm, "What are you talking about--it's a damn coffin, isn't it? What can be so beautiful about a coffin?"
Tom feels Andy's fist crashing into the side of his head, "It's not just a coffin, you sightless imbecile---it's an anthropoid, the utter most in all sarcophaguses!! It's the elite, only the most worshipped of all the pharaohs had the pleasure of being entombed in them. The anthropoid, or person shaped coffins were important to the Ancient Egyptians as they were believed acted as a substitute body for use after death. This is why the dead persons are young and powerful to ensure them health in the afterlife! Don't you know anything?"
Lynn puts her hands up to protect Tom, "He didn't mean any harm---don't hurt him---please. Andy, why is the coffin---or rather the anthropoids so wide?"
Andy smiles as he walks back to the coffin, he runs his hands over the sleekness, "Do you think Miss Cahill will like it---I painted it especially to suit her, I know she loves lilacs, their sweet smell, and that body perfume that she wears-----is so heavenly. I did all of this for her---and for me."
Lynn groans as Tom is shaking his head, "What's wrong now, what did I miss----before that idiot knocked me out?”
"Andy---you can't be serious at what you're thinking----leave the Cahill woman alone-----her boyfriend will kill you if you try to hurt her."
Andy throws his hands up in the air in disgust, "You just don't get it, do you, Lynn?---You've always been so stupid---Annie tried to warn me about you, but I wouldn't listen, I thought-----you were different--I thought I could have feelings for you--when I brought you here----how long has it been, 6 or 7 years ago?"
Lynn's eyes begin to fill with tears, "Almost 8 years ago, I came here with you to prove how much I loved you, we made love and…”
"We didn't make love, you bitch---we had sex----I had my way with you, because you wouldn't leave me alone--always hanging onto me. Then you had to spoil it by saying you were with child----you tricked me into thinking that I had planted my seed within your womb---Annie was right---she's always right about everything."
Lynn sobs harder, "You can believe what you want--but Michael is your son---please tell me where he is. I will take Michael and we will go far away, we will never tell anyone what you have done---please Andy."
Andy smirks, "There is no place that you could go that I wouldn't find you, haven't I always found you in the past? And, just like a sniffling little bitch in heat, you always do my bidding."
"I do your bidding because you always threaten to hurt Michael if I don't----we could have a decent life if you would just leave us alone. But, every time you want to hurt someone--you come looking for us, just like this time with that Ranger and his lady friend."
Andy laughs, "Yeah, I give you one little chore to do, to keep the Rangers busy and away from Dallas---but you couldn't even do that, could you? It proves you are not a real woman or you could have kept her boyfriend 'occupied'?"
Lynn shakes her head, "I tried to do as you ask, didn't I quit my job in Lubbock and move to Abilene to get that job at I-Hop to keep an eye on them? I begged to get that job as it was the closest eating-place to the courthouse and was a popular eating-place for employees! The manager must have thought I was crazy, but I begged him, telling him all sorts of lies to get that job!"
Andy's sardonic grin reappears, "Yes---you even slept with the man to get what you wanted."
Lynn drops her head, "Only because you told me to do so---if all else failed---I did what you asked, because you took our---I mean 'my' son. What else did you expect me to do?"
"You could have used your feminine ways to seduce the Ranger too---why didn't you, Lynn?"
Lynn shakes her head back and forth. "He wouldn't even give me a second look, half the time he was in a such a big hurry that he wouldn't stay in the restaurant to even eat with his partner! He would have coffee, and then he would be heading for the courthouse-----I tried to get his attention--I wasn't the only one! There was another waitress that was trying to get his attention too---she too----struck out! He wasn't interested!"
"That's because--neither of you were real women---right, sister dear?"
"You're right, Andrew---maybe I should have been the one to work on the Ranger--after all---I fooled Mr. Ladies' Man---I fooled him good--he didn't even know that another man was giving him a blow job!"
Andy's laughter gets louder and Tom Stevens starts to grimace, "Oh God I'm going to be sick again."
"Okay, okay---so I failed to keep the Rangers in Abilene---just let me have my son--and we will leave."
"I can't do that---I may need your help again, Lynn---and this time you had better come through with your end of the deal--or you and your son----are dead."
Andy turns back to the coffin, and asks, "You want to know why the anthropoid is so wide---because--Alexandra will have company."
Tom clears his throat and asks softly, "You're going to bury the Ranger with her?"
Andy slams his hands down in disgust---"Another stupid question!!! No, you idiot---that boyfriend of hers will have no need for a coffin, he will be a walking, slobbering, idiot when Annie gets through with him! I am the one that will be buried with Alex Cahill---and the two of us will live in eternity!”
Tom laughs to himself and then he says quietly--"Yeah---you're right about one thing---you will be buried--but I know Ranger Walker and I know his temper---- he'll bury you-but not before he pulverizes your body."
Lynn begs, "Tom, please be quiet--don't anger him anymore than what he already is."
Tom becomes quiet and then he stammers, "Easy for you to say, he plans to keep you around for more of his dirty work---but  what about me--what plans does he have in store---for me?"
Annie giggles, "Oh, I have big plans for you, Mr. Ladies' man---something you couldn't ever imagine----even in your wildest dreams---or should I say---nightmare?"