DOWN THE ROAD

Kaye Leigh rode straight to the bunkhouse, grabbed a bedroll, some supplies, and then headed to Curtis’s house to get one of his guns. She was going to stay out on the range tonight; she did not trust herself to be around Jeff tonight. He wanted to stay in the house and she could not stop him.

She rode north and found a place to set up camp. Kaye Leigh had stayed out on the range an number of times, the first couple she was a little scared but now it wasn’t bad at all especially on the warmer days like today. She tied Skye’s reins to a branch, started gathering up wood for her fire, and began to set up her camp. The only things she did not have with her that she would have liked to have was a change of clothes and her writing supplies. Jeff had to go back to work tomorrow so she would go back after she was sure he was gone. It took her about an hour to set up camp, she had her cell phone with her, but she had turned it off. When she finished she sat down by the tree, watched the sunset and cried some more.

Jeff looked at his watch, it was almost ten, where was Kaye Leigh he wondered.

“Where’s Kaye Leigh?” Curtis asked when he came back in.

“She hasn’t come back yet.” Jeff said.

“I didn’t go out to the stable so I didn’t know if Skye was back in her stall or not.” Curtis said.

“She wouldn’t stay out on the range would she?” Jon asked.

“With your sister there’s no telling.” He replied. “She doesn’t have any supplies though.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Becki said as she came in. “One of the guys said that she stopped at the bunkhouse grabbed a bedroll and some supplies then went to Curtis’s house and come out with a gun.”

“Great.” Jon said. Jeff shook his head.

“So that’s her solution to stay out on the range until I leave?” he said.

“Looks like it.” Curtis said laughing.

“This isn’t funny Curtis; she can’t stay out there by herself.” Becki said with concern.

“Becki she has stayed out there more than all of us put together.” Jeff said.

“So were not going to go look for her?” Becki said disbelieving.

“I have no idea where to start looking, this ranch is huge, and I am sure that she wouldn’t go to her usual spots.” He told her.

“So send others out too.” She said.

“Don’t worry Becki, Kaye Leigh will be fine.” Curtis tried to assure her. Becki just looked at all of them then went to her room and slammed her door.

“Well at least Kaye Leigh isn’t the only one mad at me.” Jeff said. The other two laughed.

Kaye Leigh was still sitting by the tree when she heard someone coming; she could not see that far outside the fire light.

“Who’s there?” she yelled.

“It’s Tim, boss.” He answered. What is he doing out here? Kaye Leigh wondered.

“What are you doing out here Tim?” she asked when he got closer.

“I wanted to make sure you were ok.” He said getting off the horse.

“I’m perfectly fine out here on my own; I do know how to take care of myself.” She told him.

“Let’s just say I don’t like the idea of any woman being out here alone at night, I’d never be able to sleep knowing that you’re alone out here.” He said.

Kaye Leigh looked at him and laughed.

“What’s so funny?” he asked looking at her sideways. “You’re just not what I pictured that’s all.” She replied.

“Well neither are you.” He said smiling at her. “Anyway I don’t think you should be out here alone, so I am giving you a choice. Either I stay out here with you, or you come back with me.” He was looking at her.

“What about neither?” Kaye Leigh said smiling.

“Sorry but that’s not an option ma’am.” He replied.

“Well since your not really giving me a choice it better be we go back, I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.” She said.

“Then let’s get you packed up and back before they send out a posse.” He said starting to pack up her supplies. When they finished packing, they put the fire out and headed back to the house. She really did not want to go back, but she also did not want to stay out there with Tim, she did not feel very comfortable alone with him.

Tim rode a little behind her; he really did not like the idea of her out there alone over night. He would have loved to stay out there with her and gotten to know her better, but he knew before he suggested it she would not go for it. He could sense the tension between her and Jeff, he wondered what was going on, but he did not dare ask. Tim took her up to the house, and then took Skye to the stable.

“Night boss.” He said.

“Good night and thanks Tim.” She said.

Kaye Leigh went into the house, she knew that her hair was a mess and her face was probably tear streaked.

“Where have you been, it’s almost eleven Kaye Leigh?” Jon said from the dinning room. Kaye Leigh turned and faced everyone.

“If you really must know.” Kaye Leigh started. Everyone knew that she was pretending she was in control so that she could not be hurt more. “I was going to stay out on the range tonight, however Tim showed up and said he didn’t like the idea of a woman out there alone, so he said I had a choice either he stayed or I came back. Since I am still married for a little while, and since I know what commitment means I came back.” She finished sarcastically.

“You’re married for life Kaye Leigh so get over it.” Jon said.

“Maybe I want to be like you dear brother.” She snapped.

“Knock it off both of you.” Jeff said. “That was a good choice you made Kaye Leigh, I wouldn’t have been too happy finding out that you had spent the night out there with him.”

Kaye Leigh laughed. “That’s good coming from you Jeff.” She said looking at him. Jeff opened his mouth to say something but Kaye Leigh cut across him. “As fun as I am sure this was going to be, I’m tired so I am going up to bed. You can sleep on the couch, in the barn, in someone else’s bed; it really doesn’t matter to me, I have a very busy day tomorrow.” She said smiling as she headed upstairs.

“Good luck with her.” Curtis said laughing as they watched Kaye Leigh walking away.

“You’re glad you stayed aren’t you?” Jon said trying not to laugh.

“Thanks guys I can feel the love and support.” Jeff said. “Are you sure I can’t strangle her just a little?”

“Sorry but no.” Jon said laughing.

“Good night Jeff, hope the couch is comfortable.” Curtis said laughing.

“Who says I’m sleeping on the couch?” Jeff said.

“You can try to put Kaye Leigh on the couch.” Jon said. Curtis laughed again.

“Why would I even think of doing that when I am sure she will make my night so enjoyable?” Jeff said sarcastically. They laughed as they went out the door. He did not intend to sleep on the couch when he could sleep next to his wife. He was really glad that she came home he wasn’t sure what he would have done had Tim stayed out there with her, he would be having a talk with Tim tomorrow when he got home from work.

The kids were already in bed and Becki had never come back down after she slammed her door. He turned off the lights and went upstairs. He opened the door to their room; he was surprised it was not locked. He turned on the lights and almost laughed aloud, Kaye Leigh was curled up on the window seat asleep. He stood and watched her for a few minutes, when they look back on this in a few years they will have a good laugh over it.

Jeff picked her up and laid her on the bed, he got undressed, got into bed next to her and wrapped his arms around her.

“You’re supposed to be on the couch.” She said. He chuckled.

“You’re supposed to be asleep.” He said.

“Jeff?” she said. He sighed.

“Yes Kaye Leigh?” he replied.

“This doesn’t change anything.” She said.

“I didn’t figure it would.” He said, kissing her cheek.

Jeff was gone when Kaye Leigh woke up the next morning, she was glad she wasn’t sure what she would have done if she woke up next to him. She got up, called her attorney, Mr. Fisher, and set up an appointment for later in the day. When she finished setting up the appointment she went and took a shower and got dressed. Becki and the kids were already up and downstairs when she came down.

“Morning guys.” Kaye Leigh said.

“Morning.” They replied.

“See you later mom.” The kids said as they were heading out the door.

“Hey wait a minute, where are you going?” she asked.

“We’re going to the lake with David.” Grace said.

“Oh yeah, sorry I forgot. Have a great day.” She said.

“I’m going to town.” Kaye Leigh said after the kids left and she poured herself a glass of tea.

“I’m going with you.” Becki announced.

“As long as I don’t hear a lecture.” She replied.

“Do I need to ask where we’re going?” Becki said.

“To the lawyers’ office.” Kaye Leigh said.

“Nope I didn’t need to ask.” She said.

Becki went upstairs to get ready. The two of them pulled into the parking lot of the office forty-five minutes later and went inside.

“Hi Nancy, I’ve got an appointment with Mr. Fisher.” Kaye Leigh said.

“Hi Kaye Leigh, it’s good to see you again. Yes he’s expecting you go on in.” Nancy told her.

“You can wait out here.” Kaye Leigh told Becki. Kaye Leigh went into his office, she really liked Mr. Fisher, he and his wife attended the same church as she did.

“Kaye Leigh how are you dear?” Mr. Fisher asked.

“I’m ok and how are you and you’re wife?” she replied.

“Good, good, we can’t complain. Now what can I do for you young lady?” he asked.

“I want to divorce Jeff.” She stated matter of fact.

“Really? I didn’t realize you were even having problems, I always thought you two were in love and so happy.” He said shocked.

“Well I found out my husband is having an affair.” She said trying not to cry again, Mr. Fisher handed her a tissue.

“Thanks.” She said smiling weakly.

“I’m so sorry dear.” He said patting her shoulder.

“I don’t want anything from Jeff other than what I brought into the marriage which is my ranch. He is refusing to leave right now so I was wondering if there is someway I can force him out of the house before we go to court.” Kaye Leigh said.

“Morgan, I didn’t think I would see you again this soon, I was shocked when I got your message.” He said when she opened the door.

“I’ve missed you terribly.” She said laughing and pulling him into the room. Morgan started to kiss him.

“Hey slow down, what’s your rush?” he said laughing.

“I want you.” She said.

“We’ve got a while, let’s just take it slow.” He said kissing her.

“Can you stay the night with me?” she asked.

“Not tonight, I will see what I can do and maybe tomorrow.” He told her.

“Let’s hope so or I might have to do something drastic.” She told him, he laughed.

“Is Jeff’s name on the house?” Mr. Fisher asked.

“Yes.” She replied.

“Then the only way to get him out is to get a restraining order or personal protection order. Did he hit you and give you that black eye?” he asked.

“No Jeff would never hit me.” She said shaking her head.

“He would have to threaten you or physically hurt you in order to get a judge to issue one.” He said. “I can get the divorce papers drawn up and they can be ready for you to sign by the end of next week. Can I ask what Jeff says about all of this?” he said.

“He claims he didn’t have an affair, that the pictures and everything else was set up to make it look that way.” She said. “What do I owe you?” He looked at her.

“Nothing until it’s over.” He said. He was not going to take money from her, she was upset right now, and he wanted to have a chance to talk to Jeff before he did anything. He could not tell him what Kaye Leigh and he discussed but he could find out the whole story.

“Thank you Mr. Fisher.” Kaye Leigh said and shook his hand.

“You’re welcome Kaye Leigh; I hope to see you in church Sunday.” He said. She made a noncommittal noise.

“So did you get everything you wanted?” Becki asked.

“No I didn’t, there’s nothing I can do to get Jeff out of the house before any settlement is made. I would have to have a restraining order, do you think I could get him to hit me?” she said.

“That’s not funny Kaye Leigh.” Becki said seriously.

“Whose side are you on Becki?” she asked.

“Neither Kaye Leigh, I want this to work out for you. You and Jeff love each other deeply and I don’t want you to throw your marriage away over someone like Morgan especially when you know that Jeff would never turn to someone like her.” Becki said.

“Really Becki, then why is Morgan here again?” Kaye Leigh said pointing. Becki turned around; Morgan was walking across the street and did not see them.

“There has to be a good reason Kaye Leigh.” Becki said.

“Yeah, they couldn’t wait to see each other again.” She said angrily.

Kaye Leigh drove straight to Jeff’s office.

“Hi Lane is Jeff in?” she asked when they went in.

“Yes, you’re lucky he just got back a few minutes ago.” Lane said. Kaye Leigh looked at Becki.

“Don’t jump to conclusions.” Becki said.

“Is something wrong?” Lane asked.

“Is he with a patient right now?” Kaye Leigh asked ignoring her question.

“No, he’s back in his office.” Lane replied. “Are you ok Kaye Leigh?”

“Yes, I am perfectly fine.” She replied.

Kaye Leigh went back to his office; Becki followed her telling her to calm down.

“You just got back huh? Where were you Jeff?” she said as she walked in the door. Jeff looked up and smiled at her.

“Hi Kaye Leigh, Becki.” He said. His shirt and hair were messed up a little, Becki was still sure that he would never have an affair. “I didn’t expect to see you.” He said getting up.

When he smiled again Kaye Leigh could not control herself any longer, she brought her hand back and slapped him as hard as she could.

“Kaye Leigh stop it.” Becki yelled shocked. Kaye Leigh began to laugh.

“You’re no better than Sam.” She said. “Becki look he’s just getting back, his hair, and shirt are messed up. You really should have straightened yourself up better before coming back to the office. Do you still believe him Becki?”

Kaye Leigh went to slap him again, but he grabbed her arm.

“What are you talking about?” He yelled angrily. Kaye Leigh tried to pull away from him, but he would not let go of her.

“Let me go!” she hissed.

“Not until you calm down and tell me what is going on.” He said.

“Morgan is here in town.” Becki said quickly before Kaye Leigh could say anything.

“She is?” Jeff asked. Kaye Leigh was able to pull her arm away from him.

“The dumb act is old Jeff, you don’t know who you’re sleeping with, and you don’t know why she’s here, just save it for the court.” She said.

Kaye Leigh picked up their wedding picture and threw it at the wall as hard as she could, the frame shattered.

“Kaye Leigh stop it!” Jeff and Becki yelled at the same time. She went after their family picture next but Jeff was able to grab her and hold her arms down.

“Let go of me!” she yelled trying not to cry.

“No! Kaye Leigh listen to me.” He said.

“You don’t have anything to say that I want to hear.” She yelled at him.

“None of this would have happened in the first place if you would have listened to me when you got the letter.” He yelled angrily, regretting the moment it was out of his mouth.

She stopped struggling.

“You’re right Jeff.” She said dejectedly. He let go of her. He and Becki were watching her closely.

“What do you mean Kaye Leigh?” Becki asked.

“This is my entire fault I pushed him into Morgan’s bed.” She said quietly.

“I’ve never been in any other bed then yours Kaye Leigh.” He said angrily.

“I’m going home.” She said walking out of his office.

“Kaye Leigh wait.” He said.

“Jeff give her some time ok.” Becki said.

“I think we’re running out of time Becki.” He said. Becki gave him a hug.

Becki caught up with Kaye Leigh in the parking lot.

“I’ll drive home.” Becki said taking the keys. She got in on the other side. They stopped at the store before heading home, Becki ran inside to get some milk and a few other items they needed. While she was in the store, Kaye Leigh called a locksmith to have the locks changed.

“Do we need anything else before we leave town?” Becki asked when she got back. Kaye Leigh shook her head.

Jon and Curtis were on the porch when the locksmith pulled in.

“Hi Jack what are you doing out here?” Jon asked.

“Kaye Leigh called and wanted her locks changed as soon as possible.” Jack said.

“Does Jeff know about this?” Curtis asked.

“I have no idea.” Jack replied.

“Before you start let me give Jeff a call.” Jon told him.

Jon went inside and called Jeff.

“Hello?” Jeff answered.

“Hey Jeff, you ok?” Jon asked.

“Yeah I’m fine.” He replied.

“Kaye Leigh has Jack out here to change the locks, did you know that?” Jon asked, he heard Jeff throw something. “I told him to wait until I talked to you.”

“Tell him that I’ll be there in about ten minutes.” Jeff said and hung up. Jon went back outside,

“Jeff said to wait until he gets here, he’ll be here in about ten minutes.” Jon told him.