Ryder Policy

Ryder Policy by C. L. Scholey Whispers Publishing www.whispershome.com Copyright ©C. L. Scholey First published in 20...

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Ryder Policy by C. L. Scholey

Whispers Publishing www.whispershome.com

Copyright ©C. L. Scholey First published in 2011 NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution to any person via email, floppy disk, network, print out, or any other means is a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. This notice overrides the Adobe Reader permissions which are erroneous. This eBook cannot be legally lent or given to others. This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.

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CONTENTS Also by C. L. Scholey Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine About The Author Find your favorite fantasy at... ****

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**** Ryder Policy C. L. Scholey Warning This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language. This material is meant for mature audiences!

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Also by C. L. Scholey Love's Dangerous Territory My Assassin Lover Assassin Master A Lesson In Espionage Timeless Witch [Back to Table of Contents]

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Ryder Policy A Whispers Publishing Publication April 22, 2011 Copyright (C) 2011 C. L. Scholey Cover illustration copyright (C) Anistasia Rabiyah ISBN Not Assigned All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system-except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the Web-without permission in writing from the publisher. All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention. Published by: Whispers Publishing, P.O. Box 1165, Ladson, SC 29456-1165. [Back to Table of Contents]

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RYDER POLICY By C.L. Scholey [Back to Table of Contents]

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Dedication For MJ and Luca [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter One The large man leaned nonchalantly against the tall, commanding oak tree, which stretched upwards toward the brilliant blue sky. Its budding limbs rose Heavenwards, swaying in a come-hither motion, as though to capture one, solitary cotton white cloud in the beckoning distance. The man's impassive face could be described most often as brooding, but not at this very moment. His head was cocked to the right side; the heady aroma of pine tickled his flaring nostrils. The approaching sound was unmistakable. His shoulders tensed, his jaw tightened for a brief moment, then relaxed. He kept his weapon holstered—a deadly-looking Sig Sauer P229, forty caliber, semi-automatic. The foliage before him was dense, bush abounded in a multitude of vivid spring color, partially obscuring his vision. He remained, for the most part, unconcerned, though his heart began to palpitate in anticipation. The danger was immense. Still, he refused to budge. Come on, he thought impatiently. The brush before him swayed into an opening, like the appearance of a magic doorway into another realm. Perhaps it could be construed as such. The aperture preceded a feral being. The immense, dark brown beast lumbered its unhurried gait through the foliage door and stopped. His massive head rose regally to sniff the air, as an unfamiliar scent caught its attention. Hudson remained immobile, unafraid. 9


The grizzly lifted itself majestically onto its hind legs when he spotted the lone man. He roared his displeasure of the intrusion into his domain. Hudson's face lit with a small smile and he finally shifted his powerful physique, ever so cautiously, to stand ready. Though his stance was nonthreatening, his arms dangled at his sides, prepared for anything. The tips of his right fingers caressed the hilt of a six-inch knife blade hanging belted at his hip. An identical weapon was sheathed under his pant leg at his right ankle. He was unconcerned. Hudson's amusement rose as the beast sized him up. The animal stood a good head taller. Its black eyes gazed into Hudson's dark, chocolate brown eyes. Hudson knew he was also an impressive figure, at least to other humans. Standing six foot six he towered over many. He was massively muscled and weighed a good two-eighty. Not many were stupid enough to mess with him. Apparently, neither was the grizzly. It snorted and snuffed impatiently. The beast dropped to all fours. He batted the ground, its sharp claws leaving an imprint deep within the forest floor, an empty show of bravado. Hudson remained undaunted; he held his ground without so much as a twitch. The furry creature bellowed his irritation once more, turned and lumbered away in a different direction. Hudson chuckled as the bear's backside disappeared from whence it came. The foliage accepted it back into its womb of safety. Under the cover of security he could still hear the animals moaning growls of indignation. 10


"You sound like a disgruntled perp," Hudson said aloud. He shook his head with comical amusement. Hudson began making his own way through the forest. His lungs breathed deep the fresh, clean-smelling spring air. A gentle breeze fluttered the sides of his thick, raven hair. Barely a sound could be heard under the gentle crunch of his hiking boots. He stopped for a moment when he broke through the army of trees. Resting his foot upon a rock, knee bent, he draped his arm over his faded blue jeans. Before him stretched the mile wide span of a quiet lake. The view of ice-capped mountains dotted the edges. A bald eagle soared on a gentle current of air. Not one ripple marred the perfection of the beauty before him. It was of course uninhabited; it was the breathtaking picture of serenity. Not one soul spoiled his view, not one puff of smoke or any other indication another living being was close—just the way he preferred his retreat to be. He was completely alone. Smiling to himself, Hudson moved on. His long anticipated vacation had begun. **** The lean-to Hudson had built was sturdy and large enough to fit his generous frame. A small fire blazed before him as dusk settled around him like a blanket. Mist swirled around the edges of the lake, like Mother Nature's sexy lingerie tempting a lover. An owl hooted, another replied from a small distance. Hudson turned the roasting spit situated before him. He had caught and skinned a rabbit. The creature had been 11


plump; it must have been a calm easy winter in these parts; truth be told, he had never encountered such a stout rabbit. On another twig he had skewered a fish, a large tasty bass, and swirls of the tempting aroma rose to tease his senses. He poked at the rabbit, testing its readiness. A small sizzle of pinkish juice slipped down the side to drip onto the small flame. It still had a few minutes to go. He leaned back on his elbow, stretching his long legs out before him. An adventuresome bullfrog croaked, and then quieted. Hudson yawned loudly with lazy contentment. Beside him was a stack of dead branches he had chopped to pieces with a small axe he carried. He was not in possession of a backpack. All he needed he would catch or make for himself. Once every year he made this trek into the deep woods. Man and nature bonding, as his friends laughingly referred to it. Hudson had joked with them, but it held a deeper meaning. His mother had died shortly after he had turned thirteen. She had been killed by a drunk driver. Although her misery ended swiftly, Hudson's had only begun. He had been devastated over her loss and could not seem to overcome his depression. His father had also been at a loss. Every day the life of his only child seemed to slip farther from his tenacious grasp. Hudson had turned within himself, unable to battle his grief openly. One day his dad had packed him up, and driven him to the woods. He handed him a knife, the same one he now wore at his ankle, and a small axe. With his hands placed on his shoulders, his father had told him he needed to decide if he 12


wanted to live or die. But he wasn't going to watch him fade away before his very eyes. His father had told him he loved him more than anything in the world, and with tears in his eyes he had literally dumped Hudson alone to fend for himself. Hudson had watched with wide-eyed horror as his father took off, leaving him all alone in the middle of nowhere. Always having been very large for his age, deep inside he was ashamed at his fear, but that had been the first time he had been forced to fend for himself. He hadn't been certain of what frightened him the most, the loneliness, or seeing his powerful father brought to tears. It had been do or die. He had learned to fend for himself. He had learned how to take care of business. He had learned his life had not stopped with his mother's death; it had just opened a new chapter in an empty book that begged to be filled with his experiences. Most importantly, he learned he wanted to live. The solitude had become a cloak of serenity while he hashed out, and lashed out, his feelings of anger and betrayal. His mother had left him alone, after all, he hadn't abandoned her. He hadn't broken her heart. He had screamed his rage, smashed the trunks of the giant oaks with long sticks he obliterated. Running irrationally through the endless brush, stumbling, and then regaining his feet only to stumble again, until he had collapsed face first into a pile of leaves, unable to run any longer. Sobbing, he had rolled over, his arm over his eyes, his clothing soaking up his frenetic rush of tears. His frantic heart 13


had calmed to the point where he had heard the sounds of whispers telling him he would be fine. It was, of course, only the wind playing tricks, but the whispers were gentle and reminded him of the quiet bedtime stories his mother used to tell him. He had lain, listening, until he didn't feel quite so alone. Strangely enough he held no animosity towards his father for leaving him out there. He came to the grown up conclusion he'd had no choice; he had wanted to save his son. Hudson determined his mother had no choice either. In the depths of his soul he knew she would move heaven and earth to be with him. The realization set him free of his anger and he was able to deal with his painful emotions. When his dad returned for him, they never spoke of it again. But they were able to discuss his mother without the pain of loss to vividly send their hearts spiraling to their knees. It wasn't until years later his father had confided he had been close all along, watching over him, his hope an open book upon his face that he would understand his reasoning. Hudson had understood, it had helped make him the man he was today. Every year on that same day in early May, Hudson found himself in the same woods, alone. Since then his father had also passed, but surprisingly it wasn't as devastating a blow. He had mourned his loss and moved on; knowing if he didn't his father would somehow find a way to kick his ass from the grave. It also gave him a sense of peace knowing his mother was no longer alone. 14


The fire crackled and popped before him. A small flame teased its way up the leg of the roasting rabbit like a searing caress. As Hudson removed his knife and cut into the meat, juices flowed, dripping over his fingers. He cut off a generous hindquarter and blew on it before taking a healthy bite. He groaned at the delicious taste that filled his mouth with a banquet of flavor. When he finished half of the meat he attacked the fish with gusto, making short work of it. He belched with contentment after satisfying his hunger, then rose to his feet, gathered the bones of his meal and buried them a fair distance from his camp. He stopped to relieve himself on a tree. He ambled back to his camp, figuring on stringing the rest of the rabbit from a bough in a tree, to keep it safe from land animals as well as flying ones, so he could enjoy breakfast before varmints could make off with it. "Damn it!" he exclaimed after a quick glance by the fire. It appeared he was too late. Something had already made off with his breakfast. Hudson scanned the area, but it was hopeless. Night had fallen. There weren't enough stars in the sky as yet to see clearly. He sighed, realizing he would just have to catch himself something else for breakfast. He tossed another log on his fire and settled back for the night. With his arm tucked under his head, and his belly full, it wasn't long before he drifted into a deep sleep. ****

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Hudson roared when his naked body hit the ripple-free, glass-like surface of the darkened water. The lake was frigid and Hudson surfaced after his jump, feeling invigorated. He tossed his head back and forth, ridding it of the icy water. With long, leisurely strokes he swam to the tiny island in the middle of the lake. He hauled himself up onto a multi-colored rock and again bellowed out in his deep, commanding voice that he was alive and strong and powerful—a force to be reckoned with. He had done this as a teenager and each time he came since. In his fanciful thoughts he hoped to take his message to his mother. If he could just yell loud enough, maybe she could somehow hear him. Smiling to himself, he once more dove into the clear lake. His vigorous strokes sliced through the water with ease. Within mere moments he reached his destination. Hudson strolled naked to his camp. A soft, cool breeze glided over him, arousing a fine layer of goose bumps to spatter his arms and legs. He hummed to himself, enjoying the freedom and peacefulness of being alone. His smile faded when he noticed the fish he had caught earlier had vanished from over his fire. He scratched at his head, finding the scene unusual. Animals usually stayed away from fire. He could understand some beast making off with the rabbit last night, as he had laid it somewhat off to the side, but for something to snatch his meal, stick and all, it didn't make any sense. "What the hell?" he muttered. A rapid glance around his camp and his heart sank. His axe was also missing. He donned his clothing. Thankfully his 16


weapons and identification remained high in a tree, placed in a small waterproof sack within clear view of the lake. He crossed his arms over his chest in aggravation. His jacket was gone as well. Scowling, he crouched near the ground by his fire. The dirt had been disturbed. An imprint of a tread from a shoe was clearly visible. It would seem a thief lurked within the forest. Well, Hudson wasn't without his own capabilities. He caught thieves for a living. Although at this very moment he was offduty, it wouldn't hurt to show this thief a valuable lesson in staying on the right path of the straight and narrow. He balled a massive fist and struck it into his palm. The sound was like a clap of thunder. Hudson rose, armed himself, and set out to retrieve his things. **** The branch Hudson studied with eagle eyes was broken, the ground disturbed. The perpetrator had been this way. Whoever it was seemed to be tiring and getting clumsy. With disgust he came across the remains of his breakfast, a small pile of fish bones picked clean. It was still too difficult to get a good idea of who he might be after. He had caught no glimpse. Whoever it was seemed to be hightailing it away and fast. Afraid of repercussions perhaps? Well good, because there were about to be many. Hudson moved farther on silent feet. He wanted this sack of pus to be caught completely unaware. I mean really, he thought, who steals a guy's jacket out here? 17


It wasn't long before Hudson crouched low to the ground. He smelt the wisp of smoke before he saw the fire's flame. He could hear the crunching of feet as the person moved about. He slipped his weapon from its holster. As always the Sig felt familiar nestled within his palm. He was going to make certain the fool pissed himself before he was through. He emerged from the bush with a cocky, sinister smile on his face. He stood there quietly, watching his target, who had his back turned to him. With an inaudible sigh, Hudson reholstered his weapon. Instead he crossed his arms over his chest and replaced his 'You are so totally screwed,' glare with a stern, but not quite so intimidating look. He then cleared his throat loudly for a dramatic effect. The perp turned immediately and, openmouthed at Hudson's sudden appearance dropped the firewood she had been holding. A smallish log landed upon her sneakered toe and she cried out. She took a faltering, limping step back. Hudson was certain she meant to run, her frantic eyes darting quickly to her right, and he prepared himself for a chase. To his surprise she held her ground with frightened, hesitant determination. She withdrew a jackknife from her pocket, the open blade no more than an inch or so in length. Hudson's eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't have been more than five foot five. Her build was slim. Was she nuts? How on earth did she think she was going to be able to take him on? "You're serious?" he asked incredulously. "Stay back!" she hissed. 18


She waved the small knife slowly back and forth. Hudson couldn't help himself, he laughed uproariously. The entire concept was just too ludicrous. He was no longer angry, thinking she must be lost out here and when she had found him she was too frightened of his formidable appearance to show herself. Most women kept a cautious distance from him until they got to know him better. "Honey, I could cut myself worse on a dull razor than on that teeny little thing." "I will kill you," she said with dead seriousness. "You'd have to get near me first," he said, and chuckled. "Why don't I make it easier for you?" He sauntered closer. Absolute panic lit her eyes and he almost felt sorry for her—almost. His stomach growled with hunger; he figured she had stolen half his rabbit as well the night before. Her body began shaking and he was surprised she didn't flee; perhaps she was frozen in fear. He gentled his look and held his large hands splayed in a complacent gesture. He smiled down on her. Her head was already tipped upwards to meet his gaze; she wasn't even tall enough to reach his shoulders in height. When he was a foot away she lunged for him. He had been ready. He grabbed her wrist and disarmed her easily. She spun low and when her hip collided with his thighs he was taken off-guard when she flipped him onto his chest. His breath came out in a large startled, "Oomph." He recovered and grabbed her ankle as she bolted. She went down hard onto her knees. He heard her cry out when she hit the dirt. Her elbow came back and smashed into 19


his mouth. She rolled and kicked at his chest with the leg his hand wasn't clamped onto. Her foot collided with his breastbone. Hudson swore a foul oath; damn she was a tough little bugger! She was fighting like a crazed maniac! He didn't like hurting anyone, and he disliked hurting women less, but he needed to stop this once and for all. He grabbed her none too gently, flipped her under him and pinned her beneath him. She struggled wildly, but he kept her immobile. "You'll only hurt yourself," he stated, keeping his voice calm. He understood her fear. It was what saved her from him smacking her, as she beat and clawed at his chest. In a last ditch effort she thrust her hips up and tried to wiggle out from under him. Her knee smashed into his back. "I warned you," he said, shaking his head with resolve. Hudson lifted his huge fist into the air as though to strike and wrapped his other hand around her throat, applying gentle pressure. She stilled immediately and whimpered. Her wild, terrified gaze settled onto his closed, raised hand. Her fingers splayed before her in a pleading gesture. Her eyes filled with tears that spilled down her wan cheeks. Hudson let her think about it for a moment. His expression, he knew, was fierce. It was then he heard a small sound. It was coming from inside the tiny cave she had sought shelter in. The tempo rose higher. "Please," she wept. Her hand then settled onto the arm that held her throat. "Please don't hurt my baby." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Two Hudson lowered his fist. He removed his hand from her throat, but kept her pinned beneath him. He looked down into her frightened face as she continued to plead with him. It made sense to him now why she wouldn't flee, why she chose to fight a man who could obviously kill her without breaking a sweat. She continued her steady stream of pitiful words, her breath coming in a gasping hiccup as she begged for the life of her child. The babe within the cave was whining out a string of babbling words increasing in tempo. He heard, "Ma na, da ya, ba, ma." As he watched, he heard the woman gasp in terror as the tiny tot crawled from within. His jacket lay over the child's rump. The baby's eyes lit with acknowledgment when it saw its mother. "No," the woman beneath him called as the baby crawled with purpose towards them both, the entire while continuing the stream of babbling words. His jacket slipped off her back end to languish amidst the leaves. "Please don't hurt her," the woman begged. When a tiny, pudgy hand settled onto his thigh, Hudson lifted the child gingerly into his arms. The baby smiled a wide grin, flashing two pearly white bottom teeth. She immediately latched onto Hudson's hair and gave a tug. "Like mother, like daughter," he exclaimed as he pried her attacking tiny fist free. He chuckled down at the child in delight; the tiny imp had the grip of a baby warrior! He gently 21


wrestled the two hairs she had been able to yank from his head out of her tiny hand. "Please give me my baby," the woman beneath him pleaded. The resemblance between the breathtaking mother and beautiful child was unmistakable; both had the same vibrant, indigo blue eyes and long, thick black lashes. The mother's hair was a long, deep auburn. The short tufts of the babe's were a deep strawberry blond. Hudson rose, taking the girl with him. The mother scrambled to her feet and reached for her, but Hudson kept her at bay. He continued to study both mother and child. The baby couldn't have been more than ten or eleven months. Except for a few smudges dotting her clothing she looked the picture of health; it was apparent they hadn't been out here long. The baby stuffed her thumb in her mouth, and then tried to put her fingers into his mouth. He blew gently on her face and she chortled and ducked to hide her face in his neck. Her tiny nose was cold and Hudson cuddled her closer. He ran his large hand over the downy softness of her head. "What are you doing out here? Are you alone?" he asked. The woman bounced from foot to foot in agitation. Hudson moved to retrieve his jacket from the ground. When he had the baby wrapped within the engulfing denim, he lowered the child into her mother's arms; she crushed the child to her breasts and sobbed in relief. "Yes, we're alone," she voiced quietly, she gazed at him with wary distrust. Her chin rested on top of the babe's head. 22


"What's your name?" he asked. "Simetra, and this is my daughter, Ryder. Who are you, and what do you want?" "My name is Hudson, and for starters I'd like my axe back!" Simetra looked up at him guiltily. She motioned towards the stack of fallen wood; his axe rested on top. Hudson ambled over to pick it up. He surveyed the area. Beside the fire pit were the remains of at least ten of his pack of emergency matches. He raised an eyebrow and gave Simetra a sideways glance. "Never started an open fire before, have you?" he asked with amusement. Her cheeks brightened a brilliant shade of red. He crouched low to peer into the cave, which was no more than a possible wolf den. It was dark and damp and smelled fetid. The woman's coat was lying on the hard dirt ground, no doubt as a bed for the baby. It was freezing inside the darkened hole; no wonder she had confiscated his coat. They were lucky they hadn't frozen to death during the night. Hudson rose to his feet, angry. He approached the woman, who had yet to stop shaking. "You spent the night in there?" he demanded, his face twisted into a furious scowl of outrage. "All alone, no blankets, no food, except what you stole from me, and no fire? Damn, woman, where's your sense?" "I didn't have any matches," she mumbled. She shifted from foot to foot at his open display of anger. "I didn't have any choice." 23


"What the hell are you doing out here in the middle of nowhere with that infant?" He was now all business, standing less than a foot away from her, hands on hips. "Were you the one who made off with my rabbit?" She nodded up at him; her shame was apparent. "You should have asked for my help last night for the child's sake at least. Look, Simetra, I'm a cop. If you're running from someone you better tell me now. Where's the baby's father?" She hung her head and refused to speak. "When was the last time the baby ate anything?" he demanded. His hand gripped her chin in his refusal to be ignored, lifting her head up. Again, Simetra colored a bright red when physically forced to meet his glare. "I fed her before you arrived." "What? The fish?" "No, I'm still...ah...I'm breastfeeding," she muttered. "The food was for you?" he asked. "I didn't know if she could have bits of rabbit or fish. I have lots of milk; as long as I eat she will be fine." Hudson just stared down at her. She was right. He remembered his mother telling him he wouldn't touch solid food until he was a year old. He turned out fine. But he wondered what to do with them. His friend had dropped him off and wouldn't return for him for another six days. It would be difficult to trek their way out of heavy bush. There were no trails to follow, and they had the baby to consider. They were at least a hundred miles from civilization. He ran a quick hand over his face, pondering the dilemma. No, it was better to stay put and wait it out. 24


Hudson released her. He strode over to the fire and stomped it out, ignoring her squeal of protest. He reached into the cave and grabbed her jacket and, after shaking it out, he scooped the baby into his arms, again ignoring her protests. He handed her the flimsy coat and told her to put it on. "Follow me," he demanded, again no nonsense. Then with long strides, carrying the baby pressed against his chest, he strode off in the direction of his own camp. If she wasn't going to tell him what he wanted to know that was fine, but he had his own agenda. He was out here for a muchneeded break and come hell or high water he was damned well going to relax! **** Simetra sat inside the warm, snug lean-to. She was still feeling a bit stunned at how this had come about so suddenly. She wondered if perhaps she was in shock. These last months had been hell. When they had returned to Hudson's camp he had reinforced the walls of his shelter, mumbling it was fine for him, but not for a baby, and sealing them in more tightly. He had barely said more than a few words to her before leaving them alone. The fire burnt brightly in a stunning brilliance before her. She was nursing Ryder while Hudson was out hunting. She hoped he caught something; she was famished. It was early evening and she was feeling uncomfortable. When he returned he would no doubt question her again, only this time in depth. She was positive he wouldn't take no for an answer. 25


What was she to say? Oh, we were dumped out here to die, no biggy! Ryder had stopped suckling. She was asleep. Simetra took her baby finger and wiped a drop of milk from her chin. She hugged her baby closer and kissed her forehead. Her body rocked with the magnitude of her emotions as they screamed at her. How could he have done this to her? To their child? How could he have left them alone with his brother, Terrance? What was she gong to do? She felt so afraid and vulnerable. Reflecting back, she still wondered why Terrance's lackey hadn't harmed her or Ryder. She knew Terrance wouldn't have the balls to commit cold-blooded murder. But Banner; now he was scary. He had grabbed her before she could escape. When he had tossed both her and Ryder into his car she never imagined he would just dump them out here, in the middle of nowhere. They had nothing, no means of survival. What was the point? Did he want them to suffer before they died? How could he be so cruel? And then when she had come across Hudson she had been certain Banner had hired him to kill them. After she had stolen Hudson's cooked rabbit she had thought all night about him being in the exact same place at the same time. Could it really have been coincidence? He said he was a cop, and he had shown her his warrant card with identification. He had mentioned every year he took the same vacation. She wondered if Banner had known that. But why would he turn her over to a cop? It made no sense when he had to know Terrance needed them dead. 26


Simetra lay the baby down. Ryder remained snugly wrapped in Hudson's jacket. He had mentioned his friend was returning to get him in less than a week and they were going to sit tight. At the end of those six days she was, in no uncertain terms, going to spill her guts if she knew what was good for her. She shook with the thought. She had never met such a formidable man before; he was more intimidating than Banner, but in a different way. She knew he wasn't kidding. He told her if she didn't explain right down to the last detail he would call child services and charge her with endangerment. She almost expired with the thought. No one was going to touch her baby! She had snarled that out to him, her teeth ground together so viciously his eyes had widened. She was willing to take him on for her baby. For Ryder, she would battle the world. Her gaze shifted as Hudson approached. Over his massively muscled shoulders was a small, young doe, hardly more than a fawn, really. She felt a moment's compassion for the animal, but shook it off as her tummy grumbled in hungry protest. She loved venison. Her appetite had been pathetic at best these last few months since Max had died. She had only eaten to make certain her milk would continue to flow. When Terrance, Max's younger brother, had told her they were penniless, she had been horrified. Max's death had been classified as a suicide; he had shot himself. She hadn't believed it then and believed it less now. When Terrance had confronted her with her husband's life insurance policy she had almost vomited. For some reason 27


there was a condition to the rider policy Max had never mentioned—if anything were to happen to Ryder, or herself, Terrance would inherit over a million dollars. She hadn't even been aware Ryder had been added to their policy, and for such an excessive amount. It didn't make sense to her. Max had hated Terrance and vice versa. Max would rather hand over their worldly possessions to the neighbors' ill-tempered cat! Hudson strode past her into the woods without offering her a glance. She watched his easy gait, the long-legged stride. He moved as though he were carrying a feather. She was again wondering what to disclose to him. Delicately speaking, Max's affairs were somewhat iffy with legality at times. To her knowledge no one had ever been hurt. Until now. Ryder lay sleeping. Simetra calmed her thoughts by watching the rise and fall of her tiny little chest. She marveled again that they were still alive. She had stumbled onto Hudson their first day in the forest, only a few hours after Banner had dropped them off without a word, and a shove in the direction of the lake. For a terrifying moment she thought he had meant to drown them. Instead he had offered her one of those smiles that made her skin crawl and he got back into his car. She stood there shaking, the baby held tightly within her arms. Once inside his car he again pointed towards the lake. For the briefest of seconds she was certain she saw compassion in his normally cold eyes. The look was gone before she could really comprehend the meaning. She had walked towards the lake 28


needing water, making slow progress, wary of all the different sounds. Although she loved the woods, she had never in her life been camping alone. Hudson's fire had caught her attention just as the sun was beginning to set. She had crouched low to the ground, creeping closer on careful feet. She trembled when she saw he was armed. He was huge! She wondered if he was what Banner had in store for them. But if he was, he should have been looking for them. Not sitting quietly, looking content as he ate. Her mouth had watered as he took bite after bite of the heavenly smelling meat. Thankfully Ryder had been sleeping. She had turned her jacket into a carrier for the baby, leaving her hands free. She had remained in her hidden position for so long her legs had cramped and ached. She had almost sobbed aloud when he seemed to attack the fish with his mouth. When he rose and sauntered away, she didn't think, she just acted. She made a dash for the remaining rabbit and took off with it. She stuffed pieces into her mouth, mindful of the bones, and ate on the run. She had been lucky to stumble onto the small cave a short distance away. She had curled her body around the baby and slept fitfully throughout the long, lonely, frightening night. Again she watched with some misgiving as Hudson approached. He held a huge piece of meat in his hands. Without a word he tied it between two large sticks with fishing wire he removed from within the hilt of his hollowed-out knife handle. He set his makeshift rotisserie over the fire. Once 29


finished, he settled back and leveled his piercing brown eyes upon her, making her squirm uncomfortably. Without breaking eye contact, he meticulously rubbed the blood from his hands using dried leaves. "I don't need your entire life story, just the ones pertinent to why you're out here with a baby." His tone was decidedly no-nonsense. Simetra swallowed hard, feeling an interrogation was imminent. Her fingers played with a small rip in her jeans caused by their tussle. She cleared her throat a few times. She wasn't afraid he would abandon her out here. Whether he was offduty or not she sensed he was a man of honor. That alone gave her strength. "I need your help, please," she asked, feeling subdued. "No kidding," he scoffed. Her eyes rose to meet his. She knew in an instant her vulnerability was visible to him, as his look softened. "Someone's after you." It was a statement. She supposed she should have been shocked by his uncanny perception, but oddly enough she wasn't. "Yes," she muttered. "Is it your husband?" "No, my husband, Max, is dead. And I'm positive his brother murdered him, just like he wants to murder Ryder and me." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Three Hudson was almost certain his jaw could have ricocheted off the rock beneath him when his mouth dropped open at her disclosure. Slowly, he shook his head. He could see she was serious. He regained his composure quickly. After turning the meat on the rotisserie he sat calmly before her. Her body quivered like a frostbitten Chihuahua. "Why do you believe your husband was murdered?" "He was shot in the head." Hudson didn't know what it was, but he knew she wasn't being exactly truthful. His interrogation skills honed, he sensed by her tense, fidgety body movement, the fine bead of sweat that appeared at her forehead, her dancing fingers, she was being evasive. For all he knew she could be her husband's killer, though he doubted it. He could also interpret temperament with a great deal of self-taught skill; she would kill to save her child, but she didn't seem capable of a coldblooded act. Perhaps her husband had threatened her baby? "This Max, was he your baby's biological father?" "Yes." "When was he killed?" "A few months ago. Right before Ryder turned seven months." "You say he was shot in the head. Did you see it happen?" She squirmed, looking uncomfortable. Her lowered eyes rose to his. Her chin quivered. "No," she breathed out on a soft breath. 31


"Then what makes you so certain? What proof do you have?" A sneaking suspicion her husband's death was declared a suicide popped into his head. She had the classic signs of denial, grasping at a tenacious thread. But her disillusions could cause someone great heartache. If she fantasized her husband was killed and didn't leave her on purpose it would be easier to accept his death, especially with the little one. Although it still made no sense what she was doing out here. Why bring a baby out here with no supplies? Unless she was running—or hiding. He wondered then if her husband was really dead and this was a custody issue. Although that could be a possibility, he quickly dismissed it, thinking he would handle one issue at a time. It also wouldn't be smart to tell a cop of a death if there wasn't one. He could find out easily enough, she would have to be smart enough to understand that. So for now he remained with the assumption the man had really died. Perhaps her mental health was collapsing? Hudson watched her thoughtfully; she didn't appear to be mentally off, just emotionally drained. Perhaps her husband's death had taken its toll and she just needed time to get away and think. Simetra hung her head, and then turned as Ryder, awake from her nap, crawled into Hudson's lap. The baby rattled off a bunch of incoherent words in a hushed tone, giving her the air of communicating a secret to Hudson. Simetra looked at him in surprise when he took the tot to his chest and cuddled 32


her. Smiling, he babbled back her own words, causing the babe to squeal loudly with delight. "I've never seen her take to someone so quickly," Simetra said. "I like kids," he replied. "I can see that." Ryder pulled herself up to stand in his lap. With his help she wobbled on her unsteady, pudgy legs. "Well, little lady, aren't you the fashion statement in your blue overalls and blue sweater," Hudson said, although it was more of a question posed to her mother, as an eyebrow rose. "I dressed her like a boy," Simetra stated. Her eyes darted about as though she were uncomfortable. "Making a break for it?" "Trying to." "Who dumped you out here? Or did you manage to escape from whoever it was?" "He left us here," she muttered, head lowered. Hudson could see she was on the verge of tears. Ryder preoccupied herself with one of his shirt buttons. Her blue eyes then skittered off in a different direction as though something distracted her. She smiled with delight and waved a chubby hand. Hudson gazed over his shoulder, but he could see nothing. "She's been doing that since we got out here. It's a bit creepy," Simetra said, and gave a small grimace. "Dryads," Hudson stated. "Hmm?" 33


"They're wood nymphs. They hang out around oak trees. The forest is full of them." "The forest is full of wood nymphs?" she asked, incredulous. "No, oak trees," he replied with a wry grin and a quick wink. She was slowly shaking her head. "You sound like my mother with her silly superstitions." Hudson smiled at her. "My dad used to take my mom and me camping all the time. She told me all about Dryads. They are friends of Artemis." "Yes, I know all about Artemis," she replied with a dismissing wave of her hand. "I wouldn't doubt it with a name like Simetra." She cocked her head to the side. "Not many people put it together so quickly. My mother was a bit fantastical, so she reversed my name, thinking it would somehow protect me." "Artemis protects women and girls." "A lot of good she has done me." Hudson chuckled at her petulant expression. "She protects virgins. You're obviously no longer a virgin," he commented, and jiggled Ryder until the baby laughed. Simetra turned red. "Maybe Artemis sent you to me for protection," he said with a teasing air. "Maybe," she mumbled. Hudson handed Ryder over to her. He turned the meat again. It smelled heavenly. Juices were beginning to drop into the small flames, making them dance and sizzle. 34


"I thought Artemis protected deer," Simetra questioned, and gave a quick motion to the meat. "She does. This poor little thing was trapped between a large pile of rocks. She must have fallen, her leg was broke. I put her out of her misery. She was dehydrated from thirst. I swear when she saw me she looked relieved, if a deer can look relieved." "Where's the rest of it?" "I have it just over there." Hudson motioned to a spot a small distance away, where tendrils of smoke rose. "I'm smoking it. It will last all week that way and I won't have to leave you to find more food. Except fish, and you can both come with me when I fish." He refrained from mentioning he had been hesitant to leave them alone. For one thing he was worried she would bolt. For another he was worried what might get them. They were both defenseless. There were wolves in these parts, grizzlies, and perhaps even a hunter or two of women and children, if he were to believe her story. "So, who was it that dumped you out here?" he asked. "A man named Banner." She shivered as she said this, her face paled, and he understood she was fearful of the man. He decided he believed at least that part of her story. "He works for my brother-in-law. That's the part I don't understand. I'm certain he was supposed to kill us. Why he just left us is a mystery." Simetra sat the baby onto her lap and gave her the watch she was wearing to play with. Hudson's mind was working at a fast pace. He had a woman and baby before him. They had 35


to have been dropped off; he had scouted around the area and seen no one else. Although that didn't necessarily mean there wasn't anyone else about. She was obviously terrified of the man named Banner. But was this all just in her head? "Do you have anyone else, once we get back, who you can stay with?" he asked. "No. Ryder and I are all alone; my parents died years ago. Max was all we had. He promised to protect us and stay with us forever," she said, her tone bitter. "Simetra," he began, "sometimes people go away and there isn't a reason." "He left us alone." "You're not alone. I'm here." "Are you going to go away too?" "I'm not going anywhere without you. Without the both of you." "Promise?" Her forlorn face gazed up at him so woefully he was hit with the shock of her despair. Her wounded expression mirrored his own gaze after his mother had passed. It was enough for him to believe her husband was indeed gone. He was moved to run a gentle hand down the length of her silken hair. He knelt before her. "I promise." **** Simetra lay unmoving in the darkness. All was silent. Beyond the lean-to she could make out the tendrils of floating smoke from the banked fire. Ryder was curled in her arms 36


against her chest. The hard dirt floor had been made soft by the sweet smelling boughs of pine laid beneath them and covered over with a once tightly packaged thermal blanket. Hudson said he used the blanket only in extreme emergencies and felt this was one of those times. Hudson's large body lay before her, blocking the entrance to their shelter, his muscled bulk like an impenetrable steel door. During the night he had shifted, and with the baby pressed between them, he had gathered them both closer to offer his warmth and protection from the chilly, unpredictable night. His jean jacket had been draped over the two of them. She felt warm and protected. It was the first night since Max had died that she didn't feel so lost and alone. Her chin dropped to rest on Ryder's warm head, causing her forehead to nestle against Hudson's chest. His arms tightened around her back and she relaxed into him. Though he was a stranger, he had been compassionate and caring. He had promised to help her, although she had the distinct impression he didn't believe her entirely. The thought saddened her, but it couldn't be helped. This was one of those times her mother would have said she was in need of blind faith. She was blind all right. And her faith and the fate of her child rested on one man. Her weary eyes began to close as Hudson's warmth blanketed her. She let his awesome power cloak her vulnerability. Banner may come back, but even he wasn't nearly as large as Hudson. The thought was a comfort and she gave in to sleep. **** 37


Simetra woke to the sound of Ryder's high-pitched squeal. She bolted to her feet after scrambling out of the lean-to. Her heart racing, she searched frantically for her child. Her gaze centered at once on Ryder, flying high into the air, then captured to Hudson's chest with powerful arms. Ryder was laughing louder than she had ever heard her laugh before. Simetra placed a hand to her heaving chest and calmed her racing heart. Her breasts were swollen, her nipples tingled with needed release, an indication it was time for Ryder to have breakfast. Her nerves calming, she walked to the man and reached for her child. Hudson relinquished her with obvious reluctance. "We were having fun," he stated. Simetra smiled into his disappointed expression. On a sad note she wondered if Max would have played with his daughter the same way. "She needs to eat," she said. Hudson looked relieved and she wondered if he had thought that she didn't want him playing with her baby. "You can have her back when she's done. But no tossing her. Unless you don't mind her tossing her breakfast all over you!" she warned. Hudson rewarded her with a grin from ear to ear. As she wandered back to their shelter he followed her. Simetra settled herself and lay Ryder across her lap. Hudson cut them both a piece of the venison he had roasting on a spit. He handed her a large chunk, then settled back to eat as well. Ryder nursed contentedly, occasionally offering Hudson an almost toothless grin. 38


"This is delicious," Simetra complimented. Hudson concurred with his mouth full, just nodding. Delicately she chewed on another piece while he devoured the remainder. She had never seen anyone eat so much. She bet his grocery bill was astronomical. "When we're done I want to fish. All this fresh air gives me such an appetite! You can bring Ryder to the lakeside and watch her there while I keep an eye on the both of you." Simetra bowed her head. "I won't run away from you." "I think I understand that. But on the way in I encountered a grizzly. Big bugger, too. I want you both close. And last night I heard a wolf howl. I've also seen mountain lions in this area. I don't want for either of you to be made off with like fast food." Simetra shivered. She was determined to stay very close to this man. "Thank you for breakfast." "Let's just hope I can get some fish for lunch. I don't want your milk drying up." Simetra's face flamed at his bold talk. He even made a point of looking directly at her milk-laced nipple, which had slipped from Ryder's mouth. She hurriedly positioned the baby back into place, where she commenced suckling once more. Hudson finished his meal and rose. He mentioned he would be close. He just wanted to collect more firewood while he waited for them to finish their breakfast. Simetra watched him walk a small ways, then attack a dead tree. He went to work smashing the old decaying log into oblivion. Soon enough he had made a huge pile that would last throughout 39


the day and well into the next morning. He had stripped his shirt off. He had barely broken a sweat. His muscles bulged with the easy stroke of his axe. She smiled, thinking he could be mistaken for a Greek God. She wondered if Apollo, Artemis' brother, was as large and commanding. Despite the mental reference, there was nothing platonic about the way she evaluated his physique. Simetra couldn't help but feel impressed. When she looked up at him, she was mortified to find him grinning at her, as though he could hear her thoughts, or perhaps read her admiring expression. Simetra ducked her head and concentrated on her daughter, who was once again staring at a point in the distance. Simetra followed her gaze. She could see nothing. But when she looked back down at Ryder, the baby was frowning. Her spine tingled with a sense of foreboding. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Four Three days passed much the same as the first. Hudson captured their food or roasted roots to supplement their diet. Simetra marveled at his ingenuity to catch fish with a simple piece of fishing wire and a sharpened stick with bait. He roasted pine cones that, when heated, cracked to reveal the nut inside. He found budding berries as treats. Simetra was introduced to a smorgasbord of delicacies she hadn't known existed. It was akin to shopping at Mother Nature's grocery store, a fascinating concept. Each day her amazement of the man before her grew until respect replaced any residual thoughts of wariness. He was amazing with Ryder and it was easy to see she adored him in return after such a short time spent with him. He loved to place the child on his high shoulder and carry her. He seemed not to mind her tiny fist clutched his dark hair for balance. He led them on trails, ever cautious of any wildlife, introducing them both to an abundance of living. When he spoke about the animals he did so with compassion, respect and a wealth of knowledge. He explained in detail the cunning home of the beaver. The antics of chipmunks and how their movement reminded him of a fast forward of an old Laurel and Hardy movie. He showed her how to listen for the approach of a predator. The lumbering, snuffling gait of a bear. Or how to listen with her acute senses. He told her to put her woman's intuition into 41


high gear. If she felt like she was being watched, she most likely was. He patiently answered her numerous questions without the slightest hint of exasperation. He encouraged her to try new things, or explore on her own, as long as she remained within his sight. She grew to trust him. More important, she grew to trust him with the life of her baby. As the sky darkened another day they conversed quietly by the fire. They had spoken at length about their childhoods. They had both been pleasantly surprised to find out they had a great deal in common. Simetra grew comfortable around him; enough to let her guard down and admit to Max's somewhat sketchy past, although there were still a number of things she omitted telling him. She knew he still had yet to trust her as well. Ryder had fallen asleep in Hudson's arms. Simetra was worried about her. She had been fussy the last few hours. Time after time Ryder's gaze had drifted into the distance and each time it had, she became more distressed. Her babbling had increased to a dramatic proportion and then ceased altogether. In a low soothing voice, Hudson had sung to her. He rocked her within his arms, cuddled close to his chest. It was with reluctance the child closed sleepy eyes and gave in to her apparent exhaustion, her little fist clutched to Hudson's shirt. "Maybe she's teething," Simetra muttered worriedly. "Maybe," Hudson replied.

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The large man was gazing down at the child as she slept fitfully, occasionally whimpering. Hudson's brows narrowed, his forehead furrowed. "What is it?" Simetra asked with apprehension. "Maybe there's something in the air." "What? What's in the air?" she whispered. "I feel something." "Like what?" She squirmed, feeling nervous. Hudson looked so serious. The hairs on the back of her neck rose, goose bumps dotted her arms. Hudson's gaze shifted towards the sky; his frown deepened. Simetra looked upwards as well. There was noticeably more cloud activity. Perhaps it was going to rain? Hudson passed Ryder back over into her arms. She cradled her to her chest. He rose and walked a short distance from them, only to return moments later. He was suddenly yanking his jacket and the blanket from within the lean-to. He packed the dried meat into a small, crude, but serviceable pack he had made from the skin of the young doe. He had worked it clean with his knife, carefully removing any traces of remaining flesh and added the brains with a small mixture of water, stirred within a partially hollowed stump, with a fire lit beneath to heat the contents into a fine consistency. The concoction was then rubbed into the hide to keep it as supple as possible. The skin of the legs could be pulled up and tied together to form a pouch. Simetra had been using it as a carrier, fur side turned in, for the baby. "What is it?" Simetra asked with fear. "There's a storm headed this way." 43


"Can't we ride it out in the lean-to?" "Not this one. This one's going to be a mean one." His tone was grim. "How mean?" "Bad mean." "What will we do? Where can we go?" she asked, beginning to panic, while wringing her hands together. "There's a cave close by. Not the one you were in, but a different one." Hudson slung the pack over his shoulder and scooped Ryder into his other arm. Carrying all they had, he moved off at a swift rate, leaving Simetra to race after him. He led her to a well worn animal path that turned into an overgrown incline, which began to rise sharply upwards. He climbed higher and higher up the side of the steep slope, pebbles and sticks crumbling under him as he now began to fight his way through the unruly foliage. Simetra was panting in quick gasps and thanking him inwardly for carrying everything. She was uncertain she would have made it if she had been hefting even the slight weight of the baby. She needed both hands to pull herself ever higher. An ominous rumble rippled across the sky, which lit brilliantly with a streak of lightning. The clouds rolled and tumbled in abundance. The rain began right before they entered the safe haven. The sky opened up, dumping what seemed to be buckets over them, drenching them completely in mere seconds. 44


The water was freezing, like an unwanted, hard, awakening slap in the face and Simetra panicked over Ryder, worried she might catch pneumonia. She was relieved when Hudson unwrapped the still sleeping baby from under his saturated jacket. The child had, unbelievably, remained warm and dry. He lay the emergency blanket down and bundled Ryder within it. From a stack of piled wood he began a fire within a circle of lain rocks. The interior lit as the flames grew, offering Simetra a view of the area. "You've been in here before." It wasn't a question. Simetra looked around the dry cave. She could stand in it; in fact Hudson could stand in it with room to spare. There was a huge stack of wood at the back. There was a small, handmade, crudely crafted table, made out of a rounded piece of log and four sturdy, thick legs to hold it. There was also a large log that had been brought in to serve as a bench. Simetra looked at him questioningly. "Why don't you stay in here when you camp?" she asked. "I only use it when the weather is exceedingly inclement. The trek up the hill is a royal pain in the...uh...well you just did it, you know." She did know. Her sides still ached and her breath was still tinged with a noticeable gasp. Simetra suddenly jumped in terror and found herself in Hudson's arms when a large boom thundered down from the heavens. She thought she felt it rattle her teeth. Her hands grasped his wet shirt. She could have sworn the ground shook, but realized sheepishly it was her own body that was shaking. He looked down at her and 45


smiled kindly when she remained plastered to his side and had no intentions of releasing him, especially when the sky roared in anger yet again. "You need to get out of those wet clothes before you catch cold," he said huskily, though his powerful arms remained clasped around her slim hips. "But where can I hang them?" Hudson gave her a cheeky grin, he released her and then went to the far corner, where he grabbed two long poles with a tightly wound grass rope strung between them. He had it up in no time. He then moved a large makeshift door, built from long tied slim logs, to cover the entrance of the cave. The inside began warming almost immediately as the wind and rain was denied access. Simetra strung her jacket over the line, she cast a quick, unobtrusive glance in Hudson's direction, feeling selfconscious, and after giving a shrug, she removed her shirt and wrung it out. Hudson had been nothing but honorable and decent to her. She was unafraid he would suddenly turn predatory if she revealed her flesh. When she looked over her shoulder at him she blushed to her toes, noting he had removed everything but his white, damp, almost see-through boxers. She couldn't help but stare, mouth agape in awe. The long length of his glorious manhood was visible. He was beyond magnificent. His body was powerfully muscled, like a body builder or a heavy weight boxer. His jet-black wet hair gleamed and hung down his neck almost to his shoulders. Beautiful, he was beautiful and 46


breathtaking. Hudson turned and she realized he had been watching her while she watched him. Her blush deepened. He cleared his throat and then claimed, "You should dry your bra off too. I can see it dripping down the front of you. After all, when Ryder needs to nurse you don't want to be wet there, or hold her close to a cold chest; she might get chilled, or be uncomfortable." She knew he had a point. It was harder for the baby to nurse when her breasts weren't warm and welcoming. But, to be almost completely nude with a man. She hadn't undressed in front of anyone but Max, and it had been embarrassing enough to be clad only in undergarments before him. "I would never harm you," Hudson said. His look was kind. She already knew that. Her hand rose shakily to unclasp her bra. When it sprung free she slipped it off after turning away from him. She laid it over the line, fiddling with it for as long as possible without being obvious. Her arms finally clasped around herself, she turned to face him. She determined to keep her dignity and her distance. Her thought was short lived, however, when another booming crash sounded and she once more ended up in Hudson's embrace, shivering in petrified fear. Her head buried against his chest; his generous multitude of dark hairs tickling her cheek, softening the rock hardness of his muscles. Curiously Simetra tilted her head to the side when she heard a plink, then another and again another. Outside the cave suddenly sounded as though Mother Nature were dumping a bucket full of marbles. Her eyes widened in shocked surprise when a piece of hail the size of a golf ball 47


rolled into the cave. Soon the entire cave flooded with the noise of the downfall. The sounds of the high winds reached their ears as the unmistakable crash of falling trees shattered the woods above and beneath them. "Is it a tornado?" Simetra whimpered. Her grip tightened. "It's a super cell thunderstorm. It could turn into a tornado. Let's just hope it doesn't." "Are we safe in here?" "Safe enough," he replied, but she sensed he was being evasive for her benefit. All sense of propriety vanishing, Simetra went to pick up Ryder, who remained asleep. She pulled Hudson down to sit beside them. He wrapped his arms around them both. Simetra hardly noticed his one hand resting on her hip, or his arm pressing against her bare breasts. She shivered and cuddled into him, squeezing her eyes closed in her fear. His chin lay on the top of her head. Each time she winced he settled himself closer, offering comforting reassurances. Outside, beyond the cave door, it grew menacingly darker. An ominous, eerie wind blew, sounding for all the world as though it were a sinister being. Ryder finally stirred within her arms. The baby's face screwed into a startled look when another bolt of lightning crashed. Simetra offered the babe her breast. Hudson moved behind her to lean her against his chest, where she nestled comfortably. He wrapped all three within the blanket while they sat near the brightly burning flames. Then in a low, soothing voice, Hudson began to sing. Very 48


gently he rocked them until sounds of the super storm were replaced with his melodic tune. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Five Hudson watched as Simetra stirred in her sleep. She had clung to him throughout the long night. The storm had been brutal. The residual rain was tapering off, but he wondered if it would begin again. During the early morning he kept a close eye on the woman and baby as they slumbered together. He had been unable to sleep, fearful of a rockslide, although he knew it couldn't be helped. There was no way he could have kept them safe within the lean-to. Even though he was used to overwhelming responsibility in his line of work, he found himself distressed to be directly responsible for the life of both woman and child and the magnitude of emotions he felt for them. He was growing fond of them, too fond. A big no-no in his line of work. He still was unsure about Simetra's story and the holes within the few lies, or perhaps the few omissions would be a better word, he sensed. He knew she trusted him, yet her evasiveness caused him a deep frustration. Ryder had crawled from her mother upon waking and seeing him. Her almost toothless grin was impossible not to love. She climbed, with his assistance, into his arms to snuggle against the warm clothing he had donned earlier. He ran a gentle hand over the babe's soft head, and then hugged her. She reached for the wooden object he held. He chuckled at her eagerness and persistence. He brought the flute he had carved up to his lips and blew softly. The noise startled the 50


child and she stopped grasping for it to stare at him. He blew on it again, then smiled down at her. Ryder flashed him the most beautiful smile of delight. He couldn't help his spontaneous cuddle. This time when she reached for the flute he let her have it. To his great surprise she was able to puff into the instrument to create her own sound. "Boy, are you ever going to be sorry," Simetra said dryly. She rose, clutching the blanket around her almost nude form, and then with her back to him, she dressed. He watched her struggle to maintain her tenacious grasp on the blanket while trying to do up her bra and was given a view of her creamy thigh and half of her sweetly rounded bottom. He chuckled at her sudden shyness. After all she had lain next to him all night practically nude. He had woken to find his one hand fondling her warm, firm, bare breast. He hoped she had been unaware of his sleep roaming hand. He had, with disappointment, quelled his overwhelming curiosity to taste her swollen, milk-filled nipple. As he began to harden uncomfortably, he had realized it was time to remove himself from the situation. Watching her beautiful form as the blanket slipped lower on her hips he felt himself begin to stir once more. She turned for an instant to her left as her hands went up to don her shirt. The bra she wore was pink lace and did nothing to conceal her generous swell of the one delicious looking breast he was privy to. She had given up on the blanket and propriety and it pooled on the ground beside her jeans, giving him a revealing look at her skimpy panties. The curve of her rounded buttock caused him to break out in a cold sweat. 51


He plopped Ryder down away from the fire with her new toy and excused himself as she slipped one leg into her pants, then the other, trailing them in a somewhat seductive fashion up over her delectably rounded hips. He knew she had no idea of the effect she was having on him. He declared it was time he found them some fish and she was to stay put. He motioned towards the dry meat as he practically raced out the makeshift door, while adjusting his jeans into a more accommodating position as he hardened uncomfortably. Slipping and sliding, he made his way down the wet, steep hill. He was at once grateful he needed his entire focus on this new task, lest he fall and injure himself. A light rain drizzled over his jacket. With relief he made it safely to the bottom of the hill. He rubbed his hands together momentarily. He grew cold very quickly. It had been warm inside the cave. He was happy Simetra and Ryder were safe and snug. A quick glance showed him the devastation the storm had wrought. When he reached the lake he became aware of a slumped beaver near the shoreline. On further inspection he discovered the animal was still alive, but barely. Hudson said an apology to the bewildered creature, and then smashed it over the head, putting the fallen animal out of its misery. With his knife he quickly went to work skinning it. He took a large portion of the meat and its tail, which would be especially tasty, and felt it would suffice for now. The clouds were once more rolling together ominously. He raised his head and gave a quick thank you to whatever seemed to be aiding him. He never had experienced so much luck at finding food as he had this trip. Reflecting back, he 52


remembered one trip he went without any sustenance except roots for three entire days. Although hungry, it had still been an enjoyable trip, though he admitted this was the best excursion so far. Hudson grinned, remembering Simetra regaling him as her hunting hero. He had also received her deep admiration and praise for offering over his flannel shirt to make Ryder diapers. He was happy he'd dressed in many layers for this trip. He had used his knife to cut the fabric into five neat pieces of cloth, and then used the sleeves as extra padding for her little behind and washcloths. He had grimaced with distaste, his nose scrunching, after her first full package was delivered and changed. He hadn't realized how bad a diaper could smell. As Hudson neared the bottom of the hill to begin his climb he heard a terrible rumbling from above. His heart skipped a beat. His head rose in trepidation. His dread fell like a brick into the pit of his stomach. The worst was about to happen. He could hear Ryder's sudden screams above the noise of impending doom. The rocks and sticks started first, followed by boulders and timber. He bellowed out a warning. Simetra was standing at the opening of the cave door, holding the baby. Her face was a mask of horror. A large log barely missed their heads as it tumbled downward. Hudson had only a split second to decide what to do. If they were buried within the cave they could possibly run out of air before he could dig them out. If he were to flee now he would save his own life, but at what cost? They would undoubtedly perish. Even before the thoughts tumbled out he 53


dropped the meat he had been holding and was running haphazard up the steep incline to reach them. The rain mixed with sweat on his forehead. His fingers dug desperately for a handhold within the muck and foliage debris, propelling him higher. He could see little Ryder reaching for him. He felt his chest tighten as the images of both mother and child being crushed to death before him stormed his thoughts. He had never felt so much adrenaline pump through his veins. He had to save them or die trying— there was no other option. Hudson leapt over a rolling log on all fours like an agile canine. He dodged a massive boulder as the ledge above them seemed to collapse. Simetra was screaming to him. He didn't waste a moment's breath to give instructions, as he knew she was frozen in terror. When he reached them he yanked the baby into his arms and grabbed Simetra around the waist. He knew the hard part was just beginning. A rock thumped into his back and he groaned. The action spurred him to move quicker, as though he had been shoved into a direction by a hard hand. Sideways they practically tumbled down the hill. A small stick whacked him on the head, causing him to drop them all down into a crouch. A massive boulder rolled off the edge directly above them, sending the flying rubble over their heads and onto the ground bellow. A narrow miss. Hudson was up and running once again. His arm was locked around Simetra's waist. He had Ryder in a football hold. They went only a few feet before a large piece of wood tripped him and again, down they went as the entire hill 54


seemed to collapse around them. They slid downwards, tumbling head over heels, narrowly missing nature's vicious assault. With the utmost reluctance, Hudson released his hold on Simetra; he had no choice. His entire body wrapped itself around the baby; his body cushioned her into the cocoon of his safety. He heard Simetra scream; a large splash followed. Within moments the ground disappeared out from under him. He kept himself in his position willfully, as the need to flail was instinct. He plunged, back first, into the lake. The icy water was a shock, as it always was. Immediately he was swimming with a vigorous one-armed stroke for the surface. He gasped in a huge lungful of air as he emerged. He lifted the baby high out of the water with her body draped over his forearm. Her eyes were wide with a shocked expression that soon turned into a howl of outrage. He swam hurriedly to the shore. A few small rocks still fell over the side of the cliff. He looked with worry for Simetra while disengaging Ryder's tight grasp from his hair. Simetra was nowhere to be seen. He bellowed out her name, causing Ryder to jump and quiet. "Ma, ma," he heard Ryder whimper. Hudson looked to where Ryder was gazing across the water. He saw Simetra then. Floating face down, arms spread. Her hair haloed her head like seaweed. Hudson placed the baby down amidst two fallen logs. He didn't want her trying to crawl after him. He then raced back into the 55


water. He had Simetra in his arms in moments. With powerful strokes he made it to shore. He placed her flat on her back. Then, after pinching her nose and tilting her head back, he created a seal around her mouth with his own, and then blew a deep breath into her lungs. He did this again. Her cheeks puffed out with his expelled breath. He tilted his head to the side, watching her chest rise and fall with his effort, his ear at her mouth, listening for an expelled breath. He checked for a pulse at her throat; it was faint, but it was present. "Simetra!" Again he blew into her mouth, then again. Finally she stirred. He flipped her over as water poured from her mouth. She gasped and choked in much needed air. He had done it, he had saved her life. She was alive and breathing on her own. He crushed her to his chest. Only then did he feel the hammering of his heartbeat. Simetra began shivering. Her eyes wide, she whispered in a gasping voice as to the whereabouts of her baby. Hudson assured her she was safe. But for how long? The rain had once again picked up. The high winds blew icy, whipping air. They were exposed out in the open. They were all sodden. Hypothermia would settle in soon. Hudson looked over to where he had placed Ryder and panicked. Oh my God! She was gone! Releasing Simetra, he rose and scanned the area. The rain was coming down harder; it dripped endlessly into his eyes. With the dense foliage abounding around him he realized she could be two feet away and he would never see her. "Oh God, no," he whispered in a fearful voice. 56


"Ryder?" Simetra suddenly screamed. He guessed she had realized who he was searching for. Hudson knelt down beside her. "We'll find her." But Simetra was scrambling up in her terror. She broke free of him and, still screaming for her child, she set off in a random direction, stumbling. Hudson added his calls to hers. They pushed at brush, ducked low, rose high on tip toes. They frantically tried searching every direction at once. Hudson grew frenzied with worry. Each time Simetra called out in her pained, hysterical voice, he could feel her agony. The baby wouldn't last long. If the weather didn't kill her an animal would make off with her. His heart wrenched inside his guts with the thought. I have to find her, screamed throughout his brain. I have to! "Wait!" he yelled and held perfectly still. A faint noise had caught his attention. "We have to find her," Simetra said wildly, her hands gripped onto his wet jacket, her agonized face gazed up at him. "Listen." Hudson cocked his head. A tiny sound filled his ears. Over the roar of the returning storm he heard a soft whistle. It was miraculous he had heard it at all over the loud clap of thunder. Lightning struck; it sizzled through the sky like an illuminant snake. Again, he heard the slightest tinkle of the sound. Hudson bolted in that direction. He dove over a massive, decayed log, jumped a large, moss-covered rock, crashed through tangled brush, parted the sodden vegetation, and 57


there she was, dripping wet, her hair plastered to her tiny head, covered in dirt from head to toe. She was the most beautiful sight he had ever beheld. Clutched in her filthy hand, Ryder was holding the flute Hudson had made. Somehow she had maintained her grasp of the small toy. She was waving the toy in delight. Each time she brought it high over her head the wind whipped through it making a sound. He gathered her up into his arms and clung to her. His large hand hugged the back of her neck, he buried his face into her hair, and for the first time since his mother had passed, Hudson cried. Large sobs wracked his shoulders and instead of relinquishing his hold when Simetra reached them and reached for her baby, he grabbed her to him as well. All three rocked together as the storm grew in intensity. "Da, da," Ryder chortled. Hudson cupped her little face in a large hand. She was smiling at him. Then, looking past him, she began waving and giggling. Hudson turned. The storm had created a multitude of fallen logs. Staring intently into the dark foliage he could see an opening amidst the destruction. Handing Ryder over to her mother, he climbed cautiously into the opening. The rocks and logs had created a dry, cozy shelter, complete with dozens of small sticks for burning. Hudson gave a whoop of delight and helped Simetra inside. Before long he had a fire blazing, the wisps rising high to escape through a few visible cracks. The interior heated quickly and before long they were able to remove their wet clothing. 58


The hail was once again bouncing against the ground. Hudson shifted a large log over the opening to shield them. He then settled back to take Simetra and Ryder into his embrace. Dry and snug, Simetra began nursing the baby. Hudson ran his hand over the child's head. To his surprise Simetra looked up at him and kissed his lips very tenderly. "Thank you for saving our lives." A lump formed in his throat. He had almost lost both of them. It was a miracle they had survived. His mother's laughing voice and her claims of Dryads and Artemis fluttered into his thoughts. He smiled. Then felt if anyone was watching over them it would be his parents. "You're welcome." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Six Simetra's own sobbing woke her. She could hear Hudson's gentle shushing noise. His hand was stroking up and down her arm in a soothing fashion. She turned into him and allowed him to wipe the tears from her cheeks. She gazed upon his face; the firelight flickered across his tender features. He cuddled her closer. Her damp face pressed to his warm chest. During the night his shirt had dried and Ryder was wrapped within, between them both. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "I don't know why I'm crying." To her surprise he chuckled. "After what's happened I'm surprised you aren't screaming." Silently she concurred. "Hudson?" "Hmm?" "I've been thinking." "About?" "Terrance. I think maybe he planned for me to be blamed for Max's death. Something went wrong and it was declared a suicide." "But how would that get him your life insurance?" Simetra was thinking fast. "As Ryder's only living relative he would have been granted custody. I don't think I'm penniless at all. I think Terrance stole the money, and then tried to frame me. If he got his hands on Ryder, something would have eventually happened to her. He would have my money and the insurance money." 60


"I thought he would have gotten the million only if both you and Ryder were dead." "No, there was a rider policy, and a stipulation. I could be cut from the policy and the entire amount would have been Ryder's or, in actuality, Ryder's beneficiary." Her thoughts were frantically flying through her cluttered mind. There were so many possibilities. She started shaking. She knew what needed to be done. "Simetra, what is it?" "I need to see those policies again. I hardly looked them over, I was so distraught, and then later Terrance claimed they were locked in his safe. I need to find Banner. He's involved in this somehow, I just know it! There must be a reason he didn't kill us when he had the chance. There must be!" "It will be fine. I will find Banner for you when we return. I don't want you near him or your brother-in-law until I get more information." Simetra saddened. He still didn't believe her. She realized she hadn't been completely truthful with him. It was time to come clean. "Hudson?" she began tentatively. "Hmm?" "Max was a good man. He was a kind man and a good father and husband. But he wasn't always a good citizen." "I'm listening." She knew he was and she knew she had his undivided attention. It was difficult, lying nude in the arms of a man she barely knew, about to bare even more. Granted, he had 61


saved her life and the life of her child, but she needed his trust. She didn't want to appear disloyal to her deceased husband. "Max worked at a casino. He ran it, in fact. Sometimes he came home with a great deal of money. When I asked him whose it was he would say it was his. Although, if it was his legally, I don't know why he felt the need to hide it when he could have just placed it in the bank. Sometimes he would say he was just holding onto it for his boss." "Whose casino did he work for?" Hudson asked. She could hear the hesitant tone in his voice, it was tinged in dread. "Augustus Freemont." "Damn." "Hudson? What is it?" "Banner the Hammer." "What?" "The man who dumped you out here, his name is Drake Banner, otherwise known as Banner the Hammer. Believe me when I say he wasn't your brother-in-law's man, he has only one loyalty. He's a power player for Freemont. If your brother-in-law really wanted you dead it wouldn't matter. No one would touch you if Freemont wants you alive. Something big must have gone down. Maybe something that pissed off Freemont. Something that would have entailed Banner weaseling his way into Terrance's trust on a ruse." "Do you think Freemont might have killed Max?" "Anything is possible if he's involved." "Do you think Banner would have known I would run into you?" 62


"Hell yes. And he'll know when my contact is coming for me. He must have dumped you here to keep you on ice, knowing I would protect you. Damn! I could be right in the middle of a takeover! We all could." Simetra felt him tense. She worried he might think she was involved. "I swear on Max's grave I had no idea you were out here. Please believe me," she implored. "Simetra, if there is anything else—anything you're not telling me, it could cost your baby her life." "No, Hudson! I swear it!" Her body was shaking with her mounting fear. She could feel Hudson quiver, which terrified her. Was he that afraid? "Hudson, please." "Simetra, listen carefully. Augustus Freemont is a very powerful man. He is a very hard man. His cruelty is unsurpassed when crossed. If he had Banner bring you here to me, and I think he did, he did so with one purpose...he wants you. And he wants Ryder, and it isn't for money, he is a multimillionaire. Think, Simetra, what else is going on?" Simetra felt the blood drain from her face. Suddenly Terrance seemed but a guppy in a pool of sharks now. She had no idea what Freemont would want with her or her child. "I...I don't know." Her voice was a mere tremor. She was terrified. She felt Hudson's lips press against her forehead for a brief moment. "It's all right, sweetheart. I'll protect you." She pulled herself closer within his arms. Her face buried against his neck. She could still hear the occasional crash of 63


thunder in the distance. Nothing stormed louder than her frantic thoughts. **** Hudson was aware of the exact moment Simetra finally fell asleep. Her almost punishing grip on his shoulders eased. Her arms drooped to languish in front of her. Her breathing slowed, but he could still hear the slight hiccup of her muffled tears as she sobbed in a breath. He knew she was frightened. He also knew he had let his emotions get to him. The thought of Freemont's hands on this woman and child made his skin crawl with loathing. He couldn't allow it. He could never allow Banner to get to them. The man was merciless. The thought of how to keep them safe warred throughout his troubled mind. When Banner returned for them he would bring a small army. Hudson and his friend, Troy, would be caught in the middle, and poor Troy would have no idea what was happening. Thankfully his friend was a good cop; no matter where he went he remained always ready, always wary. Hopefully, his wits would be sharp and thankfully, there would be no question that he would be armed. Hudson honestly wondered if Troy slept with his weapon! Very carefully Hudson slipped away from Simetra. He rose with caution, careful not to wake her or the baby. He pulled his Sig from its holster. For a moment he admired the weapon; he considered it a reliable friend. In his line of work it was the perfect companion—it was there when he needed it, it was always where it was supposed to be, it never talked back, and most importantly—it didn't take any shit. 64


Using his undershirt, he meticulously cleaned the weapon. It would still fire, even though it had taken a brief dip into the lake with him, but it was still best when cleaned up. It now seemed imperative he be able to fire his gun. **** From his vantage point Hudson could clearly see the four large men in the distance. Banner was in the lead. Early that morning Hudson had dressed. He had left Simetra and the baby in their makeshift hovel with clear instructions they were to remain put—and to stay quiet. He had then, by soft light of daybreak, gone hunting. Only he was hunting man. No doubt the men before him were hunting woman. Cautiously he circled them, keeping close to the ground. Hudson had yet to unsheathe his weapon. He was hoping to remain undetected. Their nature-made retreat blended in well with the surrounding chaos of foliage. The strewn trees, testimony of Mother Nature's pandemonium when enraged, dotted the immediate vicinity and farther. Their detection should remain anonymous, unless of course Ryder squealed, or cried, or cooed, or burped. He hoped with every fiber of his being the child would remain asleep until the danger passed. Hudson became tense when the men neared their hideout. All signs of inhabitants of the area had been washed or tossed away from the storm. Hudson had extinguished their fire after Simetra's disclosure. He wanted no telltale wisps to reach their nostrils. The cool, swift breeze of evening and early morning had extinguished any lingering odors. He hoped the men would move on after a quick search of the area. 65


"Damn. Looks like a tornado hit these parts, Banner," one of the men said. Hudson watched Banner scan the area. The man looked worried. "We'll find her," he declared. Hudson wondered which 'her' he was referring to. "You think ol' Terrance figured out he was duped yet? You think that's why he's missing?" another of the men said, and guffawed. "I don't care what that idiot has or hasn't figured out," Banner replied calmly. "The sooner we get the girl, the sooner Terrance will be history." "You certain she's out this way?" Banner stopped suddenly and cocked his head to the side. Hudson stiffened; he reached for his weapon. Banner was turning in the direction of their hideout. Hudson slid his familiar cool weapon into the palm of his warm hand, a steady finger resting on the trigger. A muffled noise reached Hudson's ears, his heart hammered against his chest; he swallowed hard and took aim. Banner was still turning; a gusty breeze ruffled his blond hair across his forehead. He stopped moving. His gaze settled just past the debris where Simetra and Ryder remained hidden. Slight shuffling of a bush was a hairsbreadth from the men, who were all gathering towards Banner. Banner peered closer towards the small enclosure, drawing his weapon. The morning sun had pierced the sky; a glint of a sparkle shone, lighting up his formidable silver gun for a brief moment. Hudson sucked in his breath with wary anticipation, fearing all may be lost. He could feel each palpitation of his 66


heart ricochet throughout his entire being. Banner took a step closer. Hudson took careful aim with a steady hand at Banner's head, knowing the two in the hideout would be huddled lower than the man's belt buckle. His eyes remained intent. If he fired he must hit his mark or a ricochet bullet could accidentally hurt or kill Simetra or the baby. A large buck suddenly crashed through the underbrush, sending the four men fleeing in different directions, tripping over themselves in their haste to avoid its sharp, thundering hooves. Its large rack of antlers bowed to the ground, his body bouncing high, his impressive chest quivering, rippling his muscles. Barely visible to Hudson's ears, for the briefest of moments, was the mewling cry of a baby. The sound hushed so quickly he wondered if any of the other men had been aware of it. But he doubted it. The buck couldn't have chosen a better time to show himself. One of the men gave a whoop and poised his weapon, preparing to fire on the majestic being. "Stop!" Banner shouted. "Well, why? It's an easy enough shot." "Because if Hudson hears the gun blast you can better believe he'll be on us," Banner snapped. "How can you be so sure he hasn't already taken the woman and her kid out of here?" the man grouched, lowering his weapon with obvious reluctance. The buck vanished as quickly as it had appeared. "Even Hudson wouldn't walk a hundred miles with a woman and her baby in tow. Don't be a fool, Chuck, he'll 67


settle him and them down and just watch over them until his friend comes for him," Banner answered. "Well he didn't settle them here." Another man, whose demeanor could well be described as more foreboding than Banner, began to move off farther down the lake. The man was the largest of the four, big, but not nearly as big as Hudson. His jet-black hair was a startling contrast to his bright blue eyes. His predatory movement was earned, learned and instilled from a young age. Hudson knew who he was. He was Banner's right wing man, and Freemont's youngest son. At twenty-eight, Apollo Freemont was a serious young man. Not as easy to rile, but like his father, if you crossed him you would be dead before you hit the ground. Hudson watched as the four of them ambled off in a different direction. He re-holstered his weapon. Keeping low, he moved off. He knew they would be back, and he knew it was time to leave. **** Simetra practically launched herself into Hudson's arms when he appeared in their hide-out. Ryder lay sleeping, tucked in Hudson's jacket. "They were so close, I was so scared. Ryder was quiet, but when she saw Banner through the bush she waved her arms and babbled to him. She has never been afraid of him. She has never picked up on the fact he terrifies me." She knew she was on the verge of hysteria, but they had come so close to being discovered. 68


Hudson pulled her close and she shivered within his embrace. She couldn't keep still. Her hands fluttered up and down his back. Her face pressed against his chest. She had panicked when she had spotted Apollo. She had jumped and sobbed, frightening Ryder. The babe had cried out at her mother's distress and Simetra had bared her breast to quiet the child. "Calm down, honey. They're gone, shh," Hudson soothed. Simetra shuddered with fear. A terrible realization settled within her belly. "Hudson?" she whimpered. "Yes?" "I think I know why I wasn't killed. I think I might be wrong about who killed Max too." "Why?" "I think Apollo wants me." Simetra pulled slightly away from him to look up into his eyes shining with their deep concern. She swallowed hard over the lump that had formed within her throat. She revealed her reasoning. "One night, before Ryder was conceived, Max and I had an argument. It was stupid, really. But I ran from the house. Apollo had been coming to see Max—at least that was what I had thought at the time. Later I came to understand he was intrigued by me. He grabbed me, calmed me down, and took me for a ride." She stopped her tale and shuddered. "Simetra, did he rape you?" "No," she replied, feeling shamed. "He took me to his home. I had a few too many drinks, cried on his shoulder. He made me feel better. He was so sweet and kind to me. Before 69


I knew what was happening we were in his bed. Afterwards, I begged him not to tell Max. He wanted me to leave him, but I loved Max. Sleeping with Apollo was just a mistake. I hurt him when I said it. "Apollo swore he would say nothing, but afterwards he came around more often. When he found out I was pregnant he demanded a paternity test. I refused. I told him we had been together one night only and earlier during the day, before we had fought, Max and I had been intimate. And again we had been intimate when we made up. The possibility she was Apollo's was too slim. When Ryder was born she looked like me. Nothing of her reminds me of either man. I thought Apollo had dropped the issue because when Ryder was born he left the country. I had no idea he was even back." "So you think Apollo had Max murdered so he could have you and Ryder?" "Maybe," she whispered. Hudson's look was skeptical. "Simetra, I'll put this as delicately as I can. Granted, Apollo is a killer, nothing anyone can prove, but this just isn't his style. If he wanted you he would have court ordered a paternity test and then threatened legal action to keep Ryder if she is his. His family has the money. They also aren't stupid. Very rarely do their actions cause someone's demise. They're too smart for that when they can use the courts and their money to their advantage."

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Simetra slumped to the ground. Her shaking hand caressed the rump of her sleeping child. "Then we're back to Terrance and the policy money." Hudson hunkered down beside her. "Simetra, I know you want to believe Max was murdered, but has it occurred to you he might really have killed himself?" "No!" she ground out vehemently. "He never would have abandoned us!" "Alright, sweetheart, calm down." "We were dumped out here. There must be a reason. There must be a reason they have returned for us." "No doubt there is a big reason," he concurred. "But right now we need to move on." "Where will we go?" she asked with worry. He smiled at her. "I'm thinking these guys didn't ride in on brooms. Maybe we can highjack a car." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Seven Two jeeps were visible from where Hudson squatted low to the ground. He scanned the area critically. He looked back over his shoulder and waved a hand, motioning Simetra towards him. She moved silently through the trees. Hudson opened the vehicle door; he slipped inside. It had been a long time since he had hotwired a car. With meticulous precision he manipulated the wires until the roar of an engine sounded. He hurried out of the jeep. Ryder began to cry. Simetra shushed her, but the baby's howling increased in tempo. Hudson flew back and smashed against the jeep's open driver side door when a bullet ripped through the upper flesh of his left arm. Simetra screamed and spun, dropping to the ground to shield the baby. Hudson slumped to the earth, resting halfway in the jeep and on the ground, when he was pistol whipped across his head. He never saw his attacker. **** "No, Terrance," Simetra pleaded when the man raised his weapon to fire upon Hudson. Terrance gave her a disgusted look. "I won't kill him. If I kill a cop they'll never let me be." "But killing Max didn't mean anything to you! He was your brother," she raged back. "He was no brother of mine," Terrance spat. "He was Freemont's bastard." 72


Simetra's eyes widened in stunned surprise. "That's not possible—he never said a word." "I'm not going to stand here and argue with you. Put the baby in the car. Once Apollo gets what he wants he'll leave." "I can't just leave her out here when no one will be watching her," Simetra said, horrified. Terrance strode over to her and hauled her roughly to her feet. "You can better believe Apollo and Banner heard the shot. Now move or I'll kill you in front of her." Shaking, Simetra kissed Ryder's head. She tucked her into the backseat of the jeep and closed the door. Sobbing heartfelt tears she moved off with the sound of Ryder's terrified howls in her ears. **** Hudson came to slowly. He shook his head, clearing it of the numerous cobwebs he felt had taken up residence in his brain. His arm throbbed with pain and since he landed with it over his chest he was covered in his own blood. His weapons were gone, Simetra was gone. The car was empty. He studied the ground. He felt overwhelming confusion. If Banner and his men had attacked him, why hadn't they just taken Simetra and the baby and left? He searched for clues. He found two sets of prints leading away from the vehicles. What was baffling was a trail of drag marks, too small to be Simetra's. Every few inches also had drops and smears of fresh blood. "Get up!" came a demanding voice from behind. 73


Hudson rose from his squatted position, hands splayed at his sides. The action caused him to wince from the pain in his arm. "Turn around." Hudson complied. He found himself to be staring down the barrel of Banner the Hammer's silver gun. "Where is she?" Apollo demanded to Hudson. "I don't know," Hudson replied with confusion. His hand absently rubbed the back of his head. "I was shot, then coldcocked. I just woke up." Hudson was beyond dismayed. If these men didn't have Simetra, where the hell were she and Ryder? "What the hell do you mean you don't know?" Apollo demanded. His frustration and worry was apparent. "She should have been safe with you!" "Maybe next time you could give me the heads up I'm to babysit!" Hudson snapped. "What the heck is going on anyway? Why was she dumped out here with an infant? Why was she handed over to me? You knew I would be out here, didn't you?" The last was snapped at Banner. "It's a long story and we don't have time to chit chat!" Banner declared. He then turned to Apollo. "You think Terrance wised up?" "Hell yes! We have to move, now!" "What do we do with him?" one of the men asked, motioning towards Hudson. Apollo appeared to size him up. "Can you walk?" he asked. Hudson nodded his head affirmative. "I can track too." 74


"Then get busy. If we don't find them soon Terrance will kill them for sure," Banner claimed. **** Hudson continued to follow the trail. The drag marks veered off at a juncture in the woods then stopped altogether, and he assumed an animal must have captured something and taken off with it. Farther up the trail he determined Simetra's steps were a mix of stumbling and drag marks. Terrance must have been pulling her along to hurry her. "She's fighting him," Hudson declared. He came to a halt. "How can you tell?" Apollo asked. "See here?" He pointed to the ground. "There was a scuffle, he must have hit her and she went down here, where the vegetation is crushed. She came up and lunged at him and they both went down over here. There are more struggling signs, like perhaps they exchanged blows. There's blood, he must have hurt her. He's back to pulling her along. Damn!" Apollo was staring at Hudson with a concerned look. The same idea occurred to both men at the same time. "If she is fighting him she must not have the baby in her arms," Apollo said. Apollo looked back down the trail. Hudson followed his gaze, his heart hit his belly. The drag marks, what he had thought was an animal could have been Ryder being carried off by something. The urge to run back down the hill was overwhelming. He didn't know what to do. He knew Simetra was in danger, he knew someone, probably Terrance, had 75


her. But what if he was wrong? What if Simetra did have Ryder and he raced off for nothing? "Banner, take one of the men and go back to the marks that veered off. See if it's my baby," Apollo said quietly. Banner and another moved off. "So you really do believe Ryder is yours?" Hudson asked. "I know she's mine. And I know Terrance murdered Max. That's why I came back," Apollo replied. He then began to move off. **** Simetra continued to kick and punch at Terrance. She howled out vile filthy words she had never before used in her life. Terrance finally tossed her to the ground when they reached the top of a large hill. She landed painfully, but took great satisfaction in the blood dripping down the man's nose and over his lips. The back of his wrist slid across his face, smearing his blood across his cheek and he swore at her. His breath was coming in heaving gasps. "You'll pay for that, you bitch," he sneered. "Haven't I paid enough?" she screamed back. "You murdered my husband!" "Your husband was a coward. He killed himself!" Terrance shouted. Simetra didn't believe him. Her eyes centered hatefully upon him. "You're a dirty liar." Terrance knelt to one knee before her; he snatched at her hair and pulled her close with his painful grip. She winced, but refused to cry out. 76


"Oh, I held the gun. I told him I would kill you and the brat if he didn't sign over everything to me. But he wouldn't. Not until I told him he was really Freemont's bastard and Apollo was his half-brother. I told him all about how you and Apollo had been together. He didn't believe me at first, but in the end he knew Ryder wasn't his." "Ryder is Max's," Simetra ground out through gnashed teeth. "Poor Max. He was so hurt. He signed everything over to me, and in his anguish he killed himself." "You lie!" she screamed. "It's the truth. And now in your deep anguish for causing the death of your beloved husband, you're going to throw yourself off this cliff." Horrified, Simetra looked deeply into his crazed eyes. "You're insane." "You've lost everything. Your husband, your baby. There's no reason to go on," he said, as though trying to convince her. Simetra grew furious. Anger bubbled to the surface like boiling lava and she exploded. She smashed her fist into his nose once more. Terrance howled and tried to jump back, but his hand was ensnared within her long hair. She clawed at his eyes, leaving jagged streaks of erupting blood on his face. Terrance struggled to remove his weapon from the back of his belt. Simetra would have none of that. This coward was going to fight fair, without a weapon. She bit him hard on his chest and he screamed in agony. His arm wrapped around her 77


neck. She gave a vicious yank to his ear. He finally freed himself from her brutalizing assault and threw her to the ground. Terrance whipped out his weapon and aimed. Simetra jumped to her feet. "Go ahead!" she bellowed, she was unafraid of the coward before her. "Explain how I jumped from a cliff in grief with a bullet in me! You will never get your hands on that money; you will never get your hands on my baby, never!" The two of them were perched precariously close to the edge of the high hilltop. A sinister gleam entered Terrance's eyes. He lunged for her, arms outstretched to shove her. Simetra dropped into a crouch and her hip smashed into his knees. Terrance stumbled, recovered, and then turned; his feet began to slip out from under him. His arms flailed for a brief moment, but the ground gave way beneath him. Simetra saw his eyes widen in terrified surprise as he dropped in a surreal motion until he was gone from her sight. He fell to his death screaming while discharging his weapon. Simetra ducked as the gun boomed, the sound a rapid loud popping. She lay curled within a tight ball, her hands covering over her head, and she heard at last a sickening, thudding crunch. Terrance screamed no more, the gun ceased firing. She was suddenly hauled to her feet where Hudson crushed her against him. She clung to him, crying. "He was going to kill me," she sobbed. "It's all right," Hudson soothed. Simetra abruptly released him. She looked past him to Apollo, who was watching the scene before him. He looked 78


sad to her. She noticed the other men, Banner and another, approaching them. "Where's Ryder?" she whispered. Hudson gazed down at her with concern. A cold chill rose up her spine. Apollo looked to Banner, who shook his head. "No trace." "Hudson, she was in the back of the jeep," Simetra whimpered. She clutched at his shirt, eyes wild, bunching her hands into the material as though willing him to produce her child. "There were two sets of tracks, Simetra," Hudson began gently. "Somehow, Ryder must have gotten out of the vehicle and followed you. I hadn't noticed it before, but it was her crawling and dragging her knees and feet along the ground that confused me. The tracks just stopped. The crawling ended. I'm so sorry, Simetra. I don't know what happened to her." Simetra felt the blood drain from her face; she threw back her head and screamed. Her encompassing despair sent her to her knees. Hudson dropped with her, as her hold on his clothing remained; he rocked her back and forth while she cried her misery. Apollo came forward. Simetra watched him approach through her tears. She stumbled up. With renewed vigor, her wrath spurring her on, she ran past him to throw herself at Banner. "You did this!" she raged. "You killed my baby. You left us out here!" Banner held her wrists while she struggled to hit at him; he remained expressionless. "It was my fault," came Apollo's deep voice. 79


Simetra stilled. Her devastated expression settled onto him. She ceased her assault on Banner. "Why?" she asked, her pained voice caused the man to wince. "Terrance was after you both for the money. I knew he had killed Max. I needed you away while we took care of...things," he replied somewhat evasively. He cast a glance towards Hudson. Simetra yanked herself from Banner's grasp. Glaring, she strode towards Apollo. He didn't flinch when the palm of her hand connected to his cheek. She backed away, her narrowed eyes settling onto him with loathing. Turning abruptly, she raced down the hill. She could hear Hudson yelling for her. She didn't pause; she had to know what happened to Ryder. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Eight Simetra barreled down the hill, her terror urging her forth. She knew her baby had to be alive, she knew it in her heart. She came to the fork in the path where she noted the drag marks Hudson had mentioned. He was right; they had come to an abrupt halt. Judiciously scanning the area and spying something under a wooden log, Simetra cried out. It was one of Ryder's shoes. She sobbed and held it to her breasts, breasts that were full and aching with the need of blessed release. Ryder must be starving, she thought. Slowly she ventured further. She found another little rubber soled running shoe. Her tears cascaded down her cheeks to drip from her chin. The tiny blue overalls Ryder had worn came next. They were tattered and smeared in a large amount of tacky-feeling blood. One by one, the babe's other clothing followed: her little blue sweater, a light blue sock, a torn denim jacket, also covered in a large amount of blood. The items piled up in her shaking arms as she crushed them to her heaving breasts. Her stomach lurched and she battled to breathe. She felt large hands on her shoulders. "She's out there, Hudson. I know she is out there." She lifted a hand to rest it momentarily on his. With resolve, she moved further. Ever cautious, she peered into the foliage, bracing herself to be witness to one of the worst images of her life. Each step sounded like thunder to her ears, each breath she inhaled 81


ached. Still, she struggled further with a mother's determination, her surroundings barely visible through her wall of tears. She bent forward into a crouch. The imprint of her child's one tiny foot was visible in the thick wet muck. "Ryder?" she sobbed out in a hard gasp. "Ma, ma," she thought she heard, or was it just the wind and hopeful wishing? Simetra stumbled into a small clearing. Her hand flew to her mouth; Ryder's clothing tumbled from her arms. Before her was the most amazing sight she had ever beheld. A massive buck stood not more than five feet before her. His head held high, he was watching her, unafraid. She felt Hudson try to pull her back, but she shrugged him off. She had thought she had heard her baby; nothing was going to stop her now, nothing. She swallowed hard over the lump in her throat. With a surreal movement she moved closer to the massive animal. The buck allowed her approach; his fine ears flickered, his nose twitched. When she could have reached out to touch him, he moved past her with purpose to disallow the approach of the men trailing her. She watched as his regal head dipped to threaten with his impressive antlers. She saw both Hudson and Apollo still any weapons. Simetra moved on alone. She could feel each individual thump of her heart as she moved around the buck. Standing behind the buck was a large doe. She remained peaceful, even though she was nursing her fawn. Her body shifted ever so faintly. Standing slightly back behind the doe were two little brown legs, another half hidden fawn, thought Simetra. 82


But the muck-soaked leg bent at the knee and lifted. At the bottom of the ankle was a foot, not a hoof. Tiny toes wiggled. It was Ryder. She was holding onto the doe's flank for balance. Her almost completely unclad body was pressed next to the warm animal. Her head peeked around the doe's back leg at Simetra's surprised exclamation. "Ma, ma." Simetra moved as though in a dream towards her baby. One kick from the doe and Ryder would be gone forever, although Simetra sensed she was in no danger—the doe remained motionless. She dropped down onto a knee; Ryder released the doe and took two wobbly steps towards her, grinning with her accomplishment. Simetra reached over and pulled Ryder into her embrace. Through her tears she looked up into the doe's eyes as it looked around to study her. "Thank you," she whispered. She bundled the babe in her coat and silently moved away. Once more the buck allowed her to pass, though it snorted disdainfully at Banner and his men. He turned his regal head, and the family of three disappeared into the bush noiselessly. Once Simetra reached Hudson, he, too, wrapped Ryder in his jacket after checking her over carefully for cuts. He determined aloud she must have crawled over him before setting off after her mother. The blood must belong to him. Simetra concurred. She also determined Ryder must have stripped herself as she crawled along and somehow during the process she had taught herself to walk. Ryder was smiling. Her unclad pudgy arm waved towards the distance. There was nothing but powerful oaks to be seen. 83


Simetra had a strange thought. Perhaps Hudson had been right all along about the Dryads, though they were decidedly still in some apparent danger. Apollo was staring at her and she was unable to discern his mood. The imprint of her hand still flared angrily upon his cheek. "I think it's time to take Simetra and Ryder back to safety," Hudson said in the no-nonsense tone Simetra was becoming accustom to. "They're leaving, all right. But they come with us," Apollo declared. With Banner waving his gun, Simetra could see Hudson had no choice but to relinquish Ryder into Apollo's arms. Apollo's hands were tender as he clasped the babe to his broad chest. He turned and motioned Simetra to follow him. Simetra did as he commanded, also having no choice; the man held her baby. She followed the men away from Hudson, and with a sad, woe-filled last look at him, she moved off down the hill to their jeep. **** Hudson was going crazy with worry. He had built up a blazing fire to ward off the night chill. His arm throbbed, but he ignored it. His head was spinning with his thoughts. He wondered how Simetra and the baby were faring. The look she cast as she was led away from him wanted to make him climb under a rock. With his Sig and both knives confiscated, he had been powerless against four armed men. He could have challenged them; he might have if he hadn't been so worried about Simetra or the baby being injured. He 84


had promised to protect them both. He didn't feel either was in immediate danger. Granted, Apollo had them dumped out here, but he assumed it was more frantic stupidity than malice. He settled himself back against a log he had covered over in soft vegetation. His guts rolled. He determined when Troy came for him he would set out to Freemont's casino. He wondered if Apollo would have threatened Simetra into silence and obedience. He honestly felt that would be the case. He had no doubt Apollo had already had a paternity test done on the child. If Ryder did in fact belong to Apollo, Simetra would have two choices: stay with Apollo, or spend her life fighting a losing custody battle. It would not take long for some kind of reputation damaging dirt to be disclosed about Simetra, or worse, she would simply disappear. Augustus Freemont had a way of making problems disappear, as did his sons. The wind built up, howling around him, as though displaying its own annoyance. Hudson grumbled along with it. They all could have died today. They hadn't and there was still time. The thought seemed to fly to him on the breeze. He shifted and winced. His arm hurt like hell. He had lost a lot of blood and he could feel his eyes droop with his exhaustion. Daylight seemed a million light-years away. His eyes closed of their own accord, as though he were powerless to stop the invasion of sleep. He felt perhaps he should rest, if only for a brief moment. Hudson was aware the second sleep occurred and his dream began. 85


Hudson had always been powerful. He had always been the predator, not the prey—until today. Today he had become vulnerable, and it was a feeling he loathed. In his dreamlike state he could sense his movements through the bush. His gait was unhurried, cautious. Barely a sound was made by the slight touch of foot to ground, but when Hudson looked down he was not wearing boots...he had hooves! He tossed his heavy head, giving what he knew to be antlers a good shake. The feeling was neither unpleasant nor uncomfortable. His large body was a combination of sleek, yet bulk muscle and perhaps dainty picturesque. His idealistic thoughts were confirmed when he chanced a glance at himself in the calm clear lake. He was pleasantly stunned with his appearance. How magnificent he was! Hudson tensed as he felt something gently brush his flank. A doe daintily bowed her head in deference towards him, and then sought to quench her own thirst. She was beautiful. A startling realization occurred to him; she was his! Then to her right a young fawn appeared. Its legs still wobbly, she ducked her head under her mother to nurse. A wave of deep desire to protect them both washed over him. He moved ever so cautiously closer. The doe's head rose to touch noses with him. "We are in danger." Hudson heard her words within his mind. "I will protect you." His thoughts thundered out with a roar. The young fawn cried out in a tiny bawl, startling him. A gunshot sounded. Hudson spun. Standing to his left were three hooded men; all 86


held guns. The doe turned to flee, but her escape was cut short by a fourth man. Enraged, Hudson lowered his great head and gored one of the men. In his dream-like state, Hudson knew it was a gun in his hand that had felled the man. Quickly he turned, his head gored—gun shot—another man. The doe screamed, the baby fawn cried. Hudson downed another. He turned to face his last attacker, but the man had the fawn within his grasp. Slowly the fawn changed into Ryder, the doe was now Simetra, and Hudson was in his human form. Hudson dared not strike. He moved cautiously towards their assailant, arms splayed. If he could just get close enough. His entire attention remained centered on the man holding Ryder. The gun blast came as a surprise. There had been five men, not four. Hudson turned to see his attacker smiling, a surreal mist of smoke billowed from the discharged weapon to hide most of the man's face. Hudson felt no pain, but he knew he was going to die. He knew he had failed. Hudson could feel himself spiral to the ground. He could hear the baby cry, he could hear his mate's desolate sound; Simetra's terror-filled cries. Crumbling, he hit the dirt. Everything went black. He knew he died. He had lost. **** Hudson awoke with a start. His hand clutched at his chest. He felt an eerie sense of foreboding, as though the dream were a warning. Never before had he experienced anything so despairing, and yet, he was left with a strange sense of profound power. He knew something was going to happen. He 87


felt it in his guts. This dream meant something, he was positive. What it meant, he hadn't a clue. But he knew with all certainty he was going into battle, and he needed to be wary. The wind ruffled his hair. He looked to the giant oaks, and with a small smile he muttered aloud: "I will be careful, and I will not fail!" The sun was creeping into the horizon. Hudson was on the move. He plowed through the forest with determination. He needed to get to Simetra. Troy was waiting for him by his old, beat up looking jeep. The smile the man wore died on his face as Hudson appeared, harried and disheveled, and bloody before him. "Holy shit! What in the hell happened to you?" the man exclaimed. Hudson practically knocked him over in his haste to get behind the wheel. "Uh, Hudson? Don't you think I should be the one driving? You look worse than dead crap." "Get in," Hudson snarled, he turned over the ignition, and the jeep sprang to life. "I'll explain as we go." Troy hadn't even shut the door before the tire wheels were spinning into a fishtail. He grabbed his seat belt and jerked it on as they sideswiped a tree. "We're in for a helluva ride, huh?" Troy said, then grinned with wry amusement. Hudson gunned the engine in reply. "Rough trip?" Troy asked, he was looking unconcerned at their frantic pace.

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For a brief moment they were airborne. The car landed with a thud, bounced and pitched forward. Hudson then grinned back at his friend. "Buddy, you have no idea." **** Hudson stormed into Augustus Freemont's newest casino. Bloodied and clothes in disarray, he was a sight. A fearful sight to be sure, with an equally looking enraged Troy by his side. People flew off in different directions to get out of the barreling man's way lest he knock them down. Hudson wasted no time. He strode directly to Banner, grabbed him by the front of his shirt and in one heave had the man off his feet and eye level with him. "Where are they?" Hudson snarled. "They're fine," came a voice to his left. Hudson let Banner drop to the ground. He spun to face Apollo. "I want to see them both, now!" Hudson demanded. He closed in on him. "I assure you my fiancee doesn't want anything to do with you," Apollo declared. For a brief moment Hudson felt like he had once more been shot, only this time in the gut. He recovered quickly. He had known Simetra would have only two choices if the baby were Apollo's; she had apparently made her decision. Well she's gonna unmake it! His thoughts stormed. "I want to see her now!" he demanded again. "On what grounds?" Augustus Freemont had appeared.

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Hudson had come prepared for this. "Theft. She stole a few of my things." He was pushing it, he knew, but he didn't care. "I'm sure I can easily replace what went missing," Augustus replied. "Are you attempting to bribe an officer?" Troy asked. There was a dangerous glint mixed with amusement twinkling in his eyes that Hudson noticed. With apparent resolve, Apollo conceded. He motioned for Hudson to follow him. Hudson walked closely by the man's side; he wasn't certain when he finally noticed Troy was suddenly missing. "Where the hell is my partner?" Hudson demanded. "Relax, he's fine. This business is just between you and Simetra," Apollo replied. For a brief second Hudson was worried. He had explained in detail the happenings of the last week to Troy; he knew Troy would be on his guard. Hudson was led to a large office. Once inside he spotted Simetra. She looked like she had been crying. She was holding Ryder. The baby smiled and waved at him. Her little arms outstretched to be held. She was wearing the most adorable pink outfit, obviously the most expensive in baby designer wear. A little stuffed fawn was clutched in her arms. Simetra, he noted, looked equally gorgeous in the brand new clothing she wore. Hudson gathered them both into his arms. "Are you okay?" he asked. "I'm not hurt." Her reply spoke volumes. 90


"I'm going to get you out of here," he promised in a low voice. "How?" Hudson moved away from her. "You need to come with me," he voiced loudly. "She isn't going anywhere," Apollo replied, his tone was calm. "You need to come with me too, Apollo, you and your men here. There's a little matter of my weapons that need to be resolved. You're needed downtown for questioning as well involving your roles in Terrance's death," Hudson replied. He didn't mention Troy had an extra Sig he had gladly handed over. "We didn't take your weapons, I'm sure you'll find them at the bottom of the ravine with Terrance, and we all saw Terrance fall over the cliff. It was an accident," Apollo again answered calmly. "If you need me or my fiancee we will gladly come in after I feel she is well enough to give our statements. She is still quite tired from being out in the bush. You can contact our lawyer." "She was dumped out into the bush with a baby," Hudson snapped. He was not walking out of there without Simetra and Ryder. "A simple misunderstanding. Now if that's settled, I think it's time for you to go," Apollo replied. "You're being asked to leave politely," Banner intervened. "Don't make me lose my temper." Hudson had enough. He took Simetra by the arm and just started walking for the door. Apollo lunged, but Hudson 91


released Simetra and gave her a shove out of harm's way. When Apollo grabbed him he spun around and smashed a hard fist into Apollo's face. "That's for attempting to assault a police officer," he snapped. Banner was the next to make his move. He took a cheap shot at Hudson's bloody arm. When his fist collided with his wound and Hudson saw stars, he determined if he was in space Banner would damn well join him. The blow he sent cracked into Banner's jaw and sent him flying over a desk. The other two men had seen enough; both attacked Hudson at once. Hudson spun into a roundhouse that sent the first man to reach him flying. His back had no sooner crashed into a wall when the other man joined him, head first. His blood flowing, his heart racing, Hudson felt something small hit his back; he turned and withdrew his weapon at the same time. He fired. Augustus Freemont stood poised in the now open doorway. The gun he held in his right hand slid soundlessly to the carpeted floor. His eyes were wide in surprise. His wounded look settled onto Hudson. "How?" he mouthed quietly. "How?" Louder this time. "How did you know I was here?" Hudson just stared at him as he fell to the floor. The corner of his eye caught the stuffed fawn lying on the ground near him. For a brief moment his dream flashed into his mind. The next few minutes were a blur to Hudson. He knew Troy was beside him. He could hear Simetra weeping. There were cops everywhere. A paramedic was bandaging his arm. Another was working on Freemont. Apollo and the others 92


were being led away in handcuffs, where everything would be straightened out at police headquarters. Hudson ran a shaky hand down Simetra's hair. He chucked Ryder under her chin. "Thank you for coming for us," Simetra whispered into his ear. "Was there ever any doubt?" he replied. "No," she admitted. Hudson refused to be placed on a stretcher. He clasped Simetra close and walked them to the ambulance, where all three climbed into the back together. "We have a lot to talk about," Hudson said. Simetra nodded her agreement. "Apollo says Ryder is his. He says he can take her from me if I leave him." "I won't let that happen." "Promise?" She gazed up at him so hopefully he felt his heart melt. "Promise." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Nine "Well?" Simetra asked anxiously. She was bouncing from foot to foot in dreaded anticipation. Once reaching the hospital Hudson had a smear of Apollo's blood taken from his own shirt, and a swab of Ryder's mouth. Simetra had to know for certain if Apollo had been lying about Ryder's parentage. Hudson stood before her; he was a mess. He was wearing a hospital gown while still in filthy jeans. His hair was disheveled. She had been so happy to see him when he had appeared in Apollo's office. She had known he would come. She trusted him. She had only agreed to Apollo's proposal fearing she had no choice. She had spent the last twenty-four hours thinking of Hudson. Of his gentleness, his caring, his power. She knew she cared a great deal for him. "The DNA is a match," Hudson declared. Simetra felt as though she had been punched. Hudson gathered her into his embrace. "It has some characteristics, Simetra. It's okay, I promise. Apollo is definitely related, her uncle perhaps, but he's not her father. It would appear Max and he were half-brothers." Simetra collapsed against him. "Why did Apollo lie?" "I don't know. But when he was informed he seemed genuinely surprised. He had been under the impression Ryder was his because of Terrance's accusations. I guess Terrance had doctored a test. Because Max and Apollo were related it was easy enough to give Apollo the impression Ryder was his. 94


Apollo apparently had no idea Max was his half-brother. I'm guessing Augustus was going to take that piece of information to his grave." "Terrance was given a great deal of money for his information on Ryder when he approached Apollo. But when Apollo realized Terrance was going to have both you and the baby killed he panicked. He was away on business and had Banner take you somewhere safe." "To you?" "Who better to keep you safe but a cop in the middle of nowhere?" "True," she replied. She went to sit, quietly contemplating. "But why did Terrance kill Max? I know they hated each other, but to kill him?" "Terrance somehow found out Max was related to Freemont. Before his surgery Augustus mumbled something about an old love letter to Max and Terrance's mother. You gotta love pain meds and their ability to loosen the tongue. Terrance knew you and Apollo had been intimate, I'm guessing he bribed someone on the inside for that bit of information." "It seems Terrance had always hated Max, calling him the favored one. He never knew why he always seemed to come in second with his mother. When he found out his mother loved Max's father more he went ballistic. I guess he figured he would kill Max for the insurance money." "He wanted it all, your money, Max's, Apollo's, revenge. Terrance knew the money would come to you, we found the real will. Ryder isn't even mentioned. Max never added the 95


baby, he never sold you out. It means he never believed Terrance. I don't think we'll have any problem fingering Terrance for Max's death. You were right all along, Max was murdered, and he never chose to leave you. You're not penniless, Simetra, in fact you appear to be quite wealthy." "But Ryder is still related to the Freemont's," Simetra said with worry. "After the stunt Freemont pulled, I doubt you'll have any worries over him trying to have access to his granddaughter. Especially since Ryder's father will be a cop. That is, if you'll have me?" Her head snapped in his direction, her mouth dropped open. Hudson dropped to one knee before her. He looked sheepish as he pulled a plastic gumball ring out of his pocket. "Sorry, it was the best I could do on short notice," he said apologetically. Simetra continued to just stare openmouthed at him. "Simetra, will you marry me? I promise to be a good father and husband. I had a lot of time to think last night while lying on the forest floor, and dreaming. I'm in love with you, I love Ryder, too." Simetra smiled, she launched herself into his arms. "Yes!" From the crib next to them Ryder awoke. Her eyes lit up when she saw Hudson. "Da, Da!" she exclaimed. "You got that right. I am Da, Da." Hudson rose from his knee to pick the baby up into his arms. Simetra wrapped her arms around them both. Ryder waved at something over their shoulders and then handed Hudson her stuffed fawn. 96


"Maybe you were right about Artemis and Dryads," Simetra said teasingly. "I'm thinking our mothers and I are not the only one with superstitions." Simetra looked at him curiously. "I read Ryder's first name on the hospital chart, it would appear you use her second name," he stated. "Looks like your mother isn't the only one to be a wee bit fantastical!" Simetra blushed. "Temisra. I just rearranged the letters...just in case." Hudson laughed. "Temisra Ryder. With all of that adoration it's no wonder we had all that protection. It looks as though Artemis must have had her own 'Ryder policy'!" The End [Back to Table of Contents]

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About The Author C. L. Scholey lives in her Ontario home with her husband and daughters. She is currently working on a new novel. For more info please check out her web site, www.clscholey.com. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Find your favorite fantasy at... Whispers Publishing (www.whispershome.com) For your convenience, all of Whispers Publishing's books are available from our website as well as Fictionwise, Mobipocket, All Romance e-Books, and Amazon Kindle. **** Be sure to join our newsletter for up-to-date news from your favorite authors, contests, giveaways, upcoming releases, and more! To join, send a blank e-mail to: [email protected] **** We're also on Facebook and Twitter at: www.facebook.com/whisperspub www.twitter.com/whisperspublish

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100

Ryder Policy

Ryder Policy

Ryder

Ryder

Ryder

Demon Ryder

The Dangerous Mr. Ryder

The Dangerous Mr Ryder

Ryder on the Storm

Midnight Rodeo Ryder

Policy

Cliff Ryder - Room 59 01 - The Powers That Be

Cliff Ryder - Room 59 02 - Out Of Time

Cliff Ryder - Room 59 03 - Aim And Fire

HEALTH POLICY

Return Policy

Investment Policy

The Policy

Housing Policy (Gildredge Social Policy S.)

Microeconomic Policy

Retief Policy

Retief Policy

Regional Policy (Spicers European Policy Reports)

Drugs: Policy and Politics (Introducing Social Policy)

Reconceptualizing Social Policy (Introducing Social Policy)

Education Policy (Gildredge Social Policy Series)

Youth Policy (Spicers European Policy Reports)

Transport Policy (Spicers European Policy Reports)

Employment Policy (Spicers European Policy Reports)

Macroeconomic Policy: Demystifying Monetary and Fiscal Policy

Ryder Policy

Ryder Policy

Ryder

Ryder

Ryder

Demon Ryder

The Dangerous Mr. Ryder

The Dangerous Mr Ryder

Ryder on the Storm

Midnight Rodeo Ryder

Policy

Cliff Ryder - Room 59 01 - The Powers That Be

Cliff Ryder - Room 59 02 - Out Of Time

Cliff Ryder - Room 59 03 - Aim And Fire

HEALTH POLICY

Return Policy

Investment Policy

The Policy

Housing Policy (Gildredge Social Policy S.)

Microeconomic Policy

Retief Policy

Retief Policy

Regional Policy (Spicers European Policy Reports)

Drugs: Policy and Politics (Introducing Social Policy)

Reconceptualizing Social Policy (Introducing Social Policy)

Education Policy (Gildredge Social Policy Series)

Youth Policy (Spicers European Policy Reports)

Transport Policy (Spicers European Policy Reports)

Employment Policy (Spicers European Policy Reports)

Macroeconomic Policy: Demystifying Monetary and Fiscal Policy

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