Riders - Horizons (III) Read online

  RIDERS

  Horizons (III)

  K.M.Liss

  RIDERS

  Horizons (III)

  By Katrina Liss

  Copyright 2015 K.M.Liss

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  All Rights Reserved.

  This book is sold subject to conditions that it cannot by way of trade be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the author’s prior consent, in any form or cover, other than which it is published.

  Disclaimer: This novel is a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it, while at times based on real figures, are purely the work of the author’s imagination.

  Thanks & Acknowledgments

  Love and thanks to my family and friends, for believing in me and encouraging me to write my little heart out.

  CHAPTER ONE

  JOSHUA

  I was finally outside the Sheriff's office, after the humiliating experience of vouching for the pair of idiots he'd banged up.

  The words reverberated in my head.

  Drunk and Disorderly, Violent Behavior & Causing Public Affray.

  What a pair of assholes.

  Over Col's shoulder, I noticed Kicker was talking on the phone with his girl. He had the most stupid, lovestruck smile on his face. I made a mental note to keep a decent expression when talking to Tiffany in public. Kicker was as sickening as sugar soup.

  I turned my attention back to the reprobates standing before me. “So, what happened guys? And it had better be good.”

  “We had a few words. It got outta hand. I'm sorry to involve you in this Josh. It won't happen again,” Col said with a rueful look of apology and a meaningful sideways glance in Lucky's direction. I interpreted this to mean 'I'll tell you later, pal, when HE isn't around'....

  I played the game. “I should damn well hope not. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. It doesn't look good for the ranch, does it? I've had enough coming down here getting you guys off the hook. And I'm surprised at you Col.” I looked to Lucky who was staring into space, completely couldn't give a shit and fucked off he was being called to brook. Especially by me.

  I wasn't at all surprised by his behavior. This was the third bar brawl he'd been involved in, in as many months. He was an argumentative, confrontational and annoying little bastard at best and alcohol fueled that temper of his fast.

  I'd suddenly had my fill of his attitude and didn't want his face and shit ruining my days.

  I didn't actually have any right, from a point of authority, but I assumed it, and I fired him on the spot.

  “Lucky, you're fired. I've had enough of you brown-nosing my pa, grassing me up, lying about what I do, and constantly undermining me in front of the guys. This is the last straw. The third jail straw you've pulled. Clear your room and go. Goodbye, and have a nice life elsewhere. Hopefully far away, where our paths shall never cross.”

  “The fuck I will! I'll see the boss when we get back.”

  “See who you like. But as I'm running the cattle ranching, it's my decision.”

  Not entirely true, but Lucky was no longer listening anyway. He'd turned his back on me and had stormed off in the direction of Riders to retrieve his motorcycle.

  My father was out at a charity dinner with his favorite son and daughter tonight, so Lucky wouldn't find a lot of support when he got back.

  “You've done the right thing,” Col said putting his hand on my back. “He's a nasty piece of work, that guy. So bitter and twisted. Like the world owes him something, y'know?”

  “Yeah, I do know. Couldn't fail to notice.”

  Kicker ended his call and came to my side.

  “Did I overhear you right?”

  I snorted out a laugh. “I dunno, did my voice actually penetrate the love haze you're surrounded by?”

  “Oh ha, fuck off... seriously though...it's about time. No one liked him. He's an absolute asshole. Actually, he ain't that good by a long shot. He's the runniest, slimiest shit that could ever pour out of it,” Kicker said, with his usual sweet descriptive.

  Col laughed and I grinned at him. You couldn't help but smile at Kicker's thoughts.

  “I asked him how much Charlie was paying for licking his ass. And whether he was sucking up in any other way to keep the old guy happy?” Col said with a chuckle.

  “I can see why that went down well,” I snorted a sickened laugh.

  “Not so well, no... let's say it hit a raw nerve. The motherfucker... I could see I'd hit the nail on the head. He's your snitch. No question. And I swung the first punch. He deserved it, man.”

  “It's okay Col. I understand. No problem. I'll have to call on you for backup, convincing Pa he's all round trash.”

  “Sure we've always got your back covered,” Col agreed.

  Kicker punched my arm, over forcefully and painfully hard, to prove his allegiance.

  “Thanks guys, you're the best. Really appreciated.”

  Kicker and I got on our bikes, Col stood at my side.

  “While I remember, I'd be grateful if you could take a look at Tiffany's Mom's truck. It has a dangerous tilt on it and they haven't got a lot of cash for repairs. Would you mind?”

  “Not at all, I love tinkering with trucks, as you know. I'll see the lady right. I just need the phone number and address and I'll run over when convenient. What's her name?”

  “I don't know... Err, Mrs Johnson, I guess?!?” I laughed “I'll sort out some details when we get back,” I explained. “Right now I've got a little unpleasant business to attend to... a spot of reformation at the vice den Mickey is operating. Comin' along for the ride?”

  “Wouldn't miss it for the world,” Kicker replied, with an evil little grin spreading across his face. “The greaseball has it comin' to him. He practically forced Cherry to her knees. You know she supports her mom? And she's got late stage motor neuron disease? Mickey took advantage of my girl, big time.”

  “No, I didn't know that. Poor Cherry. I feel kinda responsible, letting him get away with it.” I also felt so mean judging her actions in the light of that news.

  “You weren't to know. But he forced her into tricking for him. Cornered her with threats about her job. But since she's been with me, and I told him, in strong terms, what I wanted to do to him, he's been sweet as cotton candy.”

  “I guess your bull riding rep might have helped.”

  Kicker laughed. “You think?”

  “You're the toughest piece of ass, pal. That's all I'm saying. I wouldn't want to get on the bad side of you.”

  “I'm gonna pass, if you don't mind. The bar is calling. I'm gonna have a nice quiet drink. I need one after my evening,” Col said.

  I started the engine, Col got on the back of my bike, and we rode the few hundred yards up the main street to Riders Bar. We were just in time to see Lucky departing, heading out of Olson, back toward the ranch.

  It was Sunday evening, Mickey's night off. I had a quick look inside and waved to the bar-girls as Col made his way up to the bar. It was quiet tonight, only a few customers standing barside, chatting to the girls. We left the bar and walked to the side door, the entrance to Mickey's rooms, where he lived above the bar. The accommodation came with the job.

  I knocked on the door and then pressed the door button. It bu
zzed loudly.

  “Mickey, open up,” I called up to his window.

  A moment later the blind shifted sideways and his face appeared.

  A few minutes later the porch light went on, and he opened the door. The way too skinny asshole stood before me in his jocks. His arms were crossed, and he was full of fake smile and his usual shit attitude. His small, dark beady eyes darted between the two of us and came to rest on mine. His hair made me feel sick as it hung in greasy strands around his face. I don't think he could ever have washed it. Not with anything more than water anyway.

  “What's up boys?” he asked, warily.

  “I need a moment of your time.”

  “Why? And why now? Can't it wait? I got company upstairs. That kind of company?”

  “It won't take long. Where d'you wanna do it? In the back room in the bar, or here on the doorstep?”

  “Here's good as any. Can't be fucked to put my clothes and shoes on to be honest. All coming off again, ain't it...” he smirked at me and it made me want to heave. Who in their right mind would fuck him?

  I felt so sorry for the woman upstairs at that moment. She must be blind or desperate.

  “Right. I'll be short and sweet and to the point. I should have done this a while back. Here's your new Riders bar rules of operation. It's the verbal version... for now... okay? But you will be getting a written one.” I watched his eyes narrow further to creepy black pinpricks in his face. He reminded me of a demon I'd seen in a TV horror movie recently. “Number one... ensure the management keeps its slimeball hands outta the cash till. Number two... ensure the management keeps its hands off the girls who work in Riders. Number three... I'm giving notice to quit the drug pushing and pimping sidelines. All three rules, in force, with immediate effect. As in, now.”

  “What?” His eyes widened again, and I could see his temper flaring beneath the surface.

  “If I find out one more deal has taken place in the Lyle's bar, or the books have been cooked with a certain brand of creative accounting, you're out of a job. No second chances, Mickey. I want you to run a clean joint. Completely. Scam. Free. Are we clear?”

  “For fuck's sake, Josh...! I don't know who you've been talking to...” he eyed Kicker evilly.

  “Don't look at him. It's common knowledge you're a fucking shitface dirtbag, in every way shape and form. Get your act together or you're out. You're lucky I'm giving you this warning.”

  Mickeys eyes narrowed. “Your pa send you to do his dirty work, did he?”

  “Pa would dismiss you if he knew about your scams. He has much lower tolerance levels for your kind of shit than I do. You're lucky he doesn't know.”

  He snorted at me and hatred flared in his expression. “Lucky? LUCKY! The last thing I am is lucky. Screwed over, fucked over and just about fucked by the Lyle's, every which way, more like.... And I'm so done talking here.”

  “I agree. As far as I'm concerned we're more than done. But while I think of it, if there's any backlash from this talk, and anything happens, no matter how small, to Cherry or Tiffany, you're dead meat. I'm holding you responsible.”

  “I'll consider the situation carefully.”

  “You'd better do more than just consider. You'd better make sure they're treated like a pair of princesses. Because they're our girls.” I looked to Kicker for support and he gave me his assured smile of agreement.

  “They sure are. I'm just calling Cherry to make sure my princess is okay.”

  “Kicker? You just spoke to her five minutes ago? Fucking hell man, you're a lost case!”

  “I know. She's got me wrapped 'round her finger. And I don't care,” he chuckled, picking out his cell, disappearing round the corner for some privacy.

  My attention came back to Mickey.

  “I expect better things from you. You're gonna run Riders as an honest business from now on.”

  A wicked gleam arose in his eyes.

  “Sure, whatever you say, boss. I really appreciate you putting me on the straight and narrow,” he added sarcastically, “and one good turn deserves another in my book. Here's a warning for you. Your little bitch of a princess is playing you for a fool. She's got your balls in her hand, ain't she? In your pants already and worming her way into your pocket before long. She knows where to hedge her bets for a better future. She's a smart little bitch. I knew it the first day I had her working on the job.”

  My mouth dropped open in shocked surprise. This was completely out the blue. The dark eyes glowed like hot coals, and a look of pure glee arose on his face when he saw my instant reaction to his words.

  My blood boiled within me fast.

  “Don't talk shit, you lying piece of scum,” I ground out, just about keeping it together.

  He put his hands up. “Just a warning. She's a sweet little honey trap. A picture of innocence. But I saw her looking and asking about you. And I heard her talking. I confronted her about it, told her I knew her game. She's set her sights on you, Lyle. She's working you like a pro. An evil little gold digger, that one. Fair warning, right?”

  I could have punched his lights out, and before I could stop myself, I had my hands around his throat.

  “You bastard liar,” I fumed.

  Kicker arrived behind me, and pulled me off him.

  “Hey cool it, pal. The guy ain't worth going to jail for, whatever your problem.”

  “Shit,” I strode off, raging inside, wondering if there was any grain of truth in his words. I tried to deny it, but the possibility stuck in my brain, regardless. Things started flying through my head.

  Working me? No... but―

  There were things she'd said and done which had started to take on a different meaning and I couldn't stop that or rewind my thoughts. Doubts flooded in.

  The way she'd reacted when I'd told her I didn't have much cash to my name. My Harley was on credit.

  The look on her face... was that surprise or was it actually disappointment?

  She must have figured I had money coming my way sometime in the future. My father was a wealthy man. I was the path to considerable wealth, at some stage. Unless he disinherited me, but she wouldn't know about that possibility.

  Her behavior started to run through my mind. The way she'd constantly pushed me away, making me want her more and more. Then just giving it up like that, with no resistance, on her mother's porch.

  That had replayed itself constantly through my head, like the hottest, sweetest and most tantalizing taster of a woman that a guy could have. That made me want a whole lot more of where that came from.

  All those tears and distress. Was that real or put on?

  By this point, I was beginning to think she really was playing me. I thought of earlier today and how she'd kept me at arms length. Until we sat together at the river. She knew how to press all my buttons, until I wanted her so bad, I was almost climbing up my own ass.

  A mistress of words and persuasive manipulation. Wasn't that who she was studying to be?

  That sweet little trip out with her sister. Entrapment, seduction, female cunning. I'd had experience of that before, but nothing like her league.

  I got on my bike, stewing to the depths of my soul.

  I conveniently forgot all about the fact the Mickey was a lying piece of shit and it was he who had planted the seed of doubt in my mind.

  My God, how fast that seed of doubt had grown.

  Mickey had worked a fucker of a number on my head.

  Very soon one plus one made three hundred and fifty seven, somehow.

  I started the engine, my mind clouded with a dark disappointment.

  I roared off in a blaze of noise and dust, a cold rage brewing deep inside me.

  Two can play at that game.

  CHAPTER TWO

  TIFFANY

  I brushed Philipa's wet hair and plaited it in a fishtail braid so it dried in soft waves. She liked that. It made her smile and I'd do anything to make her smile. Sometimes it broke my heart. That her life was bound and cons
tricted by Downs. Mom and I tried to be positive and to make her feel as normal as we could, but the rest of the world was not so accommodating and protective as we were. I feared for her, deep down. Life was tough enough, without her extra burden. I couldn't bear for her to be disappointed too badly.

  Philipa was drawing a picture of a horse. She was suddenly into horses, for obvious reasons. There were pictures of horses all over the kitchen. How she'd adored yesterday's ride. So had I.

  I smiled widely, remembering the gorgeous horse I'd ridden and the sight of him on his. Joshua was a hot piece of ass on his Harley, but Joshua on a horse... WOW... that had really thrown me. Hot didn't come close. He was orgasmic...

  I remembered the feel of coming with him inside me. The wave of pleasure and the way everything clamped up tight. I muffled a groan.

  I'd like to have more of that kind of experience with him. I'd loved the sound of him gasping in my ear when he exploded into me. It may have been a reckless moment we shared, but I was coming to terms with it now that there looked to be a worthwhile relationship forming between us. I wanted more of that groan of his.

  My cell buzzed. I smiled widely as I answered it. Did I just conjure him up...? I wanted to hear his voice so badly...

  “Hi babe, how's the hot head rancher today?” I giggled.

  “Not in the greatest of moods,” he replied, tersely.

  “Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Did you find out about the dead cattle?”

  “No, haven't had time to get around to that shit yet...” he replied, taking in a deep breath and then sighing. I loved the sounds he made, even if he wasn't in a great frame of mind. “but anyway, the reason for this call... could you give me your mom's name, and her cell number, please. One of my guys is gonna look her truck over. He can sort it out with her, directly. And I need your address too, I didn't take note of it.”

  “My mom's name is Miranda, I'll text the rest. It's so good of you. We really appreciate it. ”