Choices

By Toni Cantrell

Half out of his mind with jealousy, Beau Chandler kidnaps Kellie and forces her to accompany him into the mountains for a 'second honeymoon'. Clifford Hartley, long lost heir to a Dukedom in England loses his head and heart over a red-haired temptress named Lacey Wainwright... Kellie Chandler Hartley must cope with his lies and the sudden reappearance of her first husband. Where does her future lie? Lust and betrayal are powerful motivations behind life changing events that forever alter the destinies of not only these three, but all their families as well, and for generations to come.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
• Release date: Apr 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781611606805

Toni Cantrell

Toni Cantrell was born in Crawfordsville Indiana, graduated from Anderson High School and married her high school sweetheart. She and her husband Manuel have two sons, Dennis (Marjie), and Terry (Jennifer); two grandchildren, Corey and Angie (Johnny) and a great-grandson, Angie’s son Brandon. Toni has been writing since age twelve. The discovery of a 20 year old half-written manuscript started her current writing spree in 1984. Her sister-in-law called her to speak to a writing class in early 1994, and she joined the class. “I didn’t know half as much about writing as I learned there.” She finished that long lost novel and six other manuscripts before getting a novel published in 2001, just prior to undergoing breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS is available through Author House. Her second book—prequel to THE GAZEBO—was published in September, 2002, titled IF EVER THAT TIME COME. ABSENTMINDED, written with Violet Ryan (as Voni Ryan), was published in 2010 by Belfire Press. Also slated for release in 2011 is another Voni Ryan effort, THE LIGHT SIDE OF DARK and yet another collaboration with Bea Simmons (as Allen Simmons-Cantrell), LIKE HIM WITH FRIENDS POSSESS'D.

Book preview

STONE FAMILY SAGA BOOK 2:

CHOICES

by

TONI CANTRELL

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Published by

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

Whiskey Creek Press

PO Box 51052

Casper, WY 82605-1052

www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Copyright Ó 2013 by Toni Cantrell

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

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 any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

ISBN: 978-1-61160-680-5

Cover Artist: Angela Archer

Editor: Allie Hart

Printed in the United States of America

Dedication

Dedicated to Writers Ink of Central Indiana members, past and present. Especially for Nina and Patti, who are both greatly missed.

The author wishes to acknowledge the editorial expertise of Voni Ryan, who is no longer with us. This is an amazing job of cutting an unwieldy 766 page manuscript down to less than 150,00 words to make two novels. Thanks!

Chapter 1 - Kellie’s Appointment

Three days into the new year of 1873, the sun was shining, air felt crisp and clear and as Kellie rode toward Chadwick, she felt more alive, better able to control her own destiny. She was on her way to ask Jarrett Hartley about a divorce.

Spring had not yet arrived, but as she looked around, it was apparent winter would be short-lived. In a distant meadow, a herd of horses grazed and half a dozen colts frolicked and kicked their heels. Early flowers poked tentative buds through brown grass, and trees were misted with faint green that would soon be leaves.

Kellie had her own horse, a black and white pinto pony Beau bought for her after they returned from their honeymoon. She named him Calico, and they had a very special relationship. As they cantered along the road, she sang a soft little song and the pony’s ears flickered back and forth in time to the music.

They had just passed the turn-off to Rick and Maggie’s hacienda when Calico tossed his head and whickered softly. Kellie drew rein, twisted in the saddle and scanned the road behind. An echoed whicker sounded, and presently, Cliff and his bay appeared, crossing the road. When he spotted her, he wheeled the horse and trotted alongside.

Hey, Kellie. He grinned his crooked grin. What brings you out this fine day?

An answering smile lit her eyes. I have an appointment with your brother about a divorce.

Have you heard from Chandler?

She shook her head. They both heard he was back at work in the city, seen at most of his favorite haunts, drinking too much. They sat the horses a minute or two, each occupied with their own thoughts about Beau.

Mind if I ride with you a ways? Ol’ Shotgun here needs the exercise. His voice sounded cool, even disinterested, but his hands were sweaty and his mouth dry. She looked so damn beautiful, sittin’ on that ugly black and white pony, hair tucked underneath her hat, bundled in a heavy sheepskin coat, long legs in snug trousers and high boots. A rosy glow on her cheeks from the brisk air made him want to drag her off the pony and kiss her, right there in the middle of the road.

I don’t mind. She looked at him, heart in eyes as they lifted the horses into an easy lope. Papa and I truly enjoyed Christmas day dinner with your family. The goose was delicious, all the food was, and we received so many nice gifts… Kellie knew she babbled, but couldn’t seem to stop.

Cliff just smiled and nodded at everything she said. She felt his gaze on her, warm, caressing. And the New Year’s party. That was a real celebration. I’ve been to parties in Arlington that weren’t half so much fun!

At the mention of the party, they locked eyes and smiled, thinking the same thoughts, remembering. The stroke of midnight had caught them in the deserted library…

They slipped into the darkened room just minutes before, hoping in all the confusion no one would miss them, desperately needing to be alone. They clung avidly, oblivious to all but each other.

Cliff had adjusted to Kellie’s changed attitudes about being held and kissed, indeed, her eagerness excited him almost beyond control. He had all he could do to keep his hands in proper places. They had only a few minutes of privacy, perhaps for the better. When they rejoined the party, there were several suspicious, malicious glances exchanged among the crowd. But soon, someone whisked Kellie off to dance and Suellen Monroe, who had her matrimonial sights set firmly on Jarrett, cornered Cliff to talk about his brother, and the awkward moment had passed…

They drew rein on the outskirts of Chadwick. I’ll leave you here, sugar. He studied her for a moment. Maybe you could stop by on your way home and see Maggie? She’s been talkin’ a lot about you lately.

Tell her I’ll see her this afternoon. She held out her hand, he grasped it hard for a second, then let go.

Reluctant to leave, Kellie exerted a real effort of will to turn her eyes away and ride toward town. She cantered along the main street, past the depot and livery stable to the block of business buildings that housed Jarrett’s law office. She tethered Calico at the last hitching rail, took a deep breath and entered the office.

Kellie. Jarrett rose in greeting. He came around the desk, helped remove her heavy coat and held her chair.

They opened their discussion immediately.

I’m completely aware of your marital situation and I’ve done some research. I found no law in California to cover your particular status. You can’t divorce Chandler for any reason but flagrant adultery and that’s not likely to happen, from what you’ve told me about his obsession with you. Unless you can find a sympathetic judge who is willing to accept a little slanted testimony, I’m very much afraid you’ll have to remain married.

If I could find such a judge, and obtain a divorce, how would the Hartleys feel about Cliff and me?

He was taken aback and showed it. That’s a pretty personal question to ask a lawyer, Kellie.

I’m not asking a lawyer. I’m asking Cliff’s brother. You must have known I’d ask?

I can’t speak for the rest of the family…

But that’s just what I want you to do. Kellie leaned forward, displayed her forceful feelings. You all know how much we care about each other. Will you accept a divorcée as Cliff’s wife?

We accepted him, didn’t we? Jarrett asked bluntly. If he wants to marry you, I doubt you’ll hear any objections from his family. You’re a close friend and neighbor, you’re our dearest Maggie’s best friend, and we all love you for yourself as well.

She sat back, almost in tears. She hadn’t realized how much their acceptance would mean.

The next question to be addressed? Where would they find a sympathetic judge? Jarrett knew if Chandler could be brought to trial and convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, she would have a better chance of securing a divorce decree in California.

There’s not much chance of that, is there?

Jarrett shook his head, regretfully. I’m afraid not.

She heaved a tremendous sigh. I can’t believe I’ve gotten myself into such an awful predicament.

We all make mistakes and sometimes they hurt others, and vice versa. If you hadn’t thought—been convinced—Cliff was dead, you’d never have married Chandler. There’ve been tragic choices made on both sides. Perhaps we can all work to rectify them.

The bell on the outer door rang, announcing his next client and Kellie rose to depart. I’ll stop and see Maggie on my way home.

Jarrett chuckled. We’ll all be glad when that baby comes. That poor girl has the worst case of cabin fever I ever witnessed. Maybe you can cheer her.

Maybe I can.

* * * *

Kellie tied Calico to the corral post behind the Hartley house, sensing Cliff somewhere about. The colt Rick had been breaking when they’d arrived in the valley was now a magnificent chestnut stallion, his red hide glinting with copper lights in the low afternoon sun. She leaned on the fence to admire him.

He’s somethin’, ain’t he? Cliff’s drawl so close snapped her head around.

You startled me! She smiledthen returned her gaze to the horse. Yes, he’s gorgeous. Is Maggie in the house?

Yeah. And when she would have walked away, he said quickly, Wait. Don’t go in yet.

I’m cold. That’s a long ride out from town.

Come on in the stable, out of the wind. I’d like to talk to you for a minute.

I remember a stable in Chadwick, a long time ago. She took in the familiar surroundings, then looked at him.

A frown of naked pain darkened his features. Damn it, Kellie, don’t tease me like that. I remember every second of every time I ever saw you! I can’t stop thinkin’ about you, about us, about this God-awful waste… He jerked her into his arms.

I’m sorry, I don’t mean to torment you. She wound her arms about his neck. I’ve been thinking about you too. Last summer, how happy we were, how much I wanted to be with you.

Me too. He tightened his hold, rested his cheek on her hair and sighed. What did Jarrett say?

Kellie told him and could feel the misery in his body, tense muscles, the pressure of his hands on her back, every breath, each heartbeat.

He kissed her then, and she returned his kiss with reckless abandon, drowned in sensation.

For Kellie, being in his arms seemed so good, so right, she wished never to leave, but knew she must.

Cliff, please. She pulled away and sank to a nearby bale of hay, covering her face with both hands.

He gave her a dark, tortured glare, took a couple of steps and gripped the top timber of a stall. It creaked under his powerful fingers, and he spoke without looking at her, We got to stop this, sugar. I can’t take much more. I need you, but not like this, not meetin’ on the sly, sneakin’ around. I wanna be able to wake up in the mornin’ and have you beside me—I want what Rick and Maggie have—our own place, a family, my beautiful wife with me, all the time. He glanced her way. You better go on in. Maggie’ll wonder what happened.

She left him there and ran across to the house without looking back, heart sore, unshed tears clouding her eyes. She had never seen him so upset...he sounded, there at the last, almost like he hates me.

Willis let her in the kitchen door and smiled. Miz Maggie up in her room lyin’ down, Miz Chandler, but she’s expectin’ you, says jes’ go on up.

Thank you, Willis. She handed him her sheepskin coat and Stetson. May I take the back stairs?

Surely may. I’ll bring some tea up to y’all in jes’ a few minutes.

Sounds wonderful. She ran up the steps enjoying the freedom of pants and boots and having her hair loose, out of the hat.

Maggie stood at the bedroom window. She turned when Kellie knocked and opened the door. She appeared either angry or upset. Hello, Kellie.

Hello? Kellie stopped halfway inside the room, suddenly unsure of her welcome, surprised by Maggie’s cold look and tone.

Maggie moved slowly, awkwardly toward her friend. The long full skirt and shawl she wore only partially disguised her swollen figure. I just saw you and Cliff go in the stable, and I saw you disappear together New Year’s Eve. You’re still married and I don’t think you’re being very fair to him.

Don’t you think I know that? I love him so much and I don’t want to hurt him, but if I can’t see him, I think I will go crazy. Kellie crossed the room and dropped into a sofa by the fireplace. I talked to Jarrett today about a divorce from Beau.

And? Maggie apparently had no intention of softening her attitude.

Kellie told her of the legal difficulties she faced and Jarrett’s comments about the sympathetic judge. I wonder if and when we might be lucky enough to find one.

Maggie unbent a bit, sat beside Kellie and took her hand. Surely we will. No one in central California likes your husband. He’s made a lot of enemies.

And I have no idea what he’ll do if he returns to the valley and discovers Cliff and I are close again. I’m afraid he’ll kill Cliff himself this time.

Rick and Jarrett would never permit that.

They might not be able to stop him. The man is so clever, it’s frightening. His scheme to eliminate Cliff worked, even though the whole plan backfired. She regarded Maggie fondly, all hostility forgiven. But I came here to cheer you up. Jarrett said you have a bad case of cabin fever?

With a crooked smile, Maggie confessed. I do. I’ve heard older married women talk about ‘so-and-so’s confinement.’ At this point, I’m well qualified to talk about confinement. I can’t walk in the rain, ride horseback, go anywhere in a carriage, I feel like a prisoner! She also admitted jealousy caused her earlier attack on her best friend, I saw you ride in and I was so mad at you for being able to ride, I just couldn’t stand it!

The conversation turned to less controversial topics—personal news, valley gossip. Willis interrupted with tea, followed shortly by Alexandra and Samantha. They shared an hour of talk and laughter, consumed a whole tray of pastries and several small sandwiches and drank two large pots of tea.

Maggie felt much better after the impromptu party and so did Kellie. I’m so glad the tangle of my life won’t affect my friendship with the Hartley women. She rode home singing at the top of her lungs and Calico almost danced down the road. Kellie suspected he had once been in a circus. He certainly loved music.

Chapter 2 - Beau Returns

Brief late winter twilight was settling over the valley like a hazy blue mist when Kellie and Calico trotted along the driveway and rounded the big house toward the stable area. Pete, their stable hand, took Calico to unsaddle and rub down, and Kellie picked her way gingerly through deep wheel ruts and muddy hoof prints to the house.

The back entrance opened as she climbed the steps. She looked up with a smile, expecting Mark, but the shadowy figure was too tall and slender to be her father. Beau? she gasped, took an involuntary step backward and would have fallen but for his hands catching her arms.

My darling! I’m so glad you’re home. Your father and I have had the nicest chat. Most informative.

Either the glitter in his eyes or the edge in his voice warned Kellie her husband teetered on the abyss of madness. What had happened in the three weeks he’d been gone to push him over the brink?

She brushed past him quickly. Where is he? Her own voice had a steely quality in spite of fear.

Unharmed in his room, darling. I may let you see him before we leave.

Kellie ran up the stairs, panic lending wings to her feet. I’m not going anywhere with you, Beau. Get out of our house!

Quite the contrary, we leave tonight on a second honeymoon. I’ve packed a few things, but you’ll need more.

She reached the door to Mark’s study only to find it locked.

Open this immediately, Beau. Do it now! She commanded. I’m not moving until I see my father.

He smiled at her, a sly, crafty smile, one that hinted of unspeakable things, a smile that made him appear even more demented. Very well, but don’t try anything. He must stay here.

What do you...? When he unlocked the door, she pushed it aside and saw the bound, gagged figure of her father secured in his desk chair.

Papa? She had taken two steps toward the immobile figure across the room when Beau grabbed her from behind.

No, no. He chided her gently. Papa stays right where he is. When Marie comes in the morning, she can release him. We’ll be well on our way by then.

You don’t understand! she screamed, Marie won’t be here tomorrow. She’s gone to San Jose to visit her daughter. No one will come to the house. You can’t leave him like this! Kellie sobbed and writhed in his iron grip, to no avail. Let me go, Beau! Please?

No. He held her to him, hard. Don’t struggle, my darling. If you do, I shall have to restrain you the way I did your dear papa, and I’d prefer not to do that. He gazed down at her, his black eyes unreadable as ever. I have missed you so dreadfully these last weeks. Suddenly, his tone and bearing sounded almost normal, even as his hold slackened, became more lover-like. If you come with me, I’ll be fine, everything will be fine. It’s been absolute hell, not having you close.

She let him kiss her then, rationalizing that if she didn’t fight or argue, she and Mark might be safe. Her capacity for fantasizing stood her in good stead. She merely closed her eyes and pretended he was Cliff. That succeeded only to a point, however, for when Beau lifted her and started for the bedroom and she realized what he intended, she stiffened, struggling once more.

Put me down, Beau. She thought furiously as she spoke. If we’re to leave tonight and get far away so that no one can find us, we’d better start now.

He smiled again, that strange, sinister smile. We have lots of time, my darling. I’ve been gone a very long time and I need to hold you, make love to you.

Kellie heard the older girls at Miss Finch’s whisper lurid tales about a former student, tales that involved a fearsome word—rape. The stories said Abby spent several weeks in the infirmary, and left school enceinte, because a group of rough town boys had raped her. Just thirteen at the time with little interest in boys, Kellie had listened with half an ear, not fully comprehending all the talk. The bits and pieces she heard came back to her in the middle of her frantic, futile fight against Beau, and her terror-stricken mind cried silently, RAPE! This is what they meant!

She struggled in vain as Beau held her. Lie still my darling. I don’t want to hurt you, he murmured as held her on the bed. Kellie twisted and jerked, drew a deep breath to scream for help, but released it unvocalized, recalling her father, helpless across the hall, and the otherwise empty house. Beau had become a savage, brutal stranger. Her mind, knowing there would be no reprieve, closed and blocked all sensation.

She regained consciousness when Beau shook her roughly. Wake up, darling. Get dressed, we leave soon.

Her body hurt all over, throbbing lip swollen to twice normal size. She didn’t budge.

Mrs. Chandler? If you expect to see your father alive again, you’d better move your ass! His voice rose, temper fraying at last.

Kellie swallowed thickly, mind still in a fog. I-I want to see him and talk to him be-before we go.

Yes, yes, just hurry! Impatient strides took him to the door. I’ll wait outside in the hall.

Kellie chose to disregard the implied threat. She sat up, still dizzy, clutched the shreds of cloth that were all that remained of her shirt and pants, and using them as partial concealment, stumbled to her dressing room to locate other clothing. She dressed as quickly as her aching body allowed, splashed cold water on her burning face and throat, twisted her hair into a knot and started to leave the small room.

As she passed the tall dresser, she spotted a tiny sharp knife she’d used the day before to remove a splinter. She palmed it, hoping Beau hadn’t noticed.

When he let her into Mark’s study, she ran to her father. Papa, Beau and I are going on a second honeymoon. I’ll let you know where we’ll be, soon, she babbled in a high, excited voice, eager to distract Beau from her stealthy actions. When she hugged her father, she slipped the knife into his hand.

His eyes lit and he nodded slightly. She knew he’d be able to free himself with a little effort.

Calico neighed frantically at being left, but Beau merely said the pinto was too noticeable. Kellie rode her father’s chestnut gelding and Beau his big black stallion. He led a pack horse loaded with clothing and gear.

They headed northwest and passed the outskirts of Chadwick in the early morning hours. A solitary dog barked somewhere close by and a candle flashed in the window of an isolated farmhouse to mark their passage. Those were the only signs of human activity Kellie saw that whole long day.

Beau stopped late in the afternoon to make camp. So exhausted she crawled into the bedroll still wearing hat and boots, Kellie fell immediately asleep.

She wasn’t aware their destination was a fully stocked lodge in the pines above Lake Tahoe. Nor did she know that while she slept, Beau rode several miles along their back trail and obliterated all tracks, trying to ensure Cliff Hartley and her father couldn’t find them.

He returned to the campsite shortly after midnight, found the fire burned to faintly glowing coals and Kellie still asleep. Her hat had fallen aside and thick fly-away hair curled around her face. The swollen lip gave her mouth an unaccustomed pout that looked very sensuous, even in sleep. Beau stoked the fire and when it flared high, he stripped and crawled into the bedroll with her. He had removed most of her clothes and was kissing her breasts with a fevered mouth when she woke. The combination