Chapter 2 At the Ranch

Chapter 2

Edmund Ranch was one of the biggest ranches in Texas. It was owned by Collins Edward; Richard's father.

Apart from breeding animals and a less extensive cropping, the ranch also served in its capacity for tourism. Horseback riding was one of the services it offered.

There were also ranch houses. Mini bars were scattered around the ranch house where partying and merriments do take place every night. Nights at the ranch were always fun filled.

The night was more rowdy than usual. Lucy stayed glued to Brian whilst Brian scanned through the crowd for Richard.

He checked the fire place where barbecues were made. It was Richard's favorite spot but he wasn't there.

Swoosh! Philip jumped out from behind. Lucy flinched and grabbed Brian's arms fearfully. "Scaredy cat!" Philip yelled and laughed hard.

"Common! Stop the prank!" Brian yelled and eyed Lucy who was still clinging to his sleeves.

"I'm sorry," Philip said jokingly with his eyes dancing all over Lucy.

"Where is your brother? I have searched around for him." Brian said.

"He is late tonight... I guess he must be tired. He was out of town this morning... He would be here soon," Philip responded and led Brian and Lucy to a less conspicuous seat.

Philip left and soon returned with two bottles of Richard's favorite wine and two servings of barbecued meats.

Lucy eyed the mouth watering refreshment but looked away. Her eyes were fastened on the stables.

She wasn't interested in feasting, she wanted to see the horses.

The stables stood aloof. They were far in the yonder and looked spooky as they were sparsely illuminated. These made Lucy more curious.

While Brian feasted and gossiped with a few friends alongside Philip, Lucy made her way stealthily into the nearby plantation. She began her journey towards the stables.

Philip saw Lucy leave. He had his eyes on her and had seen her eye the stables.

A sly smile spread over his face and he left the table.

He took a leap into the looming darkness and was right behind Lucy.

After a few minutes of walking, Lucy realized she was in for it.

The terrain was sloppy and uneven. Her legs began to ache and her steps gradually became heavy.

"It seemed like it was just a stone's throw," she muttered and cast a quick glance behind. She realized she had come too far to return.

"I must see the sleeping horses," She said to herself and forged ahead.

She was just a few steps away from the stables when a burning smell drifted into her nostrils.

It was obviously coming from the extreme end of the ranch, just behind the stables.

The smell was pleasant. Lucy was invigorated. There was a lot for her to explore.

The thought made her steps lighter. Suddenly, a voice that wobbled with restrained emotions blew through the wind.

At first, she thought it was the foreman who oversees the ranch.

"Is anyone there?" She questioned but there was no response.

She switched on her phone's flashlight but saw nothing. "I definitely heard a voice... it suddenly feels eerie," she said and hastened her steps.

She had just taken a few steps forward when she was suddenly grabbed from behind. She turned around swiftly but she was knocked out with a single punch.

*****

Richard had arrived at the ranch house. He took his seat beside Brian and merriments continued.

"Were you with someone? Did you get two servings? These seem untouched," Richard said and pointed at Lucy's wine and plate of barbeque.

"Lucy!" Brian yelled. "Oh! Was she with you?" Richard asked. "Yes, we came today... She needed to escape from mum," Brian responded and scanned the crowd but she was nowhere to be found.

He picked up his phone and dialed her number immediately.

Lucy's phone rang but no one picked up. Brian became alarmed after several trials.

He rose to his feet and Richard followed from behind.

"The stables! Lucy likes horses," Brian said to Richard. "The stables? I don't think she would go that far... It's obviously dark over there," Richard said as he tried to catch up with Brian who was already running ahead.

Lucy's eyes flung open. She was pressed into the dusty and hard floor beneath and right above her was Philip. He was thrusting in and out of her.

Lucy tried to scream but she couldn't. Her mouth felt sore and heavy. She was gagged.

Philip laughed at her misery and continued to ram mercilessly into her.

Lucy's tears flowed freely. Philip struck her hard on the face and took her lips into his. Lucy groaned painfully. She hit him tirelessly with her feeble fists and tried to push him away.

Suddenly, Lucy's favorite song drifted in the wind. She knew it was her phone. Her brother was obviously searching for her. Angrily, she buried her nails into Philip's fleshy arms. She dragged the nails through his arms and Philip screamed out in pain. He stopped the act and jerked his arms as blood dripped out of them. "What the fuck!? You whore!" He yelled angrily and hit her hard on the face.