Chapter 34
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
DIXIE
T he atmosphere that was surrounding the house was heavy. It was the day of the trial, Tripp and Riggs had been up most of the night trying to see if they'd missed anything in regards to Clay’s death.
I wracked my brain whilst my eyes stayed on the ceiling of my bedroom to try and pick out something that had been said that could pin point me in a direction of where I could be any help.
Lainey clings to me as I pace the hallway. Tripp knows something is up, he knows I am avoiding him. After my chat with Riggs, I didn't want to get Tripp caught up in this shit with Lucian. He was a nasty man; he knew powerful men who would line us up in a firing line and take us out one by one.
Orla waltzed down the stairs dressed in all black as if she was in mourning. She didn't stop to wish any of us good morning, just opened the front door and walked down the driveway. I looked over at Pacey who was leaning against the door frame and gave me a shrug.
“She's going to the Warrens’.”
I nod, then turned and walked into the lounge to place Lainey on her playmat. I decided to stay home, it didn't feel right going to the hearing, it didn't feel right to sit and listen to people argue over if Austin did in fact kill Lainey's dad. I didn't think he did, but then again, I don't really know. I didn't know Austin well at all.
Sighing, I lean down and give Lainey a kiss on the top of her head as I push to my feet, and I hear a whistle coming from the front door.
“Well, isn't this nice,” and my blood runs cold at the sound of his voice, followed by another set of footsteps.
Riggs rushes out, standing in front of Pacey and I feel Tripp’s hand curl around my hip and pull me back towards where Lainey is.
“Don't panic,” he whispers softly in my ear and my eyes are wide and locked on Lucian and Wallen.
“Get the fuck out of our home.”
Lucian scoffs, tugging on the cuff of his white shirt before looking over his shoulder at Wallen, a stupid smirk on his face.
“Now, now, boys,” he holds his hands up in some kind of peace offering. “We're merely here to get what belongs to us,” Lucian smirks a wicked grin as I mould into Tripp’s body.
“Then we're heading to the courthouse to see Austin get sent down for murdering Clay.”
“You're not getting anywhere near her,” Riggs' voice is low, and fear sprinkles deep inside of me. Tripp’s grip tightens on me as my eyes shift to Lainey, but before I even get a chance to get there, Pacey swoops her up into his arms and tucks himself beside me.
“Oh,” Lucian grins, “look how precious you all are protecting her.” His black eyes settle on me, “Don't make me follow through with my threat Dixie,” and my eyes widen as he opens his suit jacket revealing his handgun.
Blood thrashes in my ears and suddenly, that's all I can focus on.
“I'm not afraid of you,” Riggs steps towards Lucian and bile rises in my throat.
“You should be,” he slips his hand onto the handle of his gun.
“Probably,” Riggs shrugs a shoulder up, “but I'm not.”
Relief swarms me when I see Conrad, Marty and Hudson quietly walking into the house and before Lucian can even swipe his gun, Marty has the barrel of his own pressed to Lucian's temple, Hudson's pressed into Wallen’s.
“If you do not get off my property, I will tell these two to put a bullet in both of your skulls.”
Lucian laughs softly and I can see the panic in Wallen's eyes. He is a coward. Just like his brother was.
“Okay, fine,” his hands are back up in front of him as if surrendering, and after a heartbeat, Marty and Hudson drop their guns, but don't put them away. “Dixie,” the way my name falls from his tongue makes my blood run cold, “don't forget what I said.” And with that, he turns on his heel along with Wallen and walks out of the house and once he is gone, I finally exhale.
Marty and Hudson exchange looks before all eyes are on me.
“Dixie...” Tripp turns me around to face him, “what is going on?”
“I promise I will tell you all, but not now,” I shake my head from side to side, tears filling my eyes, “ please. ”
His eyes are burning into mine and after what feels like hours, he drops my gaze.
“Okay,” he whispers but I can see the disappointment etched onto his face. Riggs passes him his spare crutch just as Pacey passes me Lainey.
They all walk out of the house in an united bond and I instantly miss Tripp and I hate that I have disappointed him.
Hate it.
TRIPP
We walk into the courthouse united. I didn't go and see Austin again after our last visit, I couldn't do it to him or to myself. Blue and Buck are sitting in the front pew along with Riggs and Aspen. Me and my family all sit the row behind.
Marty, Hudson and Conrad sit next to me and Kelcie sits in the other front pew, his eyes bouncing between me and Riggs.
My heart aches when I see Austin being led in and seated behind the desk with his lawyer, and there sitting across from him is their lawyer who looks like he is worth five hundred dollars an hour, and beside him is Lucian and Wallen.
Nerves cripple me and my hands lock in front of me.
Austin turns to look at us all, and I am waiting for him to look at me, but he doesn't.
Letting my head fall for a moment, I lift my eyes and that's when his gaze locks with mine. A slight, gentle nod towards me makes my nerves ripple out into nothing but calmness.
Everyone stands apart from me as the judge walks in, and once she takes her seat, they all take theirs again.
Blue is clinging onto Buck like he is her lifeline, Aspen's arm is locked through her mom's and Riggs places his hand on Aspen's thigh as she bounces it up and down.
The proceedings start, and the whole time my heart is in my mouth. They argue the toss back and forth, both lawyers going for each other, sniping a little deeper with each fact or lie that spills from them.
My eyes glue to the back of Austin's head, zoning out as the noise all fades into nothing.
They have no evidence on Austin. Nothing at all.
But still, the way this conversation is unfolding, he is going down.
Commotion stirs in the courtroom and my eyes widen when I see my dad stand up.
“If you're going to charge Austin with the murder of Clay Attaway, then you need to charge me too,” and my fucking heart drops inside my chest. Riggs' head spins around, brows furrowed and lips rolled into a tight line.
Shit .
“Excuse me?” the judge says a little louder.
“I saw Clay the night of his death. He threatened me on my ranch. Fists were thrown and I roughed him up a bit. He spooked my wife, scared her half to death. He kept rambling that he was coming for my sons. But something didn't seem right with him. He was disoriented, his pupils were dilated. He looked scruffy and dirty, eyes rolling... he came for me. In self-defence I hit him in the face with the stock of my gun,” he pauses for a moment and looks down at my mom, tears streaming down her face. “He went down easy, I had busted his nose, dazed him no doubt. I lowered myself down, felt for his pulse and it was there... barely though. I ran back into the house to reach my cell to call 911, but when I came back outside, Clay was gone.”
I swallow. I can't believe he just outed himself.
The judge sighs, her mouth opening to speak when Conrad stands up.
“If you're going to charge either of them, then you need to charge me too...”
“And me,” Marty stands and so does Hudson.
“And me,” Riggs stands, his fingers laced with Aspen's still. “I put a bullet in his dead body once the sheriff was called,” and I see the pain flash across his eyes.
The judge bangs her gavel against the sound block.
“Order, order,” she says loudly, trying to silence the courtroom.
Slowly, they all take their seats.
“Can I see the autopsy results for Mr Attaway again?” she asks, eyes bouncing between Austin's lawyer and the Attaway’s lawyer.
“They should have been given to you prior to the hearing.”
Austin's lawyer stands up, hands in his pockets.
“I would like to see them again,” her eyes narrow on him before they move towards Wallen and Lucian.
Reluctantly, the Attaway's lawyer bends and slips out a manila envelope and I see how both of their eyes widen. He steps forward with the sealed envelope, Lucian and Wallen rush to their feet and you can see the panic that is slowly suffocating them.
He passes it to the judge, and I realize that this is evidence that hasn't been put forward.
They fucking gave a fraudulent report.
Her brow raises and I see the lawyers shoulders sag forward.
She pulls the envelope open and pulls the paperwork out, a loud sigh filling the deafly silent courtroom.
“It says here that Mr Attaway’s cause of death was a heart attack. Yes, he had head trauma, but none of which killed him,” her eyes slice to Lucian and Wallen. “Sheriff,” she calls up Kelcie and he stands tall. “Detain both of these men until I have had a chance to actually sit and read through this case file again... it seems I have been lied to,” she shakes her head from side to side before her green eyes land on Austin.
“Mr Austin Warren...” she trails off for just a moment and I know that we're all holding our breath. “You're free to go.”
The courtroom erupts in cheers as the judge hits her gavel again.
Silence trickles over the room as she turns her attention towards the Attaway's lawyer.
“I would also like to know if Mr Clay Attaway had any legitimate children. If so, another hearing will be arranged to go through his estate.”
And my heart thrums in my chest.
“Court dismissed,” the loud sound of the gavel hitting the sound board echoes as we all stand ready to embrace Austin, but there isn't even a hint of a smile on his face. The court guard walks across and unlocks Austin's handcuffs before leading him out back to collect his belongings. Blue is wrapped in Buck's arms, and our mom is crying happy tears whilst my dad is comforting her.
I shuffle, reaching for my crutches as Pacey helps me to my feet.
“Where you going?” his brow crinkles.
“Just need some air,” I nod.
“I think we need to go to The Boot. This calls for a celebration.” I smirk, but sadness consumes me.
“I don't think Austin is going to want to celebrate, he told me he has nothing to live for anymore... we need to just keep an eye on him.”
Pacey sighs, then gives a heavy nod.
“You're right.”
“Always am,” I smirk as I hop myself outside the courtroom and keep going until I am out in the fresh air.
Sitting alone with my thoughts, the sun is beating down on my tired soul. The town is busy and I feel like I haven't been out in so long, trapped inside a house, and it's not even like I have hated it. I haven't. I hate it more now because Dixie has pulled away from me, I am lonelier than ever, and I have no idea what I have done to upset her. Worry settles deep inside my chest that she is about to shatter my heart for the last time.
I close my eyes, the world is quiet for a moment as my mind takes me back to when we were teens.
Sneaking out of the house well past curfew, I climb into my truck and start the engine. Looking in the mirrors as I creep down the driveway, relief swarms me just as I get to the ranch sign. Picking up speed, I drive just outside of town and park my truck in a dusty lay by and reach for my phone.
Me
Outside baby xx
I wait for a couple of minutes and begin panicking that her dad has found out, what if he has stopped her from getting to me?
My phone beeps in my lap.
Dixie
walking out now xx
Looking to my left, I smile when I see her running across the field, her house small in the distance. Unlocking the truck, she climbs up and her beautiful smile grows as she leans across the middle of the truck and kisses me softly on my lips.
“You sure about this?” I whisper against her lips.
“So sure,” she nods, slipping back into her seat and buckling herself in, slipping her hand onto my thigh.
“Ready?”
“Ready.”
Pushing the truck into gear, I move back onto the road and head back towards town. Dixie has always wanted to dance in a parking lot, night sky above us, nothing but the truck headlights shining on us as I spin her around the parking lot.
But I want tonight to be so much more than just this.
I want her in every sense of the word.
We've had a few kisses and slid into third base, but we haven't gone any further, until tonight that is.
Pulling into an empty parking lot, I give her a soft wink before stepping out of the truck and walking around to her side. Opening the door, her eyes glisten like the stars in the dark navy sky. Her hand slips into mine as she climbs down and out of the truck, my heart thrashing in my chest. Walking her to the back of the truck, I reluctantly let her go and climb onto the bed of my truck. Lifting the picnic blanket, I drag the boom box to the edge and press play.
Spin You Around - Morgan Wallen begins to play and my heart stutters in my chest. Her beautiful blue eyes light up, cheeks pinching that beautiful pink and her lips pressing into the most stunning smile I have ever seen.
Nothing would beat this moment.
This would stay locked away deep inside my heart for eternity.
“May I have this dance?” I whisper against the back of her hand that I scoop towards my lips and dust them across her soft skin.
“You may,” she giggles as I stand a little taller and spin her around, her pretty dress lifting as she turns.
Pulling her close to me, my arm snakes around her back as we begin to sway, her hand in mine and I have never felt more content than I do in this moment.
Her beautiful eyes stay on mine whilst we dance around the empty parking lot. My lips wear a constant smile, our heads bowed.
“Be mine Dixie,” I whisper as I edge closer to her lips. “Forever.”
Her eyes glisten with unshed tears.
“I'll always look after you, we have room on the ranch. You don't have to be scared anymore Dix, it's just me and you against the world.”
She smiles, her beautiful blues bounce between mine.
“We can move out of Lovelock Bay, wherever you want to go my little dreamcatcher, we can go,” I kiss her softly just as the song dies down and Worst Way - Riley Green plays.
“You promise?” her voice cracks as she asks me.
“I promise,” I nod, arm unwrapping from her back and let my fingers travel up her side before I am cupping her face. A stray tear rolls down her cheek as she leans into my hand.
“I love you Tripp.”
“Not as much as I love you,” I brush my nose across hers, “be mine?”
She nods, soft laughter escaping her and damn it's the most beautiful sound I have ever heard.
Letting her out of my grasp for just a moment, I lift my brown cowboy hat from my head and slowly lower it onto hers.
“Mine,” my voice is low, a cocky smirk pulling at my lips.
“Yours,” she whispers, both of her small hands clasping my face.
“You know the rule baby, you wear the hat...” Her cheeks turn crimson. “You become mine forever my Dreamcatcher.”
Her smile only widens before she kisses me, her tongue pushing past my lips as her body melts into mine.
“Make me yours in every way, Tripp,” she begs against my lips, my heart jack hammering in my chest.
“Fuck,” I groan, hands on her hips, fingers digging into her skin through her dress.
Breaking away reluctantly, I step back and look at her.
Pretty white dress, freckles scattered across her nose from the summer sun, long brown hair in loose waves and brown cowboy boots. My heart bangs in my chest. Finally my eyes land on my hat that sits on her head.
She's mine.
Scoffing a soft laugh, I climb onto the bed of the truck, pushing the boombox towards the back and laying down the picnic blanket.
“Come sit with me for a moment,” I smile, reaching my hand out for her to take. She takes a moment to clasp her hand in mine, but when she does, my heart jack hammers in my chest, my skin tingling from my fingers up to the base of my neck before my skin erupts in goosebumps.
We lay on the bed of the truck, pointing out the constellations above us. Turning my head to face her, I am in awe. She's talking softly about her favorite stars and constellations but all I can do is stare at her, the stars have nothing on her. Sure, I am a fool in love, but damn, she is pretty.
I didn't need to look at the night sky for beauty and wonder when I had her next to me.
Her head rolls around to face me, her words trailing off when she realises I have probably not listened to a single word she has said.
“You okay?” she whispers and I nod, a stupid ass grin spreading across my lips.
“I am perfect Dixie,” I whisper as my hand cups her cheek, pulling her lips to mine, the night slipping away beneath us on the bed of my truck in an empty parking lot with the love of my life.
The truck rolls to a stop outside the house and Riggs and Hudson are there to help me out. I have over done it. My body aches. I am dog tired and the only thing keeping me going is seeing Dixie's beautiful smile. I shouldn't have been on my crutches all day, but I am desperate to get some normality back into my life. I was a stubborn fucker at times.
Sighing when Riggs drops me into the armchair, I wince as he lifts my cast up and rests it on the foot stool.
“I'm shooting back to the station, want to see what is going on with Lucian and Wallen...” he trails off, rubbing his beard before trudging over to the whiskey bottle and pouring a small glass, knocking it back in one with a wince. “Also, want to know what the fuck is going to happen to Kelcie because let’s be honest, we all know that his pockets have been heavily lined. That son of a bitch is getting away without any repercussions,” he shakes his head from side to side before he walks out the room, a high whistle echoing as he calls for Hudson and I hear the sound of Ace's collar as he barks at Riggs.
Minutes pass, and the silence is deafening.
“Dixie?” I call out, head resting on the cushion of the armchair. Nothing. “Dix?” my voice is a little louder now and slowly I sit up, heart thrashing in my chest like a feral great white. Pushing up from my seat, I groan as an ache radiates through my leg and slowly travels up my body.
“Baby?” the voice slips out not quite sounding like my own and my chest tightens.
Worry begins to prick at the back of my neck, my stomach knotting as I move slowly.
The kitchen is empty, pristine and clean and Lainey's stuff is exactly where it should be. My eyes move upstairs, and I debate trying to climb them, but I know if I fall I will fuck myself completely.
“Dixie?” my voice grows louder and so does my worry. What if something has happened to her and Lainey? What if Lucian or Wallen's men came for her?
My heartbeat bangs in my ears, blood rushing through my veins.
Hobbling down the narrow hallway to my makeshift bedroom, I stand in the door way, wrapping my fingers around the frame as I steady myself and ignore the burn that is consuming my leg.
Moving slowly into my bedroom, the glint of gold catches my eye from the afternoon sunlight. I step closer and my brows furrow, confusion masking my face and my heart bottoms out.
Three bullets sit on my bedspread along with a note and my throat burns, a lump lodging itself there and it doesn't matter how much I try and swallow, I can't rid it. My stomach knots and twists as anxiety cripples me. Scooping the bullets into the palm of my hand, I look at them before—lump growing—my eyes slice across to the handwritten note that lays on my bedspread.
Tripp,
I promised a night, not forever.
The three bullets are the ones that would have killed you and your brothers if I didn’t keep up my end of the bargain.
The fourth I have with me was meant for Lainey.
I thought it would be best to leave when you were gone, but just know we will be safe.
I will never stop loving you, and no doubt you will hate me now.
But I do Tripp. I love you.
Me staying would only bring more hurt and upset to your family, and I couldn't be the reason for that any longer.
I’ve not run, just stepped away.
Yours always,
Dixie xxx
She fucking left me.
Reaching for the note, I read it again. And again. And again.
Tears well in my eyes as I screw the note up, crushing it into a small ball and tossing it behind me. My head drops, my eyes locked on the three bullets.
She saved our lives whilst destroying mine. My heart is screaming at me to find her, hunt through the town until I find both of them, but my heart is telling me to stop. She left me. She broke me, again. My heart can't take much more and neither can I.
A choked sob vibrates through my chest. Clasping my hand shut around the bullets, my nails dig into the palm causing a small sting. I should stop, but I don't. I keep squeezing until the pain consumes me.
My whole body begins to tremble and all I can do is scream, shattering my heart into a million pieces all over again when she was finally piecing it back together.
I hobble towards the door, tugging it hard I nearly pull it from the hinges. I ignore the way my body screams at me, the way the pain becomes too much but I keep moving forward.
Pacey is just walking up the steps when he sees me, Mom and Dad behind him.
“Tripp?” his eyes bounce between mine, trying to find a hint of what has me raging like a damn bull.
“These fucking bullets were meant for us,” my voice is hoarse from my screaming.
Pacey's eyes fall down to look at my bleeding palm before they're back on me. “Dixie left these with a note. Lucian was planning to put a bullet between our eyes if she didn’t leave.”
I hear my mom gasp and my dad's is furious. He pulls my mom close as she hides in his chest.
“Where is she now?”
“I don't know,” my voice trembles and I am so fucking angry.
Just as Pacey steps towards me on the porch, mom and dad still standing on the dusty pavement, Riggs pulls up on the driveway.
“Boot?” he asks, standing on the sidestep of the truck and my chest feels like it's about to cave in.
Pacey gives him a nod whilst mom walks past me to get my chair, all the while sniffling.
“I don't want to go, you guys go,” I sulk, turning my back on my brothers as my dad wraps his arm around my back and for the first time in a long time, I lean on him, just like I was a little boy again.