Capitulo 5

“Ah Victoria. It is nice to meet you.” Said Francisco as he took Victoria’s hand. “Roberto spoke of you often but you are far more beautiful than I imagined.” He said as he kissed her hand. His hand was cold and weak and something about him made her uneasy. She pulled her hand away and tried not to shudder.

“Welcome to Ciudad Olvidado, Francisco. How long do you plan to visit?”

“My dear you misunderstand. My mother has asked me here to help in the running of the Hacienda.”

Great Victoria thought. That’s all I need. “I think you will find that everything is in order so you need not concern yourself with such trivial matters.” She said. “Surely you have more important things to do?”

“Nothing would please me more than to work alongside you. Perhaps we could become better ah…acquainted. I would like that very much.” He said as he smiled suggestively. The smile did not reach his eyes and in them Victoria saw something to be wary of and perhaps even to fear.

“And perhaps not you slimy bastard…I hope I didn’t say that out loud.” Victoria thought and started to grin.

Luckily for Victoria at that moment dinner was served. Victoria did her best to make polite conversation the rest of the evening. Fortunately, Francisco had had a very trying day and was overly tired so he retired to his room shortly after dinner.

“You will show my son courtesy and you will work with him while he is here.” Said Olivia.

“I will do what I feel is right. Now if you will excuse me I am going to bed.” Said Victoria.

“You are not excused and I have matters to discuss with you.”

“No, I’m going to bed and it will have to wait until tomorrow.” Said Victoria getting up from the table.

Storm/Beckster woke to a beautiful morning in this strange new place that she had happened upon. As she was stretching, out of nowhere came a projectile that nearly knocked her off her feet. That projectile turned out to be Maggie.

“Hi, my name is Maggie are you new here?” Maggie said in a rush. Without waiting for an answer she continued,” It’s great to live here. We have all this land to run, we have the horses, it’s a great life.. I hope you will be staying.” Storm/Beckster looked at Maggie and said, “Are you always like this in the morning?”

“Yes, yes, It’s another glorious day here at the ranch.” Said Maggie as she danced around in a circle.

“Seriously, did they put something in your dog food?”

“No, why do you ask?” Said Maggie. The front door opened and the dogs looked up expectantly.

“Maybe it is an androgynous alien from another dimension only pretending to be human to cause the world pain and suffering and therefore further their diabolical plot to take over the earth.” Said Maggie. Storm/Beckster looked at Maggie, “Seriously, I want whatever you are taking.”

It was only Santo which set Maggie off again. “It’s Santo.” She sighed. “He is so handsome and strong.” Maggie said. Santo approached to greet the newest member of the pack.

“Hi my name is Santo.”

“My name is Beckster but that guy in there insists on calling me Storm.”

“Glad to meet you Beckster. Welcome to our pack.”

“Hi Santo. Beautiful morning isn’t it?” Said Maggie shyly.

“Oh hi Maggie.” Santo said as he walked away.

“He never notices me.” Said Maggie as she headed for the stables with her head down. Storm/Beckster just looked after her and shook her head. “Poor kid.” She thought.

Again the door opened. This time it was Victoria followed by Olivia and Francisco. Storm/Beckster watched them approach. She liked Victoria’s energy but she did not like the energies of Olivia and Francisco. The hackles rose on Beckster’s back and she growled low in her throat. She let Victoria pass but not the other two. She blocked their path and her growl became more intense. Olivia and Francisco came to a halt in front of the dog. “Be gone you beast.” Said Olivia. “Good try.” Thought Beckster as she approached the woman. Olivia took a step backwards.

“Shoo you horrible dog.” Said Francisco as he waved a hanky at Beckster.

“I’ve got your hanky right here, scumbag.” Said Beckster and she began to bark. and growl at the same time.

Victoria stopped and turned around. At the same time Raul came out of the stables to see what the commotion was about. He stopped next to Victoria. “What’s going on?” He said. Victoria, trying to hide a smile but not succeeding, said ”I don’t think this new dog likes Olivia or Francisco.” “I just don’t understand that” Smirked Raul.

“Is there a problem Senora?” Asked Raul.

“This beast will not let us pass. I demand that you remove this horrible creature from the property immediately.” Cried Olivia.

“Storm, come.” Said Raul. Storm/Beckster came to Raul and sat at his feet at attention. She was not growling but she was on the alert and watched them closely.

As Olivia and Francisco walked up to Raul, instead of quitting while she was ahead Olivia said, “This animal should be shot. Francisco go in the house and bring me my gun. I’ll do it myself.” As Francisco turned to go back to the hacienda to get the gun Storm/Beckster lunged and caught Francisco right on his backside tearing his pants and ripping some flesh along with it. “Not so fast buddy.” Thought Storm/Beckster. Olivia took her ever present whip and began hitting the dog. Storm/Beckster turned her attention toward Olivia and managed to get a good bite in on her leg before Raul could pull her off. She grabbed the whip in her teeth and shook her head from side to side all the while chewing the whip into sawdust. Olivia was beside herself. Not only did she lose a perfectly good riding whip (again) but she looked like a fool in front of the help. “Miguel, would you help the Senora and Senor into the house?” Asked Raul. “Certainly.” Said Miguel.

“We don’t need your help.” Said Olivia as she walked stiffly back to the house. Francisco walked ahead of her holding his hanky on his backside.

“Bad dog.” Said Raul with a grin. Beckster looked up at Raul with her best doggie grin, “At least he has a use for his hanky now.” She said sweetly.

“Well, that went well.” Said Victoria looking at Raul. What she saw in his eyes made her heart jump.

“You look very lovely this morning Victoria.” Said Raul as he took her elbow and walked into the stables. Flustered, Victoria smoothed her hair.

“I was giving Francisco the tour of the Hacienda but it looks like it will have to wait.” She said. “What time is Jack coming this morning?

“He will be coming at 10:00 for a consultation regarding Diablo.” Said Raul. “Do you wish to meet with him also?”

“Yes, I would like to hear what he has to say.” She said.

“Would you like to take Misterio out for a ride this morning?” Asked Raul.

“Yes. Will you be coming with me?” Victoria said before she could stop herself. She blushed and stammered, “I only meant that... perhaps it would be safer if you accompanied me considering what you found in the grass the other day.”

“Regrettably I cannot. But take the rifle just in case. I would never forgive myself if any harm came to you. And I pitty the man who tried. I would make sure it never happened again.” Raul said with a glint in his eye like hardened steel. Victoria had never seen him look like that and it made her shiver. When he looked at her again his eyes showed emotions that she was not able to name. "I wish he would look at me like that always--para siempre." Victoria thought. She turned and mounted her horse. “Have a good ride and be careful.” He said