It been a week since her marriage, a week in which she had thrown herself into the duties of running the household in an effort to make herself too busy to think.
The dull, endless chores of domesticity had a settling effect, Sai mused. She admitted that the large portion of her growing serenity was due 5o the Sam's absence from her bedroom, but mending had its own soporific effect. She stifled a yawn.
Lucy chuckled. "Here we are, about to doze off 8n the sun like a toddler. She scoped two more spoons of ice cream into her mouth
"It's so peaceful here," Sai said. She was coming to appreciate more and more both the weather and the landscape of her of her new home. It was June; the sun could be quite hot in the afternoon, but the air was dry. The result was wonderful, after the humidity of the south. The nights were chilly and crisp, perfect for snuggling under blankets.
"Especially here, in the backyard. I don't believe I care if I gain weight. " Lucy said while yawning.
"But I do believe a nap is necessary"
"Why are are behaving like a child, siesta must be contagious."
"It seems to be. Not that they're totally foreign to us. Remember when we used to sleep before evening dances?"
"A long time ago," Sai looked down the past five years.
"Yes." They said no more about the past. Neither of them like to discuss it. The changes brought by the issue had been too violent, the difference in their lives too complicated. Since their company declared bankruptcy, everyone avoided them like the plague.
As they left, Sai decided to pass by the stables and happened to come across Kofi harassing one of servants.
"Hey! what going on here, let go of her." He released the girl. "Why don't you go continue your work." The maid thanked her and left hurriedly.
Sai turned to Kofi, and braced herself against the hostility in his expression. She kept her cool. "Mr. Guss, I shall tell you, molestation is punishable by law. Don't touch her again. "
He sneered and took a step towards her. "Or you'll do what?"
"I'll tell Mr. Mends you've been neglecting your duties and harassing the servants."
Kofi laughed, a brutal sound. His eyes were dark pits. "Now, that really scares me. He'll tell you to mind your own business, Miss. I run this ranch, and Sam knows it. He can't get along without me."
"I can." The emotionless voice came from the open double doors behind Kofi. "i can get along without you just fine, Kofi. In fact i like the idea." Kofi turned and a spasm of hate twisted his features. If he he had been angry before but now he was furious. "This is none of your busy Chrys."
"It is if i make it my business." He hasn't moved from the doorway. With the lights behind him it was impossible to see his face, but Sai found that it wasn't necessary; his voice flat and cold as it was, stated his intent. "leave the girl alone."
"So that you could have her?"
"No, i don't want her and neither are you gonna have her."
Kofi right hand moved but Chrys was faster. The big revolver was in his hands before Kofi could even touch the butt of his gun. Sai hasn't even seen Chrys hands move. Kofi froze and even in the coolness of the stables he was covered in sweats.
"Pass the word," Chrys said flatly. "Everyone leaves the girl alone."
Just for a second Kofi froze, unwilling to retreat. Watching him, Sai saw the exact moment when he realized he didn't have any choice, if he wanted to live. He turned and walked off. Sai shakily released a breath she wasn't aware she was holding. She forced herself to looked at Chrys as he took a step closer to her although she wanted to flee like Kofi.
"You made an enemy,"
"So did you"