Cordero and Alexandra met 42 days ago.

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As he carried her outside, Jorge, Jim, and Bob walked to him. Jorge said, "We're escorting you."

Shaking his head, Cordero said, "Dad, I can take her to the doctor and talk with Sam by myself."

Jim placed his hand on his holster. "Boss, we know you can, but we want to make sure nothing happens."

"You guys look like we're headed to the O.K. Corral."

TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 24 B

As Cordero drove into town, Jorge said, "Sam arrested Griffin last night. This morning after Ali signs the paperwork he's supposed to be arraigned."

Alexandra asked, "What are the charges?"

Turning toward her, Jorge said, "My guess; that depends on you."

Cordero checked his rearview mirror at his buddy's pickup following. "I can't believe Jim and Bob thought they needed to come along."

Jorge grinned. "They're worried too."

"Ali, Doctor or Sam first?" asked Cordero.

"Doctor, because after I sign the papers, Alan will be arraigned. I'm sure he'll make bail. He'll spend more time in jail if I go to the doctor first."

Cordero chuckled. "It works for me."

After parking in front of Dr. Barnes' office, Cordero carried Alexandra inside. Jorge, Jim, and Bob followed.

Jorge offered his hand. "Bart, how you doing?"

"Great." Dr. Barnes studied Alexandra as he opened the door to an examination room. "I heard what happened. I wondered when you'd show up. Cord, set her in here."

After Cordero explained what he'd observed and had done, he left the room.

Almost an hour later, Dr. Barnes opened the door. "She's ready. Cord, you did a good job taking care of her. Her bottom rib has a slight fracture. I want limited activity and no weight on that ankle. She had on a removeable walking boot. Bring her back in two weeks, and we'll see how she's healing." He handed Jorge a pill bottle. "Something for the pain."

The doctor faced Alexandra. "Would you do me a favor?" After she nodded, he said, "Try to remain uninjured for at least a month."

Alexandra looked away. "I'll do my best."

"I'm sure that's the best answer you have. Cord, she's ready for Sam's. I understand she has some charges to bring against the jerk who did this." Dr. Barnes paused. "Alexandra, would you like some crutches?"

All four men yelled, "No!"

Jorge spoke up, "She'll fall and break something."

Bart's eyebrows rose. "You're right."

Alexandra crossed her arms over her chest. "I doubt that's a fair assessment."

Cordero lifted her. "Come on; admit you like being carried." He grinned. "At least I'm enjoying it."

She leaned her head against his chest. "I guess it does have advantages."

*****
The three men followed Cordero and Alexandra. Inside Sheriff Baily's office, Cordero set Alexandra in a chair in front of Sam's desk. Sam studied her. "Griffin did a number on you. Jorge showed me the security tapes. That's why I arrested him. Ready to press charges?"

"I am, but I understand assault and battery laws differ from state to state. I'm not sure what the laws are here."

"I feel Griffin committed third degree felony assault. The reason I say this, he committed bodily harm and from the video it appeared he attempted kidnapping. He tried to force you to go with him, correct?" When she nodded, he continued, "Since you used to be engaged, it's also domestic violence. This carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of $10,000."

Alexandra reached for Cordero's hand. "I'm ready to move forward."

Sam handed her the papers and a pen. "Sign and date here." After the papers were signed, he said, "Griffin will be arraigned later today."

"Any idea what bail will be set at?" asked Alexandra.

"You've impressed Sean, so I think he'll go for $8,000. He can't go any higher."

After releasing a deep breath, Alexandra said, "He can afford that."

Cordero knelt in front of her and took Alexandra's hands in his, as his eyes met hers. "I'm promising he won't get anywhere near you."

She nodded. "I know, but I don't want you ending up in jail."

Jim tilted his head. "Boss, she has a point."

Jorge stepped forward. "It'll be our job to make sure that doesn't happen."

Bob and Jim nodded understanding.

"Can you tell us when he's released?" asked Alexandra.

Sam nodded. "I'll call Jorge."

*****
When they arrived at the ranch, Cordero carried Alexandra inside. Rosa had lunch almost ready. While they ate, they filled in Rosa on what the doctor had said and how everything went with Sam.

As they finished eating and talking, Jorge's phone rang. "It's Sam." He listened, thanked him, and then said, "Griffin's out on bail. Judge Pickett warned him to stay away, but..."

Tears welled in Alexandra's eyes. "He won't. I shouldn't have pressed charges. He'll be more dangerous. Now I've put you in danger." She stood. "I need to leave."

Jorge stood in front of her. "You're not going anywhere." After she sat, he continued, "Boys, we need to figure out how to get work done and protect this lady."

Rosa walked over to a closet and removed her shotgun and ammunition. "Ali, I'll do my part."

"Bob and Cord, take care of what needs to be done around the ranch. Jim and I'll work around here."

Cordero's eyes met Jorge's. "Dad?"

"Hijo." He glanced around the room. "Sorry. Son, I know you want to stay close to Ali, but you get more work done than me. Jim's used to working around here, so he's the logical person. I can help him but mainly keep an eye on the house. Bob, your job is to keep Cord out of trouble." He grinned. "You actually have the hardest job."

Bob chuckled. "You're right, Boss."

Rosa laid her hand on Cordero's. "You know your dad's right."

Jim stood. "It's time to get busy."

Everyone headed toward the door, as Rosa said, "I'd better get busy on these dishes."

Alexandra stood. "I'll help."

Cordero faced her. "What do you think you're doing?" Before she could answer, he added, "Did you forget what the doc said?"

She sat. "I guess I'm not helping."

Rosa smiled. "I think you're right. Cord, move her closer to the kitchen. We can still talk."

After exhaling, Alexandra said, "I can't sit here all day. What if I need to use the bathroom?"

"Good question." Cordero glanced toward the back of the house. "I guess you'll need to call Jim."

"No! That's not happening. I'm not asking a total stranger to carry me to the bathroom. No way." She hesitated, "Sorry, Jim but...."

"I understand," interrupted Jim, grinning.

"Cord, go on," interrupted Rosa. "We'll work something out. I promise."

The afternoon continued without incident. Rosa and Alexandra worked together to get Alexandra to different areas around the house.

*****
A few minutes before dinner, Cordero came in and kissed Alexandra's cheek. "How'd your day go?"

"Good. Your mom and I work well together."

He kissed his mom's cheek. "Glad to hear it. Mom, do I have time to cleanup before dinner?"

"If you hurry." Rosa watched her son walk away. "He's one of the good guys."

Alexandra nodded. "You're right."

*****
After dinner, Alexandra exhaled. "I need to set up a Zoom meeting with my parents."

Cordero placed his hand over hers. "You want privacy?"

She gulped. "Would you all stay?"

Jorge handed her Rosa's laptop. "We're here for you. Set it up."

Alexandra texted her mom and told her to have her dad and grandpa present because she needed to talk with them together.

One look at her daughter's face, Tonia cried, "Ali, what happened?"

Once Alexandra explained the attack, Brent said, "So Griffin's out on bail?"

Jorge said, "Yes. We're ready in case he tries something. Ali won't be alone and is well protected."

"Thank you."

Tears welled in George's eyes. "Pumpkin, why didn't you tell us? I would've..."

"That's part of the reason I didn't say anything," interrupted Alexandra. "I was afraid of what you and Daddy would do. Grandpa, I was so embarrassed."

Tonia put her hands together as if in prayer and brought them to her lips. "It's water under the bridge. We'll go from here."

"Who's the judge there?" asked Brent.

"Judge Sean Pickett. He's no nonsense and old school. I've heard he's been impressed with Ali," replied Jorge.

"Good. I'll contact him. I understand cases come to trial faster there than they do here. Keep me posted."

"Will do. I expect it in the middle of the week."

After the goodbyes and I love yous ended, Alexandra took a deep breath.

Cordero sat beside her and held her hand. "You okay?"

"I am. I'm glad it's over. I'm relieved."

"Your parents love you."

"I know." She leaned into his shoulder. "Can we star watch?"

"Thought you'd never ask. With or without ice cream?"

"How about without right now, maybe later with?"

Cordero lifted her. "Sounds good." He carried her to the enclosed porch and set her down.

*****
In the middle of the night, Alexandra hobbled to and knocked on Cordero's door. "Cord! Cord!"

He opened it. "What's wrong?"

"I've got a feeling something bad's going to happen. Really bad."

"Maybe it's already happened. I think you being beaten is really bad." He lifted her. "Let's get you back to bed."

"It's not that. It's something else."

He set her on her bed and then checked out the windows. "I don't see anything. Try to get some sleep." He leaned over and kissed her. "I'll stay a while and make sure you're safe."

She took his hand. "Thank you."


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I intentionally left off the accents on fiance and fiancee. I also intentionally left off the trema or dieresis on naive. I didn't want Evil Eddie adding all sorts of strange characters in my post. Thank you for understanding.
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Hola is Spanish for hello

Mi hijo & Mijo are Spanish for son. Jorge uses them often.

Bendecido is Spanish for blessed.
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CHARACTER LIST:

Cordero Ortiz: 'Cord' runs his parents' Texas ranch

Alexandra Black: 'Ali' is a New York City corporate lawyer, is a junior partner in huge family law firm

Jorge and Rosa Ortiz: Cordero's parents who own a large West Texas Ranch

Jim: One of the ranch foremen and best friend of Cordero. He takes care of the main house and surrounding ranch area.

Bob: One of the ranch foremen and good friend of Cordero. He works the entire ranch.

Pat Rogers: Bank owner, not a good person

Lester Brown: Pat Rogers lawyer

Sam Bailey: Lobo's Sheriff.

Dr. Bart Barnes: Town doctor

Judge Sean Pickett: County Judge

Tonia and Brent Black: Alexandra's parents

George Black Alexandra's grandpa

Gary Hart: A young ranch hand

Luke: All around bad guy

Amy Harding: A lady who Pat Rogers raped during High School Prom, her son, Matthew

Alan Griffin Alexandra's ex-fiance

Joseph and Ruth Aaronson One of the first clients, family friends, owner of a prestige jewelry shop