Snakes of Greed

A rattle snakes strike has less venom than a greedy, vicious man deprived of a fortune.

Charlie was no exception to the rule.

Money was the love of his life, next to gambling.

He'd do anything to achieve his goal.

His creed was to become very rich.

To beat the casinos for all their cash so he'd be able to live the life of Ryan.

Laura played down her roll of heiress once she had escaped the gilded cage her family kept her protected in until the day she married the man of their choosing.

With help from a friend Laura escaped.

Changed her identity.

She had no plans to return to the strong bosom of her strict, demanding family.

Charlie, her promised husband, went berserk when he became aware his bride had scampered from his reach before he claimed her.

And the family fortune.

The family didn't know of the mistake they had made with their choice of husband material for their daughter.

Unfortunately for Laura Charlie tracked her to find her.

She lived on a horse ranch like a normal, every day woman.

Her cover blown.

Laura spied Charlie questioning some of the hands of her whereabouts.

Bounding on to the nearest saddled horse Laura grabbed the reins.

Climbed into the saddle.

Led the horse out of the yard.

Horse and rider glided over the fence to reach open country to escape.

The noon day sun blazed down on her.

Wind dried the tears of fear from her cheeks.

Horse and rider traveled as one to escape capture.

The pounding of fast approaching hooves rang out behind her.

She felt the angry stare from his eyes burning into her back.

Talking encouragement to the horse his feet took wings to carry them faster over the ground leaving Charlie eating their dust.

Lisa didn't watch what direction her horse took.

She clung to the reins and the mane.

With eyes closed she prayed either of them wouldn't be killed on the mad dash for freedom.

Charlie cursed.

He edged his horse to travel faster.

His horse seemed to be bogging in quick sand not gaining on their prey.

Charlie dug his booted heels into the ribs of the horse to make more speed.

The horse put his heart into the race.

All was lost.

He screamed his disappointment when Laura and her horse disappeared.

Charlie couldn't believe his eyes.

He slowed his mount to a trot.

He searched everywhere.

Laura and horse had vanished.

Charlie followed the hoof prints to a certain point.

Nothing.

Not a leaf had been disturbed.

Laura felt the ground give beneath them.

She held her breath.

Thinking this was the end of her life she waited for the fall.

She envisaged broken necks for the both of them.

Horse and rider had passed through to another world.

In this world grew a rainbow of flowers.

Trees.

Beautiful butterflies.

A lovely waterfall.

Clean fragrant clean air.

They were safe.