by CJ Murphy
Chance laughed at the bickering. She walked over to the closet and stored her weapons and her vest. On the way to the shower, she stripped down to shirt and jog bra, forgetting about the bandaged stitches in her arm. “Son of a bitch that hurt!”
Maggie called from the kitchen. “You okay?”
“Yes, just tried to remove my brand-new stitches. I’m fine.” She made her way to the shower, stripping off the rest of the clothes before climbing in. She knew she probably shouldn’t be showering, but she was too dirty to bathe any other way. The water felt good, and it let her mind relax to the last time she’d seen Jax St. Claire. They were in the swing on the back porch of Doc Hendricks’s house, Jax nestled in Chance’s arms. They’d talked for hours about their dreams and where life was taking them. Seeing her today had stirred everything up, all those old feelings. There were no bad memories, no angst-filled goodbyes, but several kisses that lingered in the dim glow of the porch light and a promise to keep in touch. That promise had disappeared the same way the dirt from her body swirled down the drain. They hadn’t seen each other since then until today. Doc hadn’t said anything about Jax to Chance in years.
“Did you fall down in the shower or what?”
Chance heard her mom’s voice outside her room. “I’m coming. It’s harder to maneuver when I’m trying not to get that bandage wet.” She shut off the shower and dried off. A pair of comfortable shorts and a T-shirt would have to do for her dinner attire. The smell of steak on the grill drew her into the kitchen, as she finger combed her hair back off her forehead. Her cell phone sat on the table and began to vibrate off the edge. She lunged to catch it and fumbled with the screen password.
“Sheriff Fitzsimmons.”
“Sheriff, this is Willa at Comm Center. I have a gentleman from today’s rescue requesting to talk to you. Want me to patch him through?
“Sure, Willa. Thanks.”
The sounds of a connection being made signaled someone new on the line. “This is Sheriff Fitzsimmons. How can I help you?”
“Sheriff, this is Steve Arnold. You rescued my little girl today.”
“Oh, yes. We were a little busy to get last names when we were out there. How’s Cassie?”
“Doing well. They took her to surgery to set her fracture. She has several good scrapes all along her forearms and chin. The doctors say she’ll do just fine. I wanted to thank you for what you did today. I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t shown up. I was terrified climbing over those rocks.”
“I’m extremely glad you didn’t become victim number two. You tell Cassie how proud I am of her. She was very brave.”
“I certainly will. Thank you again, Sheriff. You saved my little girl. I’ll be forever grateful.”
“It was my pleasure, Steve. Now go be with your family.”
They said their goodbyes, and Chance made her way outside to a table set with a meal that would greatly replenish the energy she’d expended that day. She took a long, grateful pull on the beer she found waiting for her. Her head fell back against the chair, and she rolled to face Dee and held up the bottle.
“Thanks. This has you written all over it, since that one,” she pointed to Maggie with her bottle, “is too refined for beer.”
“Is it a crime to like wine instead of beer? If so, then arrest me. I never could drink that swill.” Maggie pointed to Dee. “Two, no more, I mean it.”
Dee held up her hands. “I hear you. I’ll have my second with my delectable piece of chicken.” Dee spoke out the side of her mouth to Chance. “It might help me choke it down.”
Maggie turned and put her hands on her hips. “I heard that.”
Chance nearly strangled on her beer. “Momma D, I’d quit while you’re ahead. Take my word for it; sleeping by yourself gets mighty lonely.”
Maggie put a plate down in front of Chance, with a large steak grilled to perfection. “Speaking of being lonely. I ran into Mya downtown today.”
“Don’t remind me. She wanted inside information on the rescue. I told her to go talk to the PIO. She wasn’t amused. The exclusive will go to Rick and Tess at The Advocate. Mya will just have to get her information from someone else.”
“I also ran into the new veterinarian.”
Chance took a deep breath and chewed a bite of her steak. The beer bottle felt cool in her hand, and she wanted to run it across her heated cheeks. Maggie and Dee knew what Jax meant to her, and she wasn’t ready to talk about it yet. “Let it go, Mom, please?”
“For now.” Maggie put a plate in front of a scowling Dee and kissed the top of her wife’s head. “I only do this because I love you. Eat.”
They finished dinner and cleared the dishes, before settling onto the loungers on the porch to watch the sunset. When Chance built the house in Canaan Heights, she’d positioned it so that her bedroom would see the sunrise through large, French doors. The living room and patio faced the sunset. She’d done most of the work herself, once the logs were in place. She was the owner of twenty prime acres up on the peak and spent her spare time riding her horses.
Zeus put his paw on her thigh and whined. It was like he could read her mood. Chance scratched him behind his ears. “Glad to know you can read my mind. I’m okay boy.” As the sun dropped below the horizon, Chance tipped back the last of her beer and thought about the dark-haired woman she was sure would haunt her dreams.
***
The next morning, Chance and Zeus made their way to the barn to check on Sabrina after their run. Once again, Taylor had beat her to the barn. The barn was filled with the sound of horses moving in their stalls as they enjoyed their breakfast. Kelly nickered as she passed, and Chance scratched down her forehead before entering Sabrina’s stall.
“How is she?” Chance ran her hand down the horse’s flank only to have her flinch like she had the day before.
“No better. I think it’s time you call that new vet, what’s her name again?” Taylor fed Sabrina a carrot from her pocket.
Chance pushed her hat back off her forehead. “Jax St. Claire. She’ll be here at nine to check on Sabrina.”
“How is it you know her again? Don’t try to bullshit a bullshitter. I saw the reaction you had when you laid eyes on that tall drink of water. Damn near brought a blush to my face with the amount of heat coming off you two.”
Chance couldn’t help but chuckle. “Jax used to spend summers here, and well,” she hesitated, “we used to hang out.”
“Hang out, huh?”
“It was a very long time ago.”
“I don’t think it matters if it was thirty-six years or thirty-six days ago. There’s something still there, Chance.”
“Thanks for the advice. I’ll be sure to let your wife know you are keeping up on my love life.”
Taylor shook her head. “Let her see you two in the same room, and she’ll be planning your wedding. Not kidding, my friend. You two were shooting sparks when you looked at each other. Deny it all you want.”
Chance waved Zeus out of the stall. “Thanks, Dr. Ruth. I’ll be back in about an hour. I have a few things I want to look into.”
Chance picked up a flake of alfalfa and slipped it into Kelly’s holder. “I’ll be back, girl.”
Taylor was perceptive. The moment Chance saw Jax, it was as if the heavens opened up in the middle of a storm cloud to display a single beam of radiant light. For many years, she’d fantasized about seeing Jax again. She’d have to wait and see where it would lead. A lot of years had passed in their separation. It would take time to figure out who Jax was now, the same deceptively innocent temptress, or someone totally unknown? I know the reason she gave for coming back. I also know there is a lot more I want to know, and I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to find out.
She and Zeus got on the road. As she passed the Kurst house, she spotted another unfamiliar vehicle with Maryland plates. “Something’s up there, boy. I need to check in with the task force again.” She jotted down the make and model, along with
the plate number. The last thing she needed was a drug ring operating under her nose.
The Kurst brothers were known to occasionally sell marijuana and deal in pills. Chance had busted them more than once, but only with small amounts that were constantly pled down in court to misdemeanors. Larry Reap, the local prosecutor, was closer to retirement every day. Chance couldn’t wait until he quit running for reelection. The Reaps were a powerful family within the county. Larry had been prosecutor for the last fifteen years. His father had held the position before him, and one of his brothers held a magistrate office. They had a stranglehold on the scales of justice, and Chance truly looked forward to new blood in those offices someday.
Chance pulled into the Canaan Valley Store. The place was a regular stop for her and held all the essentials a community without a grocery store could use. It was also a place tourists could buy souvenirs and the only gas station on this part of the mountain. She waved to the clerk on her way by and poured herself a travel mug of coffee. The bell on the door jangled when another customer entered, as Chance stepped to the counter to pay.
“How about letting me get that with mine?”
A shiver woke every nerve in her spine, as Chance recognized the rich alto voice and looked up into the same eyes that had captivated her the day before. “Morning, Jax. How about you let me buy the new vet in town a cup of coffee instead? It’ll be a welcome back present.”
Jax walked over, filled a tall thermal cup with dark roast, and carefully attached a lid. “If you let me repay the favor and buy you lunch later.”
Chance glanced out at the Yukon to ensure it was still running. She hadn’t planned to be in the store long and hadn’t brought Zeus in with her. “That can be arranged. I checked in on Sabrina this morning. That foot is still sore. Taylor’s with her now. I was doing a little patrol before you make your visit.”
Chance paid for their coffees, and the two women walked out. Jax leaned against a dusty, dark blue Chevy Silverado dually. “I was using the time to drive around out here in the valley. I’m looking for a place to rent until I find something to buy. Living with a widower leaves a lot to be desired. Everything is exactly as it was when Aunt Mary died. He hasn’t changed a thing in fifteen years. Trust me, it could certainly use a woman’s touch.”
Chance let out a laugh. “Just not yours?”
“It’s a bigger job than I want. I love him, I do. Living with him is another thing. I was thinking of calling Maggie to line up some places for me. Think she would have time to see me later?”
Chance let a smile sneak out. “I think I can put in a good word for you.”
“I’d appreciate it. Now, how about we go see that horse of yours. I know it’s a little early, I doubt Sabrina will be unhappy.”
“No, I’m sure she’d like to be out of pain. Taylor is there soaking her foot now. Follow me.”
Jax climbed into the truck, and Chance followed suit in the Yukon. “I’m in trouble, Zeus. Trouble I don’t want to find my way out of.” Zeus barked his agreement and looked at her with soulful eyes. “Yeah, so are you.”
Within minutes, both vehicles pulled into the stables. Chance watched Jax pull her bag out of the king cab, along with a set of muck boots. Jax dropped the tailgate and gathered her long hair into a ponytail that she tucked into the back of her shirt. She pulled a pair of well used leather chaps out of a tack box and expertly fastened them around her legs as she slid into the muck boots.
Chance stood transfixed. Damn.
“Lead the way, Sheriff.”
Zeus barked, and Midas answered from inside the barn. Taylor met them at the stall gate.
“Welcome, Dr. St. Claire. Thanks for taking the time to check in on my girl. It’s a little better today, though not much.”
Jax extended her hand to Taylor. “It’s Jax, Dr. St. Claire makes me sound old. Who’s this?”
Taylor let her hand drift to her K9 partner. “This is Midas.”
Jax let him sniff her hand and rubbed his head. “Hello, Midas. Nice to meet you. Let’s check Sabrina out. “
Chance held open the stall door and watched as Jax approached the horse, talking softly and running her hand across her flank and over her muzzle. Even when they were kids, Jax had proven to be quite the horsewoman and obviously still was. She’s still as beautiful as the day I first saw her.
“Hey, girl. Let’s see what we can do about this sore foot okay?” Jax bent the knee back and tucked the hoof between her thighs, as Taylor held Sabrina’s head.
Chance noticed the gentle touch Jax used to prod around the area with a hoof pick.
“I think we need to take off this shoe and see what’s going on under there.” Jax reached into her bag and pulled out a few farrier tools, then used them to remove the horseshoe. A stone fell free and Jax examined the area under where the shoe had sat. After a few minutes, she pulled out a hook knife and sliced away a bit of the sole. “I think that stone caused an irritation. I’m pretty sure there’s a developing abscess. You caught it early. I can put a poultice on the foot that should draw out the abscess quickly.” She stood and chucked Taylor on the arm. “Good job.”
Taylor’s smile engulfed her face. “She’s my girl, only the best for her. Well, her and every other horse in this barn. Chance makes sure of that.”
Jax smiled up at Chance, as she stepped to the sink and pulled materials out of her bag. “I’d expect nothing less. How many horses do you have here?”
Taylor answered for Chance. “Four. Sabrina, Kelly, Kris, and Jill.” Taylor stroked the large, yellow tabby that made its way up on to the bench. “Oh, and Bosley here watches over all of them. “
Jax turned to Chance and broke out laughing. “What, no Charlie?”
Chance joined in the laughter. “Charlie was always behind the scenes, remember?”
“You always did have a thing for Charlie’s Angels.”
“Hey, I wasn’t alone in that obsession. Hell, Taylor here is too young to have seen the original series, but she knows who they are.”
Taylor held up her hands. “Don’t drag me into your debauchery. I didn’t name them. You did that all on your own.”
Jax pointed to Sabrina. “We’ll leave it on for a few days. With this type of wrap, she’ll be able to put weight on it. Hopefully the abscess will burst quickly, and she’ll feel much better. Leave the shoe off for a while. I’d say she’ll be good as new in a week or two.”
Chance squeezed Taylor’s shoulder. “You’ll just have to share Jill and Kris for a while.”
Taylor punched Chance. “You know, you could share Kelly every once in a while.”
Chance blocked another punch. “I could, but Zeus and Kelly are a team. I use Jill if I have to, but she’s not as in tune with Zeus. Sorry, pal.”
“I get it, you’re a one-woman rider.” Taylor stuttered, “I mean, one-horse rider.”
Jax laughed at both of them. “You two are too much. Taylor, will you hold Sabrina’s harness while I put this on? Chance, I could use your help wrapping this.”
“Sure.” Chance climbed in the stall and helped hold Sabrina’s leg, while Jax applied the poultice and molded the flexible boot over and around the hoof.
Honeysuckle. Chance was so close to Jax, she could smell her shampoo. The scent she always associated with her memories of Jax flooded her with the sensation of running her fingers through that dark hair.
Fifteen minutes later, Sabrina stood calmly in her stall, while Jax and Chance cleaned up. Taylor called to Midas and locked the stall behind his exit.
Bosley rubbed against Jax’s leg, and she bent to pet him. “You’re a sweetie. Take care of the girls, okay?”
“He does a great job of keeping everything running smoothly here.” Taylor washed her hands in the sink, and Chance handed her a few paper towels.
“Well, I’ll be back to check on Sabrina in the morning. How about the others? Are they in need of anything while I’m here?” Jax was packing up her kit.
Chance
stood with her hands on her hips, the leather of her gun belt creaking slightly. “Not a thing. Your uncle was here last month and gave everyone a clean bill of health.”
“Great.” Jax pulled off her chaps and folded them across her arm, as she reached down for the case.
“I’ll carry that.” Chance reached down and took it from her. “Taylor, I assume you’re on duty tonight?”
“I am. I’ve got some errands to run for Penny and the grass to mow. I’ll check back in on her after that and again when I come on duty. Thanks again, Jax. I appreciate it.”
“Glad to be able to help. This is my community now. I hope to get to know the K9s, too. Midas, it was nice to meet you.” Jax spoke to the Belgian Malinois near Taylor’s side.
“Trust me, if you’re agreeable, I’d like you to handle all our veterinarian services.” Chance held out her hand to help Jax up.
Jax smiled and accepted the proffered hand as she locked eyes with Chance. “It’s very agreeable.”
Taylor made her way out of the barn. “Chance, I’ll call you later. Penny just sent me my next ‘honey-do’ list.”
“Stay safe.” Chance nodded at the hand Taylor raised in recognition.
Chance and Jax walked out to the Silverado, where she lifted the kit into the huge truck. “This thing is a monster. Do you have a camper?”
Jax shook her head. “No, I need it for the horse trailer. I brought two horses cross country with me. I have them boarded over on Clover Run until I get a place.”
“Trail horses?”
“Two very good ones. I’ve been doing endurance races for about ten years. Back in California, I used to do a race almost every month when I had the time.”
Chance thought about the time involved in training for that type of race. “You must have lived and breathed riding. Wouldn’t leave much time to do anything else with a busy practice.”
“Riding was my stress relief. Put me on a horse and everything melts away. If I remember right, I wasn’t the only one.”