“Go? Where?” Her voice rose ever so slightly.
“Back to Fort Mohave.” And later maybe even to Laughlin. He kept that to himself. It all depended on the outcome of the trial. “There's a very important trial there and I have to be present,” he tried to explain it to her in short.
“I see,” was all she said as her whole face sank. She didn't have to say anything else, with a face like that, Robert understood everything.
“I promise I will be back as soon as possible,” he tried to reassure her, and himself as well. This goodbye proved to be more difficult than he imagined.
“I wish you a safe journey then.”
“Thank you. And if you would be so kind not to rent my room to someone else while I'm away on business,” Robert couldn't resist taunting her a little.
“I won't unless someone offers me double,” she replied in a manner he knew she would and chuckled. “Let me make you something for the journey, then,” she offered and started preparing him a sandwich. He loved to watch her while she worked.
Shortly after, he rode off with a heavy heart. Oh, please stop with all the brooding. Now he knew how deputy Bane felt, and he didn't like it one bit. Besides, he would be back soon. He needed to return to Oatman because he promised he would solve this case. Among other things...
* * *
Almost two weeks passed when Robert finally managed to return to Oatman. He forced Duke to run so fast, his favorite sweated profusely, breathing hard that Robert started to worry he would overexert the animal. He could not slow down. It was as if an invisible force was pulling him forward.
There were times, during the wretched trial when he felt like he would go mad. Robert really loved his job, always did, and yet he felt like yelling at all the parties involved to simply speed the thing along, which was complete lunacy, of course. It went without saying, he wasn't particularly fond of that part of him that made him act out of character or feel unbalanced.
He liked to always be in control. While he was away, he also made a decision. It was true he longed to feel about someone, what he started to feel toward Geraldine. Despite the fact he knew her for such a short period of time, meeting her left an impact on him. Sadly, he felt like he had to choose between pursuing those feelings and his duty, and he had to choose duty at the moment.
So, he decided to keep his distance. All his reasoning went out the window the moment the trial was over, and Robert was relieved of his duties regarding it. Once everything was done and he overlooked the execution of sentencing, Robert was out of there, literally disappeared in a cloud of dust his horse made.
Of course, deputy Bane offered to replace him in Oatman, work as his substitute while he conducted his business in Fort Mohave. Robert respectfully declined.
Looking back, maybe he wasn't that polite in his reply. He trusted deputy Bane to no end, knew he was a competent officer; Robert simply couldn't allow anyone else to meddle in this case. Or with anything else. Luckily, he was certain his deputy did not take offense by his attitude. They were all used to him being in a grumpy mood, it was just that now he had new reasons to be like that, apart from natural human stupidity, and they noticed. They made fun of him, and like always, he completely ignored the jibes.
“Come on, Duke, we are almost there,” he urged the horse. Robert rode all night like a maniac and finally reached the Laurel estate with the break of dawn, and as he managed to take his first real deep breath in two weeks, he came to a realization.
You're in deep trouble, he thought in exasperation. Of course, he already knew that. It was just that his state of mind and more importantly his state of the heart couldn't be ignored any longer.
But you must. A small part of him tried to warn that all of this was happening too fast and that he did not know Geraldine that well to be feeling in such fashion. That part of him did not have to worry. Even though he was acknowledging what was happening to him, he was not going to act upon any of it. He returned to Oatman for the same reason he came in the first place, to solve a crime; nothing more nor less. And maybe admire her from afar…
Seeing the house in the distance, he commanded Duke to finally slow down. Geraldine came into view. Her hair shone somewhat angelic in the morning light, it took his breath away. She couldn't see him yet, she was too busy feeding the chickens, so he unobtrusively marveled in the sight of her.
Then she lifted her head and finally spotted him. She smiled, broadly, like she was genuinely happy to see him. Don't get your hopes up. Even though he hadn't slept in quite some time, Robert felt like the sun shone down on him, bathing him in its warmth with that simple gesture, infusing him with power.
Robert groaned. He was seriously starting to get on his own nerves with the thought like this. He was no poet, just a simple sheriff, and he was acting ridiculously. Geraldine waved and he waved back, a bit too enthusiastically. Needing to mask his sudden joy, he urged Duke toward her.
“You are back,” she said.
Robert pretended not to hear actual wonder and relief in her voice during that short statement. She didn't know him that well to understand how Robert always kept his promises.
“I'm back,” he replied simply. And this time he was not leaving until he solved this case. That was the least he could do after all. “I am glad,” and there was so much more said in those three words; she wasn't simply glad he came back to solve Elsa Potter's murder that he suddenly had problems breathing. Remember what you decided, he warned.
Maybe we can be friends. That option was making him mad for some reason. Robert dismounted, hating to look at her from above. Much better...he marveled when his feet were firmly on the ground. Where his head or his heart were, for that matter, was an entirely different story.
“Hello, Duke,” she greeted the horse and the traitor practically started to purr at her touch. Robert felt like rolling his eyes. Wrong animal, Duke, he wanted to snap at his favorite. Duke would lose his status as such if he continued to swoon over Geraldine so much.
“He missed you,” Robert heard himself say. Of course, he wasn't talking about Duke and instantly felt like slapping himself on the forehead. Idiot. Why can't you keep your mouth shut around her, or at least act like you used to? He did not know the answer to that question; something had changed between them.
“I missed you too, you big softy,” she sing-songed and Duke loved all the attention. Geraldine produced an apple from her skirt pocket and offered it to him, and Duke took it ever so carefully and ate it all the while 'speaking' with her.
He never wants to eat an apple when I give him one, Robert grumbled to himself. Wait, are you honestly jealous of Duke? The sad truth was that he really was. You completely lost your ever-loving mind, Robert. Congratulations!
“Are you ready to visit the rest of the people from our list?” He asked, simply to occupy himself with something other than Miss Geraldine.
She looked at him a bit shocked. “Now? You barely got here.”
Realizing he couldn't do his job and feel the way he did, Robert desperately needed to focus on the case, so yes, he wanted to resume the investigation as soon as possible.
Robert shrugged. On the outside, he was completely calm. On the inside the storm was raging and being the Sheriff, finding the one responsible for Miss Potter's murder, was the only way he knew how to calm it. Besides, he wasted enough time as is while he was away, so it was time to move on.
The sooner I solve this case the better. Why? So, he could leave and never return? Something tugged deep inside his chest, squeezing his heart, making him struggle to breathe before releasing him. Apparently, he didn't like that thought one bit. “No time like the present.” That was all he had since thinking about the future made him too restless, and he needed his head clear to do his job properly.
Chapter Nineteen
Geraldine felt that something changed between her and the Sheriff. Before he left they almost kissed in the kitchen. Geraldine really wished he kissed her in those moments, and o
ften fantasied about that occurring while he was away. Despite her best efforts not to. She couldn't quite explain what or why changed. It was almost tangible, like a current, coursing between them and not all that unpleasant. It was everything she felt before but multiplied.
All she did know was how excited, happy even, she was that Sheriff Bradway came back. Maybe that was foolish of her. Geraldine had far more important things to do in her life, like earning enough money to finally be rid of her father’s debt than to swoon over a man and daydream about that almost kiss. Because that was precisely what she was doing.
“I am almost done here, and then we can go visit William and Martha Taylor.” She informed him. The Taylor's were the first pair on his list, because Mr. Taylor was out of town, they had to skip them the first time around. While the Sheriff was away, William Taylor returned to Oatman with his sister and her three kids. Geraldine learned all the details about the misfortunes of the newly widowed Mrs. Jacobson from Mrs. Taylor when she was delivering eggs for that famous cake of hers.
“Really?” The Sheriff replied, cocking an eyebrow. “You do not have to go to the market today?” He looked genuinely surprised and Geraldine couldn't help but smile, he learned all her schedules by heart. She shook her head.
“No, I do not. Mr. Clermont, who owns a Sequoia Ranch, just dropped by and bought everything I had.”
“Really?”
“Yes, his youngest daughter is getting married and they plan on having the biggest wedding cake in the country.”
“The biggest?” He repeated with a smile.
Geraldine shrugged. “His words.”
“Clermont? Why do I know that name?” The Sheriff was clearly thinking out loud.
“He is a rather famous local rancher, you must have heard of him,” Geraldine said as matter of fact.
“Really? Why is that?” Sheriff Bradway looked genuinely curious, so Geraldine decided to elaborate.
“His Angus bull, called Finlay, is a rather coveted animal in these parts. He won prizes on fairs and everything.”
Sheriff Bradway snapped with his fingers. “Now I remember,” he chuckled before continuing. “When there was a big annual fair in Fort Mohave, Mr. Clermont came to our station to ask for some protection service.”
Geraldine's eyes widened in surprise. “Why? Was he in danger?”
“He believed Finlay might be,” he delivered with a broad smile and Geraldine had to join in. That sounded like Mr. Clermont. He was a true darling of a man, a bit quirky, and he loved that bull more than he loved his children. Because I have many children and only one Finlay, she quoted him.
“I could just picture him coming to you with such a request,” Geraldine said between laughs.
“It was a cause for a laugh around the station for months,” The Sheriff reminisced.
“What did you do?”
“Helped him, of course.”
“Indeed?'
Sheriff Bradway shrugged. There was mischief in his eyes. “I was a bit cross at my deputies since they tried to pull a prank on me,” he waved with his hand, anticipating her next question. “That is a rather long story for another time. So, since they misbehaved I decided to punish them.”
“You sound like you work with children.”
“Sometimes I feel that way, as well. Anyway, I made them draw straws, and for the rest of the weekend, deputy Rupert was known as Master Finlay's protector.”
Geraldine burst out laughing all over again. “You are too cruel.”
“Believe me, he deserved it. I am happy to hear Mr. Clermont is well and is preparing such a celebration. That is a good fortune.”
“We are both invited, of course.”
“Where?” Sheriff Bradway looked at her a bit confused.
“To the wedding. News travels fast, Sheriff. Everyone knows you are staying here,” for the time being, she added to herself. That was certainly the work of Mrs. Hobbs, Geraldine was certain of that. That woman was more connected than the telegraph and her words traveled even faster.
“That was very kind of him,” The Sheriff looked genuinely touched by the invitation. Geraldine wasn't planning on going; her resolve was wavering, though.
“Just let me inform mother of our departure and we can go,” Geraldine said, returning them to the main subject. Sheriff Bradway followed her to the house.
“How is Mrs. Laurel?” He inquired.
“Better,” Geraldine replied instantly. That wasn't technically a lie. She wasn't worse and was leaving her bed with improved frequency, so Geraldine was highly optimistic.
“I'm glad. You know I could use some freshening up,” he added as in afterthought, glancing at himself. Geraldine wanted to tease him how she saw him looking much worse. Geraldine refrained from commenting on it at the last second. She was only setting herself up for teasing back that way.
“Let's reconvene then in fifteen minutes,” she offered.
“Perfect.”
Getting inside, Geraldine was startled to see her mother by the door, looking at herself in the mirror. She was not only up and about but fully dressed as well. “Mother?” She even had her best hat on. Her wedding pearls, too.
“Oh, hello, Geraldine,” her mother greeted her quite cheerfully. “I was just about to go look for you.”
“Do you need anything?”
“I cannot find my hat pin anywhere.”
“I can help you find it,” Geraldine offered.
“You are such a dear.”
“Are you going somewhere, Mother?” Geraldine asked, trying not to appear too curious or excited. Her mother did not react well to heightened emotions in others.
Geraldine's mother looked at her as if she thought Geraldine lost all her senses. “It's Elsa's birthday,” she said with a bit of scorn that Geraldine would not remember that on her own.
Aunt Elsa's birthday? “You know we always dress up for her day of birth and ride around the property. I know you always think of it as silly, but she enjoys it.”
Geraldine felt like weeping. She cursed them by having hope her mother was getting better.
The Sheriff looked at her, and it was obvious he was confused and a bit uncomfortable witnessing this scene. That makes two of us. “Mother,” Geraldine started slowly, approaching her. “Elsa died a couple of weeks past, remember?”
Her mother jerked backward as if she slapped her. “Died?” Her mother repeated, and Geraldine stopped breathing since her whole demeanor changed. Geraldine couldn't be sure if she was about to rage or cry and was prepared for both.
Weirdly, Geraldine's mother remained calm. “Yes, of course, I remembered. Elsa is gone.” She took her hat off, discarding it on the small table that was placed under the mirror. “I will be in my room, dear, I feel rather tired.”
“Very well, Mother,” Geraldine replied simply since that was the only thing she could say.
During the course of their conversation, her mother hasn't acknowledged the Sheriff even once. It was as if he wasn't there. Geraldine didn't like where this was going one bit. Maybe it was time for her to call their physician, Dr. Gildow again, maybe her mother needed some new combination of medications or new treatment altogether.
It was clear that Sheriff Bradway wanted to say something to her, and she really wished he wouldn't. Geraldine wasn't in the mood for anybody's compassion, not even his. Or even worse, pity.
“See you in a quarter of an hour, Sheriff,” she said before he managed to speak first and dashed to her room without actual purpose. She simply needed to be alone for a while.
* * *
Robert looked after Geraldine as she practically ran to her room. He wished there was a way he could help her and her mother. Unfortunately, in this case, his hands were tied. Robert retired to his room.
Once he washed his face and hands and changed into a clean shirt, courtesy of Miss Geraldine, he went outside to wait for her. He would wait for her forever if that was what she needed. Surprisingly, Robert did not have to wa
it for her long. He looked for any traces of tears on her face and found none. He knew she was much stronger than she appeared.
“Shall we?” he urged, and she simply nodded. “I thought it would be best to take only Duke with us.”
If his statement surprised her she did not show it. That was just another indicator of how troubled she really was. “As you wish.”
It was hard not to be affected by her behavior. Robert didn't want to force a conversation on Geraldine even though it was more than obvious she was deeply concerned about her mother's well-being, as she should be. He wracked his brain for something helpful or meaningful to say and was constantly coming up empty-minded.
Robert had no experience in such affairs, so it would be highly proud-spirited of him to offer any kind of advice. Since he lacked wisdom, he wanted to offer himself as a source of solace. As a friend, of course, Robert reminded himself. He simply couldn't find proper words to do that, which was highly unlike him.
The Sheriff's Rebellious Bride (Historical Western Romance) Page 19