The Sheriff’s
Sweetheart
Cheryl Wright
Copyright 2017 by Cheryl Wright
Cover Artist: Black Widow Books
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book
From the Author
He’s been gone more than 18 years now, but I’ll never forget the rodeos my dad (and mother) took us to as kids. We looked forward to going each and every year.
Born in the country (as we kids were), my dad was a country man through and through. His first ever job was at a rodeo. He went on to become a ranger, and a horse breaker, amongst other things. His brother looked after horses all his working life, including taking tourists on trail rides. Every now and then I managed to insinuate myself into those trips.
I grew up with horses, and the country ways of doing things. And I’m so glad I did.
Sadly, we moved to the city down the track, but I loved (and still love) horses so much, I spent nearly all my extra money and most of my weekends going on horse rides.
Thanks
Thanks to my very dear friends (and authors), Margaret Tanner and Susan Horsnell. Without their encouragement, this book would not be written.
Thanks also to Alan, my husband of over 45 years, who has been a relentless supporter of my
writing for many years.
And last, but by no means least, thank you to all my wonderful readers who constantly encourage me to continue writing these stories. It is such a joy to me, knowing so many of you enjoy reading my stories. I love writing them as much as you love reading them.
Chapter One
Isabella O’Reilly stared out the dusty bus window.
She was tired after the long trip from Wyoming, and felt disheveled. She was even a little nervous about her visit.
It had been nearly six months since she’d been a bridesmaid in her cousin Missy’s wedding in the tiny town of River Valley, Montana.
Six months of pining for Chase Callahan, Missy’s new brother-in-law.
She remembered the feel of his arms around her while they danced after the ceremony, and the emptiness when the music stopped and they’d returned to their seats.
The warmth of his arms made her feel protected. She’d felt safe in his arms. She’d wanted to stay there in his arms.
Forever.
As they’d danced the bridal waltz, he’d looked down at her with such hunger in his eyes, and she was certain he was going to kiss her.
He’d leaned forward, his lips close to hers. So close she could feel his warm breath. His beautiful brown eyes searched hers, waiting for her acceptance. Or denial.
She’d licked her lips, and moved closer to Chase, and then.... the music stopped.
She suddenly felt cheated and bereft as he dropped his arms and escorted her back to the bridal table, his hand to the small of her back.
She shook her head to clear the memories away.
Isabella had spent these past months thinking about Chase, and trying to get him out of her head. It was affecting her work, and she’d even been injured a couple of times. At least that’s what she’d told everyone.
Missy suggested she needed a break, and invited her to High Calibre, her husband Rory’s ranch.
If she was truthful with herself, Isabella would admit she really came to see Chase, not Missy.
* * *
Sheriff Chase Callahan sat in his office scratching his head.
His concentration hadn’t been the same since his brother’s wedding. His mind had been 100% on the job back then. He’d managed to track down the killer who had stalked Rory’s now-wife, and had arrested him, with Missy’s help.
The pair were blissfully happy, and he was pleased for them. Rory hadn’t been happy for a very long time, throwing himself into his work as a way to feel complete. Only it hadn’t worked.
And then Missy came along.
Up until that point, he and his brothers had tried everything to get Rory away from the ranch, and out into the community, where he had a chance to meet someone who might be his soul-mate.
But he had rebelled against their efforts, until finally they’d worn him down. He eventually went to the Bar and Grill to have a meal and see the new entertainment. That entertainment was Missy, and he’d saved her butt from an obnoxious, drunken cowboy. That was the beginning of their friendship, which quickly moved to the next level. That ultimately led to their small wedding on Rory’s ranch.
Chase had clicked with Missy’s cousin Isabella at the wedding, and had nearly kissed her, but the moment had been lost.
Just as well, because as it turned out, she lived in another state, and he knew from experience, long distance relationships didn’t work.
He sighed, and went back to his paperwork.
* * *
Missy stood impatiently at the bus stop, waiting the arrival of her closest cousin, Isabella.
They’d practically grown up together, living in close proximity to each other. They even went to the same school, then eventually worked in the same rodeo.
She squealed as the bus rounded the corner. She would have jumped up and down too if she’d hasn’t been carrying an extra passenger in her belly. She rubbed her hands across her precious cargo and smiled. Rory had been ecstatic at the news. A new little Callahan to expand the family.
Someone has to do it, he’d said with a grin.
The bus pulled up in front of Missy, and she stood watching for Isabella to emerge. Only she didn’t.
Missy didn’t know what to think. Her cousin had messaged her to say she was on the bus, so Missy knew she hadn’t missed it.
The driver was already handing luggage to the other passengers when a disheveled passenger emerged. She struggled down the steps, one of her wrists in plaster, the other carrying a small bag.
“Oh my God!” Missy shouted as she ran forward to help her cousin. “What happened? Did you have another fall?” Missy was distraught at Isabella’s appearance.
As she took the hand luggage, Isabella wrapped her arms around Missy and cried. The two women held each other for what seemed an eternity. They were interrupted when the driver wanted to hand over the luggage so he could be on his way.
After securing the luggage, they were strapped securely in Missy’s car and were soon on their way. “Want to talk about it?” she asked Isabella.
Her cousin shook her head, so Missy left her alone. For now.
* * *
Isabella’s silence spoke more than words.
Her cousin had told Missy she’d taken a few tumbles lately, but this was unexpected.
Not only was Isabella injured, but she was almost unrecognisable. She’d lost so much weight, and her clothes were practically falling off her. She was thin before, but now she was waif-like.
Missy glanced across as she drove to High Calibre. She reached out and put her hand on Isabella’s knee. “Are you okay?” she asked.
The other woman nodded. “I’ll be better after a shower and some clean clothes.” She licked her lips, and Missy was certain she was on the verge of tears. “I’ve had one too many falls,” she said. “I’m thinking of giving it up.”
Missy’s head turned sharply. “Really?” Isabella had been in the rodeo business way too long, and Missy was certain she’d stay there forever.
“So far this season I’ve broken my clavicle, humerus, and now my wrist,” she almost whispered. “Enough is enough.”
“I know,” Mi
ssy said. “I’ve been quite worried about you. I can’t say I’ll be sorry if you give it away.”
Isabella didn’t answer – just sat in silence as they continued their journey.
* * *
It was meant to be his day off, but instead, Chase was at the office, deep in paperwork.
He was a hands-on sheriff, which meant he spent most of his time out in the field. As a result, paperwork had to take a back-seat, and was always the last thing to be done.
He had nothing better to do, so his weekends were filled with catching up.
He was up to his ears in useless waste-of-time bureaucratic rubbish when his cell rang.
“Callahan.” Chase didn’t mince words. Didn’t see the point.
It was his brother Rory, inviting him over for lunch. When Chase declined, Rory insisted, cryptically telling him it was in his best interest.
Curious, Chase accepted.
Truth be told, he was annoyed for the intrusion into his usual Sunday routine. But he was also pleased for the break.
* * *
Chase removed his black cowboy hat as he entered his brother’s ranch house.
Their mother had been a stickler for hats off in the house, and it had stuck with all the boys, right into adulthood.
He hung it on the hook inside the door where everyone was expected to leave their hats.
The kitchen was empty, so he headed for the sitting room where he could hear the faint sound of voices.
“Hello,” he called, letting them know he’d arrived.
As he entered the sitting room, Isabella stood, and stared at him. A slow smile came to her face, and he smiled back.
She took a few steps toward him, and he met her halfway. “Chase,” she said quietly, as her voice hitched in her throat.
Apparently he was as much a surprise to her, as she was to him.
As he strode toward her, he looked her up and down, noticing the massive weight loss. That’s when he saw it.
The plaster on her arm.
As they met in the middle of the room, his arms went up around her. She felt so good. He could stand like this for hours, and not regret even one second of it.
He vividly remembered the last time he’d held her in his arms. The way she’d felt, so soft and pliable, and definitely all woman.
But now she was just skin and bone. Chase was worried for her. What had she done to herself?
If he was truly honest with himself, he had to admit he’d pined for her since she’d left. He felt guilt at not trying to contact her before this. He winced as he though about his dead wife, Jenny, and what she might think.
Despite himself, he knew Isabella was special to him. “I missed you. A lot,” he whispered in her ear as he pulled her closer.
* * *
Isabella revelled in Chase’s arms. This was exactly where she wanted to be. Where she should be.
When he whispered in her ear, his warm breath almost had her undone. In his arms was exactly where she wanted to be, needed to be, but was it the best thing for Chase?
When she’d left after the wedding, she knew she’d made a mistake.
Instead of going back home all those months ago, she should have stayed in River Valley.
There was nothing stopping her. Except maybe her job, and she could have easily ditched that. If she had, perhaps she wouldn’t be in the position she was in right now.
She had thought about Chase day and night. It was excruciating knowing he was a confirmed bachelor, and knowing he wasn’t interested in a relationship. Or getting hitched, as he called it, so she’d decided to move on.
It was the worst decision of her life.
* * *
It had been an enjoyable lunch, and an enjoyable afternoon.
Missy sat them together for lunch. Not that Chase was complaining – he wasn’t. He was right where he wanted to be. Close to Isabella.
Apart from her appearance, she seemed the same as she was at the wedding.
But the more she spoke, the more he noticed it. She was no longer the outgoing bubbly Isabella he’d met earlier in the year.
“Tell me about your job,” he’d said, curious how she could be injured earning a living.
Knowing Missy and many of her friends had worked in the rodeo, nothing would surprise him.
“My job is to prepare the bulls to be ridden,” she said, glancing down into her lap.
“And you’ve been injured how many times?”
She glared at him. “I’m not one of your damned criminals, you know.”
Everyone stopped talking at once, and the silence was palpable.
He ran his fingers through his hair and stared into her face. “Of course you’re not,” he said. “I’m just concerned for you.”
“Well don’t be,” she snapped. “Anyway, I’m on indefinite leave until I work out what I want to do.” She stood and retreated to her room where she sat and cried until she was spent.
Isabella had no idea what she would do next. Her biggest concern right now was whether or not Chase would see through her façade.
* * *
I don’t know what is going on, but something definitely is,” Missy told Chase. “She’s so thin, she looks ill.” She rung her hands in her lap. “I’m really worried about her.”
“Me too,” Chase interjected. “All those injuries...”
Missy’s head snapped up. “She’s done that job for nearly ten years without a single injury. All of a sudden she has three broken bones in as many months?” She looked at Chase with worried eyes.
“I’m not buying it,” she said. “Something else is going on.”
“I know she’s your cousin,” Chase said. “But how well do you really know Isabella?”
“We grew up together,” Missy told him. “We’ve always been close. We went to school together, worked together,” she added. “We even dated some of the same boys in high school.”
“But that woman who was just here?” Her eyes filled with fear. “That woman I don’t know,” she said quietly.
Rory leaned over and put his arms around her, pulling her into a big bear hug.
“Leave it with me,” Chase said. “I’ll get to the bottom of it.”
He stood, reached for his hat, and was quickly gone. A man on a mission.
After Chase left, Missy went to Isabella’s room and quietly tapped on the door. “Isabella?” She stopped and listened. Perhaps she was asleep?
But it was far from late, and Missy thought perhaps she just wanted to be left alone. She was certain she was right, but persisted anyway.
“Isabella,” she called softly. “Open the door. I just want to make sure you’re alright.”
The door slowly opened, and Isabella peeked around the door, eyes red and puffy.
She left the door ajar, and went to sit on the bed.
Missy sat beside her, not saying a word. Instead she hugged her friend tightly, and rubbed her hands up her back.
Isabella quietly sobbed on Missy’s shoulder.
When she was spent, Missy spoke quietly. “I know something is going on,” she said. “I don’t know what it is, but I’m hoping you will tell me.”
Isabella shook her head. “I-I’m alright,” she said. “I’m just stressed – after my long trip.”
Missy knew that was a lie, but didn’t say so. She stared into Isabella’s face, hoping she would give up at least some information. But no, she stayed quiet. And determined.
“Well then,” Missy said, realizing she was fighting a losing battle. “Why don’t we get you cleaned up, and go sit outside and watch the sun set when it’s time.” It was more a statement than a question, and she was determined in her quest.
If Isabella didn’t want to talk, so be it, but she couldn’t sit in her room and wallow in her thoughts.
Missy would have missed the small nod if she hadn’t been staring at her cousin.
As they walked toward the bathroom, Isabella let out an errant sob. Missy pulled her close and h
ugged her again.
She took a clean face washer from the linen press, and ran some cold water into the basin, then left Isabella to her own devices.
“I’ll meet you on the porch,” she said, as she left the room.
Missy poured three cool drinks and took them outside where Rory already sat, taking in the beautiful view ahead of them.
“She’s not talking,” she told her husband. “And that’s not a good sign. Isabella has always been very open with me.” She wiped an errant tear from her cheek, and Rory pulled her close.
“It will be alright, darlin’,” he said. “Chase is on the case.”
After what seemed like forever, Isabella joined them. “Beautiful sunset,” she said, sitting down and accepting her drink.
Missy knew they had a difficult task ahead of them, but for Isabella’s sake, they had to find out what was going on.
* * *
Rory sat across from his brother as he spoke on the phone.
“Yes. No. Is that so?” He stared intently at Rory as he listened to the person on the other end of the call.
“And she didn’t.....” His face turned angry. “I thank you for being so honest. You have a good day, Sir.” He slammed the receiver into its cradle and sat silently for several minutes, his face getting redder the longer he sat.
Rory dare not say a word. He knew his brother well, and could see he needed to calm down.
Chase pulled off his black cowboy hat, ran his fingers through his blond hair, then ran them across his stubbled chin. “Damn it!”
He shouted so loudly and so suddenly that Rory almost fell out of his chair.
Rory watched him closely. This was not a good sign.
A variety of expressions crossed Chase’s face.
“So what did you find out, Bro?” Rory tried to keep his expression blank, but was sure he’d failed. “Are you even going to give me a hint?”
He knew from the get-go this was a case Chase didn’t want. Knew he didn’t want to investigate Isabella. He was very fond of her. Maybe more fond than Chase wanted to admit, even to his brother.
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