Hugh's Chase

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  Although she said the words, Hugh believed court was the last thing she wanted.

  Marley rubbed his forehead. “Mr. Reed doesn’t want to press charges as long as you make restitution. I could give you a fine—”

  “That will work…”

  “But I won’t.”

  “Judge Marley, if I may, under the circumstances I’d think Mr. Reed would want to keep this from getting out,” Hugh added. “Imagine if people in the community got word that he’d overstepped his boundaries. Miss Miles understands she was wrong, but we can’t ignore the fact that Reed played a role here.”

  “What do you suggest, Sheriff?”

  “I don’t think it was her intention to punch Reed. Didn’t you give Bo Davis community service when he accidently struck his neighbor with the mower? If I remember, there was some bleeding involved too.”

  Marley nodded. “Are you wanting to file a complaint against Mr. Reed, Miss Miles?”

  “If I had wanted to file a complaint, I would have been here before now.”

  “Alright, alright.” He waved a hand in agitation. “I’ll sentence you to thirty days of community service.”

  “What?” She must have forgotten she was holding her cup because coffee splashed over her lap which she paid no attention to.

  “That’s fair.”

  “What if I file a complaint against him?” she stuttered.

  “You’d still be here in Colton and awaiting a court date.” Marley shook his head. “Can’t we just make this easy?”

  “For Marshall Reed?”

  “For everyone involved.”

  She pinched her lips and Hugh guessed she was keeping from saying exactly how she felt.

  “I’ll leave you in control, Sheriff.” Marley stood and straightened his jacket.

  “What?” Hugh jumped up from the chair, feeling as if he’d been kicked in the chest.

  “Find something for her to do.”

  “I don’t think…” Adira stood too.

  Marley groaned. “Have her shadow you. Maybe she’ll help you solve a few cases. Yeah, that sounds good.” Satisfied, he marched through the door mumbling something about parties and problems.

  She flashed Hugh a piercing glower. Couldn’t she see that he had been trying to help her?

  “This can’t happen, Hugh. I can’t stay. I’m scheduled to check out of my room over at the bed and breakfast and they are booked. I even volunteered to leave a day early because they needed the space.”

  “Well, we’re not booked here. We have two cells available,” Hugh said, agitated at the situation.

  “I-I can’t stay here. This is unfair.”

  Blowing out a long breath, he felt the wind puff right out of his sails. “I guess not.” He squeezed the bridge of his nose. “You were sentenced to community service.”

  “I should have known…” she stammered.

  “Miss Miles, this is small town America. Reed didn’t want to go to court, he just wanted to make things tougher on you. He doesn’t wish to pass it around that he had his ass kicked by a woman, or that he was rejected.”

  “What if I do? What if I demand a trial?”

  He thought over her words. “You could do that. Is that what you want?”

  “Than being stuck in Colton for another thirty days?”

  “You could be in jail.”

  “The way I’m looking at it, feels like jail to me. Am I expected to be homeless for the next four weeks? And what about Johnny? I’ll be lucky if he will even agree to this insanity.”

  He dropped back into the chair and it squeaked with resistance, much like what he was feeling on the inside. “Look, Miss Miles, I’m no more stoked about this idea than you are. You won’t be homeless, neither you or Johnny.”

  “So then, you have a plan?”

  “Sort of.”

  ~~~~~

  Adira’s head hurt. It wasn’t the usual pounding headache that came along with stress, but instead a searing throbbing pain that was hidden behind the fuzziness of what had transpired over the last few hours.

  At least the rain had stopped

  “Will you be okay without Johnny?” Hugh asked.

  “Yes. He and I both agreed that he should leave Colton and go back to our studio and start editing the film. We’ll keep in contact as needed.”

  “I’m sure you’ll miss him.”

  She looked over at Hugh in the driver’s seat of the truck. “Wait, do you think Johnny and I are together-together?”

  He shrugged. “I wasn’t sure, until I saw the exchange of goodbyes between you two.”

  Laughing, she shook her head. “You assumed wrong. We’re only friends and business partners.”

  He gave her a quick glance. “Wow…so that’s what friends do these days? Kiss on the lips?”

  “I’d use the word “kiss” loosely. Johnny was raised in Brazil where guys go for a kiss within five minutes of meeting someone. Since we’ve known each other for two years, that requires a kiss on each cheek and a longer one on the lips. It’s the culture.”

  “And what does your boyfriend say about this custom?”

  She played with the fringe around the hole in her jeans. “I’d almost think you were fishing. I don’t have a boyfriend. Who has the time? I know I don’t.”

  He laughed and she loved the baritone sound. “First, I wasn’t “fishing”. I’m just occupying time with conversation. You’d think I was rude otherwise. That’s a Colton Cowboy’s custom.” He winked. “I also hope you don’t think we’re all like Reed. He’s an exception.”

  “I’ve been here long enough to realize it’s you and your brothers who are the exception. The women who’ve snagged you boys are lucky ladies.”

  “Don’t include me in that equation. I’m snag-free.”

  “Yeah, and why is that, Sheriff?”

  “I’m an ogre. What more can I say?” He shrugged a broad shoulder.

  “That’s not what your sisters-in-law say about you. They all tell me you’re the quietest of the brothers, and love to cook. Oh, and I don’t want to forget that Pippa said you are trustworthy and very loyal. If I was the marrying type, I’d say those are qualities that most women are looking for in a man. Isn’t there some cute cowgirl looking for a cowboy around town?”

  “If you were the marrying type, as in, you have no desire ever?”

  Was it her imagination or did he slow the truck?

  “If you must know, I don’t plan to ever marry. I’m too independent.”

  “Wait, a woman can’t be married and independent too? What man has made you think that? Where are you meeting these Prince Charmings?”

  “He was a prince all right. One in a toad’s body.”

  “Aww, that’s the secret.”

  “No secret. Just fact.”

  “Yikes. So, one unhealthy relationship has spoiled the milk for all men?”

  “I’d like to think of it as a lesson learned.” And she desperately wanted to change the subject. She didn’t know him well enough to take a stroll through her past with him. “Are you sure Deputy LaGatta won’t mind me staying at her house?”

  They stopped at a red light and he glanced across the bench seat at her, his eyes filled with humor. They were the most beautiful eyes she’d ever seen—like blue gems. She could easily lose herself in them, so she had to be very careful. Admittedly, he was incredibly attractive from his messy, wavy ebony hair—messy from the many times he removed and put his hat back on his head—to his broad shoulders that stretched the uniform shirt as far as the seams would allow. She liked his ranch-earned muscles. He didn’t work out in the gym for hours a day, but worked hard on the land which made him lean and strong. Over the last few weeks she’d gotten to know each of the Jericho brothers. Hugh though, not so much. In fact, she’d wondered if he had been intentionally staying away from her, and any chance of seeing her.

  That would be a ridiculous thought. Why would he not want to see her?

  “Yeah, I called her and s
he said you’re welcome. She has plenty of space and she will love the company. Her two oldest are away at college and her youngest stays with his father most of the time. Don’t worry. You two will get along. You don’t leave the toilet seat up or your socks laying around, do you? Those are some of the things she hates from what she’s told me.”

  She shrugged. “No to the toilet seat and socks. I’m good about picking up after myself and washing a dish, but it’s not every day I’m sentenced to move in with a stranger. I’ve lived alone for a while.”

  The light turned green and they didn’t move. He turned and met her gaze a mere second, but it felt like an eternity. She wasn’t sure why this cowboy warmed her every time he glanced in her direction. Ignoring it would be the best solution because who cared how hot he was when he was the Sheriff and he was part of the reason she was in this silly predicament. The quicker she got out of this two-stop light town, the better. And the quicker she got away from Hugh meant she could breathe normally again.

  “So, what’s the plan? The Judge did say you must do something with me. I guess that means I’ll be going to work with you every day?” She had a tough time keeping the sarcasm out of her voice. Seeing his jaw tighten did give her a little gratification.

  “Look, this caught me by surprise too. I asked for community service, not for you to shadow me. We’ll have to make the best of it.”

  “Is the Judge always so…” She searched for the right word.

  “Matter of fact?”

  “Agitated?”

  He smiled. “Or that. He doesn’t make very good first impressions, but as far as my dealings with him, he’s okay.”

  “Maybe he wasn’t willing to roll out the red carpet for me since I’m an outsider. I’ve noticed that a lot of folks are like that around here. They’re leery, or rather guarded, of anyone who comes from outside a fifty-mile radius.”

  “People aren’t treating you right?”

  “No, everyone has been welcoming, but they have something here that I’ve never known. Some kindred bond. Family is special…is everything.”

  “You don’t have family?”

  She turned her cheek, not willing for him to see the mist in her eyes. “That’s for another day.”

  “Probably best since we’re here.”

  He parked along the street in front of a yellow house with a row of large trees in the front yard and a welcome sign on the door. Adira could only hope. Hugh helped by grabbing her suitcase from the back of his truck and carried it to the porch of the friendly appearing house. Before they could knock, the door swung open and on the other side of the threshold was a woman…tall, slender, salt and peppered hair, and honest eyes. “Howdy, you two. Come on in.” She took a step back, waving them in.

  “Carol, this is Adira.” Hugh introduced them.

  “We met, just for an instance. At Urban and Presley’s wedding.”

  “Yes, we did. I had almost forgotten.” Adira felt relieved that Carol wasn’t quite the stranger she thought she would be.

  “Let me take that suitcase.” Carol took the handle from Hugh. “By the way, did you have that shoulder looked at?” She nailed him with a skeptical eye.

  “If it’s okay with you two, I’ll head on out, leave you to get settled in. I should get back to the office and do my paperwork.” Hugh took a step toward the door.

  “Don’t even try it, mister.” Carol waved a finger at him. “You can’t get away that easily. I’ll take the answer as a no then.”

  “Urgent Care was busy and I got called away. The shoulder is fine.”

  “What happened?” Adira asked.

  Before he could answer, Carol said, “He broke up a fight. Our Sheriff here jumped right in, alone, and broke two bad asses up just like that.” She snapped her fingers, looking to Hugh with a proud smile.

  “Okay, I’m leaving.” He resituated his hat and shifted, obviously uncomfortable with Carol’s gushing.

  Adira met his gaze, feeling a little like a baby bird ready to fly from the nest. He must have sensed her trepidation. “Or I can stick around for a bit.”

  “Hogwash!” Carol waved a hand through the air as if to wash away his suggestion. “Leave us girls to it.” She reached out and dragged Adira in by the arm. “We’ll be just fine, Sheriff.”

  Without any excuses why he should stay, she knew she needed to figure out why she wanted him close. Adira had been alone for a long time and could handle almost any situation, but having him close was an indescribable comfort. It was dangerous for her to rely upon anyone because she’d learned no one could be trusted. Drawing an invisible line between her head and heart, she wouldn’t allow her emotions to blur the facts, or allow her to be vulnerable.

  “Then I’ll be on my way. You two ladies have a nice evening.” He tipped his hat and headed down the flower-lined sidewalk back to his truck.

  Carol shut the door with her foot. “So, you met Marshall Reed I heard?”

  “Something like that.”

  “Let me tell you something, hon.” Carol put her arm around Adira’s shoulders. “As far as I’m concerned, that bastard deserved everything he got. I’ve wanted to sock him a good one myself, or wrap his wrists in my pretty gold-plated bracelets.” Dropping her arm, she picked up the suitcase and motioned for Adira to follow her down the hall to the last door. “Here’s the extra room. It ain’t much, but it’s a roof over your head and you’re promised an early morning concert.” She pushed open the door, then looked over her shoulder. “I like to sing, but I’ll try to keep it down while you’re here.” She winked.

  The room wasn’t large, but it was nice and comfortable and homey. Adira had never been one that concerned herself with creature comforts. A bed and a warm blanket was all she asked for. “It suits me just fine.”

  “I’ll let you settle in. Bathroom’s down the hall with clean towels on the shelf. I’ll meet you in the kitchen. Just retrace your steps and it’s off the foyer. Do you like chili?”

  “I love chili.”

  “Then you and I are going to get along just fine.”

  “Thank you for letting me stay here.”

  “Oh, honey. I’m glad I can be of help. See you in the kitchen.”

  Adira placed the suitcase on the end of the bed, but didn’t bother opening it. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d unpacked. Living out of her suitcase had become the norm, and now would be no different. Her stop at Colton would be another place on her growing list.

  Dropping down on the bed, she rolled over and stared through the window into the darkness. The bright moon offered promise. But promise for what? Had she overstayed her welcome in Colton? Long enough that she’d found herself attracted to the Sheriff and landed herself in trouble…big trouble.

  She could have made a big stink over this entire ordeal, but the chance of opening a new can of worms didn’t sound pleasurable. Preston could find her and she didn’t want that—didn’t need to risk seeing him. Not that Adira feared her ex, but seeing him meant she’d have to listen to his explanations and apologies. Or his promises that he had changed. She knew better. Even if he had extricated the parts of himself that weren’t working, their history couldn’t be swept away. Once a line was crossed, there was no going back.

  Leaving the room, she found Carol standing at the stove stirring the contents of a pot. “Something smells delicious.”

  “Have a seat and I’ll dish you up some chili.” Ladling the soup into a bowl, Carol placed it in front of Adira at the table.

  “It has been a long time since I’ve had a homemade meal.” She dipped her spoon into the steaming soup and blew on it.

  “Everyone needs a proper meal. Too many people are eating fast food.” Carol sat down. “I preach to my kids all the time. Chicken nuggets and cheeseburgers aren’t on the food chain.”

  “I’m afraid I’m guilty. Johnny and I have been on the road non-stop.” She pulled off a piece of roll and popped it into her mouth. “Drive-thrus and gas stations have beco
me the meal of choice.”

  “How do you do it? Traveling so much? I couldn’t imagine not having a place to relax, but I know, some people like to see what the world has to offer. Where’d you grow up? I’m sure you call someplace home.”

  Adira tucked her hair behind her ear and shrugged. “Not really.”

  “Where are your parents?” The other woman settled a curious gaze on Adira.

  Delicately dabbing her mouth with a napkin, she didn’t answer right away. She never liked having her life spotlighted, and opening up never came easy. “Both of my parents are gone.”

  Carol reached across the table and placed her hand on Adira’s. The sincerity made her swallow hard. Her life hadn’t been paved with good memories. The last time she saw her mother was in the back of an ambulance when she and her latest boyfriend had overdosed on the drug of the month. Thankfully, they had both survived, but life changed. Adira had been sitting in the hospital lobby, still wearing her Barbie nightgown and no shoes when the worker from children’s services sat down and explained that she would be staying with a new family. She never saw her mom again. She spent a week in a foster home where she was the youngest of five foster children who stole her food and pulled her hair. After the agency finally reached her father, he showed up drunk, but they’d allowed him to take her with him. Living with him, and his girlfriend, in a one-bedroom trailer had not been the highlight of her life, and wasn’t even close to being “home”.

  “Well, I’m glad you made it to Colton. We might not be a big city with all the bright lights and bells and whistles, but you wouldn’t believe how much we have to offer here. Have you gotten a chance to explore?”

  “I guess I’ve been so busy with the documentary on Urban that I haven’t done much exploring.” Dipping her bread into the chili, she popped it into her mouth, savoring the taste.

  “While you’re here, have that boss of mine take a day to show you the scenery.”

  “Sheriff Jericho? No, I couldn’t do that. He’s busy.”

  “Yeah, he is, but from what I understand, you two will be spending a lot of time together. Could be worse, for sure.” She chuckled.