Pour me a Drink (Tarnation, Texas Book 3)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “I’m going to warn you to keep quiet and let me do my job,” Bash pointed his words to John.

  “You’re going to arrest her without hearing her side of things?” Arc asked.

  “I’m sorry. This isn’t the way we like to do things around here, but there’s a warrant, and I have to follow protocol.”

  “Mom? What’s going on?” River raced up, wrapping his arms around Alaska’s waist in concern. Cariss, Gary and Cory watched from a few feet away.

  “It’s okay, River.” She patted his shoulder, tears filling her eyes.

  “We need to sort this out down at the station. Can I ask that you ride with me? Arc, you can come down too if you want,” Bash offered.

  “I’m coming,” John said.

  “Like Hell you are.” Sheriff Bash shook his head. “You need to wait until you hear from me.”

  “Cariss, please watch River for me.”

  “Yes. Of course.” Cariss looked as confused as Alaska felt.

  “Alaska.” Arc turned to her. “I’ll be there at the station with Roe Robins. Whatever is going on we’ll have you home tonight,” he promised.

  She couldn’t bear to look at River as Cariss pulled him away. Alaska’s heart was breaking. She’d tried her best to always live life right, but now she’d screwed up. Sheriff Bash walked her to his truck and opened the door for her. “Listen, I’m supposed to handcuff you but if you promise me that I won’t have any trouble, I won’t bother.”

  “You won’t have any trouble,” she promised and climbed into the passenger seat.

  The crowd had followed, and they stood and watched as the truck drove away. Alaska saw her dreams for River fading into the night. She’d never be able to live in Tarnation, not after tonight.

  The police station was cold. Just as she’d seen in movies and TV shows.

  Sheriff Bash motioned for her to take a seat by a desk and she did while he went to the coffee machine to grab her a cup. Although she was dazed by the events, the caffeine helped, but the brew tasted like tar.

  “I know it doesn’t taste good but it’s hot.” He sat behind the desk, took out an envelope from the drawer, and a confused expression covered his face. “Mr. Bruce was here earlier and he told me his side of the story. He said you were renting a house from him, he came for the money, and you struck him over the head with a—” He looked back down to the paperwork. “A frying pan. Is that true?”

  Alaska opened her mouth to answer, but the door whizzed open and Roe Robins stormed in. “Stop right there. Don’t answer any questions,” he warned. He looked frazzled. His shirt was left untucked and his slacks were wrinkled. “Sorry, but I was a little busy when Arc found me.”

  Busy as in his pants down around his ankles. He had lipstick smeared on his neck.

  Arc told me a little of what’s going on.” He dropped his briefcase on the floor. “Now that Ms. Kellington’s attorney is here she won’t be talking.”

  “It’s okay. I’d like to speak to Sheriff Bash. I don’t have anything to hide.”

  “Alaska…why don’t you at least let me hear what they’ve arrested you for.” Roe shook his head.

  The door opened again. This time it was Arc. He looked calm and cool as he strolled in.

  The sheriff stood. “I had the report faxed over. It’s legit.”

  “Pfft. I’ve heard that before. I want to read it.” Roe held his hand out.

  “Ms. Kellington, is Roe your attorney?” Sheriff Bash asked.

  She guessed she might need one. “Yes.”

  With a sigh, he took out the document and handed it over.

  Roe sighed. “This states that my client tried to kill a Mr. John Bruce with a pan.” He shook his head in humor. “Now that’s funny.”

  “I didn’t almost kill him,” she pleaded. “I did hit him though.”

  “Alaska…” Roe motioned for her to not say another word.

  “I did it in self-protection. He did come for money, but he was drunk and belligerent and tried to exchange the money for sex.” She was surprised she said the entire sentence without stuttering. She was tired of men like John Bruce.

  “What the hell?” Arc said tearing his hand through his hair. He looked like he could kill a snake with his bare hands or bite its head off with his clenched teeth.

  “Did you file a police report?” Sheriff Bash asked.

  “No, I didn’t. I took River and our things, and we got out of there before John woke up, but not before I made sure that he was still alive.”

  “Let’s not forget he hired the man, Lowe James, who has been staying in her house under false pretenses.” Arc paced the floor.

  Sheriff Bash rubbed his forehead and sighed. “Alaska? May I call you that?” She nodded. “It comes down to your word against his. I believe you, I do, but he suffered a concussion and needed stitches from the hit to the head.”

  What could she say? She hit him hard.

  The door came open again, and they all stared as Lowe appeared. He was a smug man, but he’d lost some of his attitude.

  “You son of a bitch—” Arc darted for the other man, but Roe stepped in, blocking Arc’s path.

  “We don’t need you to join Alaska in jail, do we?” Roe cautioned.

  Lowe held his hand up as if he was surrendering. “I came to help.”

  “To help? You bastard,” Arc seethed.

  Sheriff Bash stepped over, separating the men, and patted Arc on the shoulder. “Look, friend, I understand you want to wring his neck, but how about we see what he wants first.”

  Lowe lowered his hands and straightened his shirt. “I’m Lowe James. It’s nice to meet you, Sheriff.” The sheriff didn’t even look at the hand Lowe offered in greeting. “I can help Alaska.”

  “Could you explain why you’re here, Mr. James?” Sheriff Bash grew redder.

  “I have something you might want to hear.” He reached into his jacket pocket and took out a small recorder, pressed a button, and they heard a male’s voice. “That’s John Bruce.”

  “I wanted to get my hands on that young pussy. Get me some Alaska pie. She thinks she’s too good for me. I’ll show her.” Bruce’s laughter vibrated the recorder. “It’s easy to get what you want. I’m skilled. That slut had no clue I have peep holes situated in the house, just at the right places where I could see everything if you know what I mean. The best one was in the bathroom. Man, she has nice tits and ass. What I could do with my dick in that pussy. I’ll get it. One way or another. If she wants out of this mess she’ll have to pay.”

  Lowe switched off the recorder. “There’s nothing I hate worse than a low-life, pervert who thinks he’s God’s gift to women.”

  “He watched me?” Alaska stared, feeling sick.

  Sheriff Bash took the recorder. “I think this is enough to arrest Bruce.” He turned to Alaska, understanding in his eyes. “You’re free to go, but I might need a statement from you.”

  Standing, she could barely walk, but she made her way out the door with Arc and Roe following.

  “If you need anything else just let me know,” Roe said, bid them farewell and left in a hurry.

  “Arc?”

  “It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m taking you home.” He gently led her to the passenger seat of the truck and she instantly felt better. The dizziness passed. Arc’s anger didn’t.

  “Wait till I find that sum’bitch.”

  “He’ll get what’s coming to him.”

  “He needs more than a jail cell.”

  “Let’s not waste time on him.”

  Neither said another word as they drove to the B&B.

  River was still with Cariss. Alaska called to make sure he wasn’t worried. Without a word to Arc, she made her way into the kitchen to grab a trash bag then carried it into her bedroom, placing it on the bed. Taking her things from the drawer, she dropped them into the bag.

  “What are you doing, Alaska?” Arc stood in the doorway.

  “I’m leaving Tarnation.” She continued to
scoop her things up and pile them in.

  “And go where?”

  “Anywhere but here.” She grabbed the bag and carried it down the hall into River’s room.

  Arc followed. “How long can you keep running?”

  “As long as I have to.” She emptied the drawer.

  “Why?”

  She stopped long enough to look at him. “River and I can’t stay here. Not after what happened tonight.”

  “You didn’t do anything wrong. No one in this town will believe that you did. Your old landlord will be arrested, and everyone will know what he did.”

  “What if I don’t want that? I don’t want people to know that he watched me.” She choked on the words. She was tired of running but what choice did she have?

  “Don’t run. You’re brave enough to face this and anything else that you’re dealing with. I’ll be here with you.”

  She dropped to the bed. “You don’t understand.”

  “You don’t either. There’s something you should know—”

  A knock came on the door.

  She looked at him curiously. “Who could that be? Cariss said she’d keep River tonight.”

  She stood and together, they walked to the door and opened it. Alaska looked outside seeing Cariss, Gary, Stella, Abby and the women from church, and many other townspeople she’d met briefly.

  Cariss stepped forward, hugging Alaska. “Are you okay?”

  “Y-yes,” she answered, but really she wasn’t. “Why are you all here?”

  “We’ve come to make sure you’re okay. And to see if you need anything. That’s what friends do for each other,” Cariss said. “Don’t worry about River. He’s with Cory and Gary’s mother. He’s okay.”

  She hugged herself, looking at each face in the small crowd. These were people she barely knew and yet, here they were, making sure she was okay. “It’s a long story,” she muttered.

  “Honey, I’m sure it is, but we know you didn’t do anything wrong.” Several people spoke up in agreement. “You’re in Tarnation now, and here, we watch each other’s back. If that man shows his face here ever again, he’s going to have to face us all.”

  CHAPTER 23

  ARC CLOSED THE door, looking at Alaska. “Are you still leaving?”

  She met his gaze. Her eyes were shining bright with unshed tears. She took a step and walked into his arms and he held her, kissing her forehead, her cheeks, soothing her. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Let it go.”

  “How did I ever get so lucky to end up here in Tarnation?” she muttered against his shirt.

  “Buzz must have known this was where you needed to be.”

  She lifted her face. Her eyes were red-rimmed, paths of moisture streaked her cheeks and her bottom lip trembled. “Do you think he also knew you and your brothers needed to be here too?”

  His chest tightened. “I don’t know. We may never know what he was thinking.” He used the tip of his thumb to wipe her tears away. “But I know how I feel for you. I think you and I deserve to see where this is headed, but I’m certain that you are the one for me.”

  Tucking her bottom lip in between her teeth, she sniffed. “What if I can’t ever trust?”

  He kissed her lightly on the lips. “You’ve already started the right direction. You walked into my arms. Would the old Alaska have done that?”

  “No, she wouldn’t have. I’m afraid to disappoint you and River.”

  “How?”

  “I’ve spent so much time hiding form people, even hiding from myself. What if the new Alaska isn’t what you want?”

  “Love isn’t easy, and it doesn’t come with an instruction book. What if I disappoint you? What if you wake up one day and decide you can’t look at my face another day?”

  Her laughter cleared her tears. “That’s crazy. Especially when I can’t think of a better place I’d rather be.”

  “Then how about we concentrate on these feelings.”

  Something released from her, like she finally let go of the last of the restraints. “Since River is staying with Cory tonight, will you stay with me?”

  “Where else would I go?”

  She took his hand and led him down the hall into her bedroom. And there they found something that each of them had been lacking for many years.

  “Arc?”

  “Yes, love?”

  “Who was Roe with when you found him?”

  With a deep laugh, Arc answered, “Stella.”

  Not the end but only the beginning.

  From the author:

  Thank you for reading. Please leave a review and let others know your thoughts.

  Check out the entire selection of books by me… http://www.amazon.com/Rhonda-Lee-Carver/e/B00CQLXKTO/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1456497552&sr=1-2-ent

  Hugs,

  Rhonda Lee Carver

  At an early age, Rhonda fell in love with romance novels, knowing one day she’d write her own love story. Life took a short detour, but when the story ideas were no longer contained, she decided to dive in and write. Her first plot was on a dirty napkin she found buried in her car. Eventually, she ran out of napkins. With baby on one hip and laptop on the other, she made a dream into reality—one word at a time.

  Her specialty is men who love to get their hands dirty and women who are smart, strong and flawed. She loves writing about the everyday hero.

  When Rhonda isn't crafting sizzling manuscripts, you will find her busy editing novels, blogging, juggling kids and animals (too many to name), dreaming of a beach house and keeping romance alive. Oh, and drinking lots of coffee to keep up with her hero and heroine.

  For other titles by Rhonda Lee Carver, please visit: www.rhondaleecarver.com.

  Find me on Facebook, too! www.facebook.com/rhondalee.carver

  Other books by Rhonda Lee Carver

  HERE are a few of her books…

  Diamond in a Rose

  Double Dare

  Delaney’s Sunrise

  Second Chance Cowboy (Book 1, Second Chance Series)

  Second Ride Cowboy (Book 2, Second Chance Series)

  Second Round Cowboy (Book 3, Second Chance Series)

  Second Dance Cowboy (Book 4, Second Chance Series)

  Second Song Cowboy (Book 5, Second Chance Series)

  Second Burn Cowboy (Book 6, Second Chance Series)

  Second Hope Cowboy (Book 7, Second Chance Series)

  Second Sunrise Cowboy (Book 8, Second Chance Cowboy Series)

  Castle’s Fortress

  Dreaming Ivy

  Friends With Benefits

  Sin With Cuffs

  With Honor

  Wicked Pleasures (Book 1, Wicked Wolves Series)

  Wicked Lust (Book 2, Wicked Wolves Series)

  Fighting Flames

  UNDER PRESSURE (Book 1, Rhinestone Cowgirls)

  PRESSURE RISING (Book 2, Rhinestone Cowgirls)

  PRESSURE POINT (Book 3, Rhinestone Cowgirls)

  SECRET PRESSURE (Book 4, Rhinestone Cowgirls)

  RESISTING PRESSURE (Book 5, Rhinestone Cowgirls)

  Under the Mistletoe

  Cowboy Paradise (Cowboys of Nirvana)

  Ropin’ Trouble (Book 2, Cowboys of Nirvana)

  Smoke. Fire. Cowboy (Book 3, Cowboys of Nirvana)

  Kissed, Spurred, & Valentined (Book 4, Cowboys of Nirvana)

  Leather for Two, Wings of Steel MC

  An Unexpected Hero (Buttermilk Valley)

  A New Year’s Cowboy (Ring In A Cowboy Boxed Set)

  Pride & Pleasure (Book 1, The KNIGHT Brothers)

  Have you Claimed by the Lawman? (#4, Lawmen of Wyoming)

  Blurb:

  He won’t stop until he claims what is his…

  Years have passed since Tyler Posey last saw Kace Cade. Fifteen years ago, he was a relationship-shy boy with deep dimples who stole her heart right out of her chest. When an opportunity came knocking she went in search of her dreams, but destiny brought her back home to Bohannan, Wyoming—and to Kace who is no longer shy or a b
oy. In fact, he turned into quite the man.

  Being Sheriff had its ups and downs, but Kace liked the challenge. Although he considered his life on track, there was something missing—and her name was Tyler. Not a day had gone by that he hadn’t thought about her, wondered if he’d made the right choice in letting her go.

  Now that he had a second chance at loving Tyler, he had to make things right by helping her find closure in her sister’s death. Ruled a suicide, Tyler never believed that could be possible, and neither did Kace, not after new clues came to light.

  When secrets and truth start to unfold, and Tyler’s safety is in danger, Kace will need to find the answers before trouble finds Tyler.

  The biggest question, who is branding people like they’re cattle? And why? The answers could be where they least expect them…

  Chapter 1

  “THE CATTLE MOSEYED right onto my land. Possession’s nine-tenths of the law.”

  “They’re my cattle, Bane. I don’t plan to leave here today without my beef,” Johnny Posey said as the handful of his hands standing behind him lifted their shotguns just a smidgeon. His son Rogue took a step outside of the circle. The temperature seemed to increase by at least ten degrees. The wind whistled across the field as if carrying a daunting message of history when cowboys took care of problems with brawn…and sometimes a bullet.

  “What the hell’s going on here, boys?” Kace pushed his way through the bulk of the cowboys and stood between Johnny and Bane. He could practically feel the heat rolling off the two fifty-something, stubborn neighbors. “Please tell me this is not another one of those crazy disputes. I have better things to do, fellows.”

  “The cattle are on my land, Sheriff.” Bane pushed out his chest. His crew of five men were standing in a semi-circle, whiskered jaws tight, shotguns in hand as they blocked their boss’ property and the Black Angus that had no idea they were the cause of a lot of trouble.

  This could have gotten out of hand rather quickly with each side packing heat and being so trigger-happy, but Kace couldn’t let the men believe that they had control—guns or no guns.