“Let’s get a tail on her, see where she goes, who she hangs with, but keep your distance,” Jeb declared.
“I think I see-”
“What? Dawyne, is that you? Speak up boy,” the Sheriff barked.
Intimidated by his uncle, and knowing the men mocked him behind his back, Dwayne rarely offered his input about anything, but Tess and Luke had infused him with a newfound confidence, and as he turned to the group he squared his shoulders and lifted his chin.
“I think I see something that could be evidence,” he declared.
“What? Where?” Jeb frowned.
Pushing his way past the deputies in front of him he pointed his finger to the corner of the screen.
“Isn’t that the thumb of a glove?”
Lowering his head Jeb stared at the odd shape peeking out from behind newspaper articles relating to Luke’s arrest.
“Damn,” he breathed.
Stepping forward Alex punched some keys on the computer zooming in on the tiny object.
“Dwayne, you’re right,” Alex exclaimed. “Let’s hope it’s a glove she used in the commission of the crime. Will it be enough to get a warrant, Sheriff?”
“I’ll make sure it’s enough,” the Sheriff boomed. “Dwayne, good job, good job.”
Dwayne just smiled, and watching him, Alex immediately knew there was a whole lot more going on.
I don’t know why but you’re changin’, but I’ve got a feelin’ it’s all about Luke Larson. This is gonna be a real interestin’ few days.
“I think she hangs out at Barry’s Bar a lot. Maybe we should talk to the people who work there,” Dwayne added.
“Good thinking, Dwayne, great suggestion. Why don’t you head on over there, Alex, see what you can find out? I’m headin’ off to Longville.”
Jeb continued shouting out his orders, directing several of the deputies to join him on his manhunt, and as the troops scattered, Alex remained where he was, staring at the screen.
“Hey, Jeb, it’s just hit me,” he abruptly exclaimed.
“What?” Jeb asked moving back towards him.
“When we left there I had the feeling that I was missing something, that there was something off about her place, and now I know what it was. Those pictures triggered it.”
“So, what is it?” Jeb asked impatiently.
“There were absolutely no photographs. No vacation snaps, no pictures with a boyfriend, no relatives, nothing. Do you know anyone who has zero personal pictures in their house?”
Jeb stood for a minute, and a deep frown crossed his face.
“No, I don’t, you’re right,” he agreed.
“Huh, that is kinda weird,” Dwayne murmured. “What does it mean?”
“She’s probably transient, always on the move, a loner,” Alex replied, “and a sociopath.”
“Sure as hell gives me somethin’ to think about,” Jeb remarked. “I’m hittin’ the road.”
“What do you want me to do, Jeb?” Dwayne asked already knowing the answer. He had no doubt he’d simply be back on patrol as always, and he was right.
“Larson’s in Longville and Tess is working again so you can move back to your own place now,” Jeb said quickly, “as long as Tess feels okay about it,” he added. “Just keep a good look out around her house, and you might want to swing up to Luke’s ranch as well, just in case.”
“Sure, will do,” Dwayne answered.
“Good job, Dwayne,” Jeb nodded, “I mean it, good job.”
“Thanks, Jeb,” he smiled, and as he walked away to locker room to change into his uniform, he chuckled happily.
With Dwayne at work, and Luke in Longville, except for the large sweet dog, Tess was alone for the first time since Luke had walked into her cafe. The house felt strangely empty, and she was grateful Rex was padding around after her.
“You’ll be by yourself soon,” she murmured as she petted his head. “I have to go to work in a little while, but your daddy will stop by and check on you while he’s patrolling, just like always.”
The big dog let out a small whine of gratitude and raised his paw.
“You are so cute,” Tess smiled, “when Luke gets back I’m going to suggest we get a dog just like you.”
Moving into her bedroom to get ready, she paused, staring down at her bed, and recalled how Luke had made sweet, gentle, love to her that morning.
I can’t imagine not sharing a bed with you. I need you, I need you with me, I need your arms, your lips, your body next to mine. I hope this won’t change when you’re cleared, I hope this incredible feeling isn’t because of all the craziness around us.
Sighing heavily she crawled on the mattress, and laying on her back she closed her eyes and moved a hand to her breasts, lightly tweaking a nipple just as he had done. Moving her other hand between her legs she smiled as she touched her sex under her skirt; he’d forbidden her to wear panties, and she’d felt scandalous as she’d driven him to the train station, and puttered around the house before Dwayne had left to report for duty.
“It’s something for me to think about while I’m gone,” he’d whispered as he’d given her the naughty instruction.
The recall of his breath in her ear send a wave of wet need against her hand, and rubbing urgently she chased the moment, imagining the almost scary but tantalizing feelings that surged through her when she was across his lap about to be spanked.
I love it so much, I love that feeling, and as her stomach flipped at the memory, she massaged fervently as she tweaked her nipple aggressively.
When your hand swats my bottom it’s like a weird sweet and sour thing, there’s nothing like it in the world, and yet I get a strange scary feeling when I know it’s coming.
As she rubbed she saw visions of him walking towards her, that look in his eye she’d come to know, and she could feel his hands on her cheeks, his hands separating her.
It’s so wicked when he does that, when he touches me back there…
An unexpected rush flowed through her body, the abrupt climax rattling through her sex, and she gasped and trembled as the powerful release exploded against her fingers.
Sinking into the mattress, surrendering to the delicious tingling as it moved through her limbs, she pondered the abrupt end of her fantasy.
What was that?
It was the wicked thought that send you off the cliff.
I know, but…
There is no but. You want him to do it, you’re just scared.
She knew she had to get up and shower, and change into her work clothes; after being away she knew she’d be busy catching up on things. While she loved owning the small cafe, and her staff was able to keep the place running during the rare occasions she was unable to be there, work tended to pile up, and she was eager to bring everything current.
The orgasm had left her drained, and it was an effort to rise from the bed, but once she started moving she found her second wind. Making sure Rex had plenty of water, she was about to turn on the television to keep him company when her landline rang. Running to grab the receiver she was shocked at the voice on the end of the phone.
“Hey, Tess, it’s me, Patty Jamison. I’m so glad you’re listed.”
Tess felt a slight wave of panic, then taking a deep breath she forced herself to remain calm.
“Hi, good to hear from you,” she replied. “I’m just running out the door though, off to the cafe.”
“How about I swing by for a late dinner after your rush is over?” Patty suggested. “I’m sure you’re busy until what, seven or so?”
“More like eight,” Tess replied, and how great is this. I’m off the hook, she’s called me, and I can’t tell her not to come. This is perfect.
“Great, I’ll see you then, and I’ll bring my appetite,” Patty said enthusiastically. “I have a feeling you’re a terrific cook.”
“I don’t get many complaints,” Tess giggled. “See you there.”
Hanging up the phone, Tess kissed Rex on the h
ead.
“This is fantastic,” she grinned. “I have a feeling it’s going to be a very good night. You guard the house now.”
The big dog looked at her with a soulful expression. Staring into his big brown eyes, Tess knew Rex would bark, then lead the way to the family silver.
“You’re adorable,” she sighed, and turning on the television she grabbed her coat and headed into the garage.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Sitting in the waiting room of the Longville train station, Luke watched the local deputies hand the ticket seller his wanted poster. There was one already prominently on display, but a mischievous miscreant had penned thick glasses around his eyes and added a mustache.
At least they didn’t add horns, he thought, and as the deputies passed by one of them handed him a five dollar bill.
“Get yourself some decent grub,” he declared.
Peering up at him through the darkly tinted glasses Luke suppressed a chuckle.
“Much obliged,” he mumbled, and when I can I’ll return this to you, along with a six pack, or maybe a bottle of decent wine.
Boarding was called, and keeping up the pretense Luke moved slowly forward on to the platform, stepping into the train with seeming difficulty. As he settled into the seat he did so knowing he was one step closer to freedom, and his mind turned immediately to Tess.
When I get home tonight I’m going to introduce you to some ropes. I’m going to tie you to that bed and tease you for a very long time, first with my finger, then my tongue, then my cock. I’m going to roll you on to your stomach and lift your hips so I can show what it’s like to be spanked for pleasure, then I’m going to completely consume you.
The daydream sent his cock to life, and though he attempted to think about something else and push away the hunger in his tattered trousers, the image of her naked body and her bright red backside refused to leave his head.
Waiting impatiently until the train had departed and picked up speed he headed to the men’s room. Dressed as he was he felt almost at odds as he unzipped the old fly, praying it wouldn’t break, and withdrew his sergeant at arms standing at full attention. Leaning against the wall he closed his eyes and saw his beautiful Tess with her legs spread wide, but she wasn’t on the bed, she was outside on a blanket, and her wrists were tied together above her head.
Rubbing fervently, the image so alive he thought he could reach out and touch her, he felt between her legs; she gasped and wriggled, moaning for more. Between his earlier imaginings, and watching her writhe against his teasing fingers in his mind’s eye he found himself quickly nearing his release, but wanting to milk the pleasure he pulled his hand from his cock and opened his eyes.
It won’t be long before she’s exactly where I’m picturing her. Soon, very soon, I can feel it.
Closing his eyes back down and wrapping his fingers around his cock, he saw her bent over a downed tree trunk, the blanket between her skin and the rough wood. He was seated beside her, spanking lustily just for the sheer pleasure of it. Sliding his fingers between her cheeks she squirmed her protest, but he was having none of it, and grabbing a small stick began lightly flicking it on her skin, knowing the innocent looking twig contained a rare sting.
“You have to trust me in this,” he scolded.
His cock suddenly burst forth, streaming its cream across his hand, and as it jerked he stifled his groans, the scene still playing out in his head, until the lascivious moment passed and he let out a satisfied sigh.
“Oh, Tess,” he breathed, “just you wait until I get home.”
Though Alex had stopped by Barry’s Bar immediately after seeing the photos of the bizarre shrine in Patty Jamison’s closet, he had found no-one there but Barry himself, and Barry had only heard of Patty Jamison, he’d never met her.
“Come back later when Daniel Griswald here,” the owner had told him. “He’s the new bartender and I think he went home with her just last night.”
With Jeb and several of the deputies already in Longville, and Dwayne out patrolling the streets, it was a skeleton staff at the station and Alex was loathe to leave, but if Daniel had spent any time with crazy Patty he needed to talk to him.
Driving back to Barry’s bar Alex pondered the latest turn of events, curious what the bartender might say about his date with her. Pulling into the parking lot and hoping there weren’t too many people already in the bar, he parked the squad car and hurried inside. There were a few patrons but they were seated at tables, their plates piled high with the free munchies lined up in large bowls on a buffet table.
You think you’re getting a free early dinner, but I’ll bet it’s packed with salt designed to make you thirsty, and I’ll bet it works.
Looking across to the bar he saw a handsome young man busy wiping glasses.
Good-lookin’ kid. Clean cut, no five-o’clock shadow, I’m sure he scores all the time. Comes from money, that watch ain’t cheap, nice shirt, dry-cleaned not washed, looks like an alligator belt. Hmmm, who is this kid? Doesn’t look like any bartender I’ve ever seen, and he sure doesn’t look like he needs the job.
Wishing he weren’t dressed in uniform, Alex moved to the bar and perched on a stool.
“Hi,” Daniel smiled.
“Hi, pour me a beer, whatever’s on tap,” Alex replied, and those teeth cost your folks plenty in braces and now they’re costin’ you with regular whitenin’.
“Really? You can drink on duty?” Daniel asked.
“Nope, probably not,” Alex grinned. “Thing is, I need to relax a bit. I hate askin’ a fella personal questions, seems to help with a beer in my hand. The name’s Alex, by the way, I don’t stand with formality.”
Alex sensed the bartender would respond better to a friendly conversation, and believed that by being upfront it put a subtle pressure on the young man to do the same, but as Alex studied Daniel’s face he saw something else; a wariness that usually spelled a history with law enforcement.
“Dealt much the law?” Alex asked casually.
“Why do you ask?” Daniel replied.
“Dunno, just seems like my uniform made you a bit edgy,” Alex replied, and your question confirmed it.
“Let’s just say I’ve learned that law enforcement, as you put it, tends to only see what they want to see,” Daniel grimaced, “and they rush to conclusions, often mistaken conclusions.”
“Is that right?” Alex asked, intrigued by the remark. “You wanna share? I’m just a guy chattin’ now, totally off the record.”
Daniel put down his towel and the glass he was polishing, and stared intently at the cop sitting across from him. He appeared to be sincere and genuinely interested, but Daniel didn’t trust it.
“Maybe another time,” Daniel answered vaguely. “What is it I can do for you? Something personal you said?”
“Yep. Patty Jamison.”
Alex did not expect to see the deep response in the young man’s eyes. A cloud crossed his face, and Alex saw the tightening of his jaw; there was anger there, and it ran deep.
“Yeah, what about her?” Daniel asked dropping his eyes.
“Heard you spent some time with her. Did she seem edgy at all, anything you might have noticed that you could tell me?”
“Can I ask why?” Daniel inquired picking up a knife and cutting board to slice some lemons.
“Sorry, no,” Alex replied, “and I’d appreciate it if you could keep this under your hat.”
“Sure, no problem,” Daniel agreed.
“So? Did you notice anything unusual, anything at all?”
Putting down the knife, Daniel sighed and lifted his eyes.
“I would say,” he began slowly, “that she’s a woman worth learning more about, law-enforcement-wise. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to wipe down the tables.”
Alex hadn’t touched his beer, and watching the slick young man walk away he picked up the glass and took a swig.
Sure would like to know your story. Daniel Griswald. Think I’ll
do a search when I get back to the station.
It had been a busy dinner service for Tess at her cafe, but the crowd was finally thinning. A blustery front was beginning to hit the town so she’d sent her waitress home early, not expecting many more customers, and when the door opened and the bell jingled she turned to see who had braved the weather; it was Patty Jamison.
“Hey, Patty,” Tess smiled feeling her pulse accelerate. “Grab a table, I’ll be with you in a few minutes.”
“Sure,” Patty replied, and sitting by the window she grabbed the plastic covered menu and began to read what was on offer.
Tess’s mind was spinning, and as she finished up with the last of the customers she tried to think of the best approach to get the girl talking.
I’ll try to pick up where we left off. I’ll complain to her, make her think I’m confiding something. That should be the best way to win her trust.
“Are you hungry?” Tess called.
“Just a bit, I had some soup at home a little while ago,” Patty replied.
“I’ll make you some of my sweet potato fries, they’re fabulous,” Tess grinned. “It’ll just take me a minute.”
“That sounds great,” Patty grinned back.
Moving into the kitchen Tess put the fries into a pan to sizzle, then hurried back, checking out the last customer before joining Patty at the table.
“So, what’s going on?” Tess asked. “Anything exciting?”
“I did go home with the bartender last night,” Patty confessed, “and then had a visit from the cops this afternoon, so yeah, you could say things were exciting.”
“The cops? Wow, why?” she pressed, hoping no-one would walk in and interrupt their conversation.
“Luke Larson,” Patty replied. “I don’t know why they’re bothering to look at old news, but that’s boring, wait till I tell you what happened with the bartender, it was wild.”
As Patty began to relay the story of Daniel’s visit to her cabin, Dwayne was pulling into the parking lot. It was time for his dinner break and he was looking forward to seeing Tess and enjoying some more of her wonderful cooking. The wind was whipping and the air was cold, and as he rolled his car to a stop and peered at the tables by the window, he saw Tess sitting across from Patty.
The Wanted Cowboy (Cowboys After Dark Book 5) Page 14