by Sierra Hill
My instincts went on high alert, knowing there was something she was leaving out. And as the FBI rushed in and took over the investigation and I hauled it back to the station to write up my report and begin putting out the APB’s, I also did a little back ground checking of my own on Jordana Bolton.
Born in Durango, Colorado. Twenty-six-years old. Last known address, Cherry Street, Denver, Colorado. No traffic violations or reported accidents.
But wait. What’s this?
A year ago, she filed a restraining order against one Trever A. Castillo. Twenty-five-years old from Denver.
Okay, this is interesting.
I dig a little further and see he has quite the excessive history of prior arrests, including an arrest last October in Aurora for petty robbery and breaking and entering. Since then, it looks like he’s been serving time in county for the last nine months.
And that’s all I need to know to make my decision.
For as long as necessary, I will find a way to keep a close watch on our new Milltown bank manager and protect her from whatever harm might come of her.
With all the festivities around town this week, it’s been especially busy for our small-town police force, which includes myself, my brother Crawford Junior, or just Jr., and my father Crawford Senior. Yep, it’s a family affair. Even goes back to my grandfather, the Chief of Police.
The blue runs deep within our blood when it comes to serving our town and the generations of families living in this peaceful mountain town.
In fact, I was named after my grandfather, Cordell Clawson, who remained the chief of police until he passed away ten years ago, leaving my father to pick up the mantel. We Clawson’s take great pride in protecting our community and being part of this tradition as humble service men.
As I walk through the town square, now finely decorated in banners of red, white, and blue, the sound of kids playing in the neighborhood pool, women from the local churches getting their tables ready for the bake-off and quilting contests, and the men from the Rotary opening their booths the charity raffles, it fills my heart with contentment and purpose as those whom I’ve known all my life call out to me as I pass by.
“Afternoon, Officer Clawson.” Marlena Schwiezer waves from her position near the ticket counter, her sister Mitzie sitting by her side.
“Morning, ladies. It’s going to be fine evening for a celebration.” I tip the brim of my hat toward them, dipping my chin in greeting. “Tomorrow should be even better.”
I wave them goodbye, continuing my progress around the square. As I make my way, greeting everyone as I do, I nearly stop short when my gaze lands on the Milltown Animal Rescue booth, where Stephanie Perkins titters excitedly in conversation with the woman whose scent still surrounds me. Jordana.
Jordana is bent over a circular pen, her back and very fine ass facing toward me, as she tries wrangling some puppies, her soft cooing voice drifting up through the crowds around her. That sound rises above the noise and hits me straight in the groin.
“Oh my gosh, look at this little guy. Aren’t you just the cutest thing ever?” I watch as she hoists the little brown furball into her arms, snuggling the pup to her full breasts as she turns around, her face buried in his soft fur.
“They’re adorable until they eat through every pair of shoes you own and even your leather service belt,” I chuckle, as her eyes pop open to find me standing at the in front of her.
Stephanie laughs, shielding her eyes against the sun that’s now high overhead, smiling up at me.
“Well, hello there, Officer Clawson. Perhaps you wouldn’t have experienced that problem with Homer had you given him the much-needed puppy training that I offered and suggested at the time.”
Jordana’s eyes light up with amusement over the head of the fluff ball she cradles against her. Her smile is crooked and the heat from her bright green eyes does something weird to my insides.
Reluctantly I turn my attention to Stephanie, a former classmate of my older brother, Jr., who runs the animal shelter on the outskirts of town.
“You do know I tried everything with Homer. He’s just too dumb to catch on to anything I taught him.”
She gives me an irritated flap of her hand. “Who’s the dumb one here? It’s never the dog’s fault, only the owners.”
I pull out the ticket book from my back pocket, flipping open the page and playfully pretend to write a citation. “That’s it. Here’s your warning for disrespecting a peace officer and calling him dumb.”
The sound of Jordana’s laughter fills me with something strong, as if I’ve had too many shots of whisky, my head and stomach floating with a free and easy feeling.
“Do I need to call the authorities to break this up?” She lifts her perfectly shaped eyebrows in jest as I raise my hands in surrender.
Stephanie stands, looking over my shoulder at her three rowdy kids playing at the park. “Speaking of breaking something up, I need to go see what has my hoodlum’s brawling over there. Can you handle things for a second, Jordy?”
Jordana nods affirmatively as Steph darts off, yelling her kids down. “Knock it off, right this minute, or I’ll come knock some sense into alls of you!”
We stare after her and then I return my attention to the beauty with the puppy. Jordana has since changed out of her work clothes into a pair of jean shorts and T-shirt branded Milltown Animal Rescue on the front, and the back “Adopt. Don’t Shop. The Best Things in Life are Rescued.”
“Hey, Jordana. I’m glad I got a chance to talk to you alone. I wanted to see how you’re doing after yesterday’s events?”
Her eyes cloud over a little, the shine dulling ever-so-slightly with something close to worry.
“I’m okay. As good as can be expected, I guess. Thanks for your concern.”
A big part of me wants to reach out and touch her. Enfold her in my arms so she knows she’s safe and protected. But I don’t. I keep my professional distance, instead telling her what I was thinking last night.
“I drove by your place last night and was going to check in on you, but the lights were off. And then I got my nightly dispatch call to the Stars & Stripes bar to handle an altercation.”
She nods, leaning over to place the pup back in the pen with the four other litter mates.
When she turns back to look up at me, there’s something different in her expression, but I can’t decipher what it is.
“Thank you. That was really thoughtful. I appreciate it more than you know. I don’t have a lot of people looking out for me. But I’m sure the disturbance at the bar was far more exciting than checking in on boring old me.”
This time, I don’t hesitate to touch her, allowing myself the simple gesture of placing my hand on her arm. It sizzles hot in the spot where our skin connects and her eyes pop wide, as if she can’t believe it, either.
“You’re far from boring. In fact, you’re the most interesting thing that’s happened to this town in years.” I catch myself then, my words sound foolish and lovestruck. Clearing my throat, I take a step back.
“Jordana, I’m always here for you. Just a phone call away. Speaking of which, let me give you my direct number. That way, you can call if you ever need me.”
A small curvature of a smile tips at the corners of her mouth. She pulls out her phone from her back pocket, handing it to me where I enter my number in her contacts.
I hand it back, changing the subject matter. “How long have you been working with Steph and the animal shelter?”
As if taken off guard by the question, her mouth drops open. “Oh, I guess the first week I got to town. I wanted a big dog for…well, I got that and more. I now have a little army of animals at home, including my dog, Bella, two cats, a hamster, and a lizard named Sneaky Pete.”
“Wow,” I chuckle out loud. “You’re either quite the animal lover or just a sucker for a cute face.”
Her eyes land on my mouth, eyelashes batting against her cheeks, which flush with a cotton-candy pink blush.
&nbs
p; Jordana chews at her bottom lip. An action and image that proves to be difficult to get rid of in the hours ahead, all the subsequent thoughts of what I could do with that mouth of hers. Those generous and supple lips, with their satin finish and glossy texture.
I clear my throat and she cocks her head to the side.
“I’m definitely a sucker, that’s for sure. I can’t help myself. I have a soft spot for those eyes that look at me like I can do no wrong. So different than most humans I know.”
A puppy bark grabs our attention, as we both look down at the pen where the little runt is being dog-piled by his siblings, all three times bigger than him.
“I guess there’s bullies in every living form,” I note, recognizing the concern in her comment, leaving me to wonder what happened in her past to make her think that way. And if it has anything to do with the man currently jailed up in Denver. “But luckily, there’s always someone that will have your back, too.”
I point out the female alpha in the pen, who quickly overpowers the male alpha in the bunch, diverting his attention from the little brown runt.
“Hey, by the way,” I stammer, like I’ve never asked a woman out on a date before. “I was wondering if you’d be interested, that is, if you don’t already have plans with anyone else, if you would like to attend the carnival and fireworks with me tonight? I’m off duty at five, and since you’re new to town, I thought I’d provide my expert tour guide services for you.”
Jordana looks between me and the puppies, as if deciding whether my offer is worth her time or consideration.
The smile that finally washes over her face is brighter than the flash of rockets on a clear July 4th night. And it sets off a blast of fireworks of their own in my belly.
“I’d love to. Otherwise, I’d probably just be home with the kids.”
“Kids?” I ask reflexively. I didn’t realize she had children.
She giggles sweetly, gesturing toward the animals. “Yes, you know, the animal farm I have at home. They make my dating life non-existent.”
“Well, hopefully we can fix that.” I wink and head off to finish my rounds.
Jordana
The date with Cord is unexpected and completely out of the blue, taking me by surprise and leaving me conflicted as to what to do about it.
He’s a cop and I’m running from my criminal ex-boyfriend.
There’s no doubt we share some crazy chemistry. Even yesterday after the robbery while I was in a dazed and confused state of mind, Cord made me feel something I can’t even describe.
Secure.
Safe.
Protected.
I stare into my closet before choosing the floral pink and yellow strapless sundress and a pair of wedge sandals. The weather today was perfect, the sun hot with minimal clouds, and tonight should be just as great. After feeding the animals I let Bella, my rescue pit-bull, out into the backyard to do her business. Since bringing her home, I’ve not had one bad or sleepless night. She sleeps at the end of my bed, guarding me against any and all harm that could befall me. Fear of being found.
Those fears are real when you have an abusive and deranged ex-boyfriend who at any moment could be freed from prison and track you down. Compromising everything you’ve ever worked for.
The nightmares have started up again, though, after the robbery yesterday. I know the man that robbed me wasn’t Trever, but the fact that he knew my name, leads me to believe there must be some connection. Or maybe there isn’t and it’s just someone who looked up my information in the town directory or bank website.
Either way, I told the FBI the truth about the man, including the description of his characteristics and features. What I didn’t mention, however, was what the man said right before he left the bank. His promise to come to my home and violate and kill me. Yeah, that’s exactly what nightmares are made of.
My hands tremble as I open the back door of my cottage home to let Bella back inside, handing her a treat from her treat can.
“Good girl, Bella. You watch the house while I’m gone tonight, okay? You do your job and you’ll get extra belly rubs when I get home.”
Her sweet pink nose nudges at my hand in appreciation for the treat as I rub her clipped ears the way she likes. Someone had used her for dog fights before she was rescued, and her sweet ears are a gnarled, chewed-up mess. Poor girl. I look exactly the same, only on the inside, where it’s hidden from others. Scarred and marred from an abusive past.
Cord wasn’t kidding when he said there are bullies in every breed, but mostly in my experience, it’s only humans who use their cruel ugliness to hurt others.
Bella’s ears perk up and she cocks her head from side-to-side. “What is it, girl?”
She runs to the door, letting out a tough-ass bark that would frighten anyone away. But I know it’s Cord because I heard his car pull up in my driveway.
Grabbing my purse, I sling it over my shoulder and pick up my sweater as I walk out the door. I catch Cord off-guard on the first step of my porch.
He looks up at me and rears back, reaching for the handrail to stabilize himself. His reaction has me grinning.
“Wow, you look beautiful, Jordana.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, adjusting the sweater over my shoulder. “I wasn’t sure what I should wear tonight. So, I went with casual.”
His gaze drinks me in from head to toe. “You’re perfect.”
Tingles climb up the back of my legs, up my spine and then back down again, settling low in my belly. I haven’t had someone look at me with that much appreciation for a really long time. Maybe not ever.
“Here, let me help you in the car.” Cord reaches for my hand, placing his palm in mine and escorts me down the steps and to his vehicle, opening the passenger side for me.
As I stoop to get in, I notice this sports car isn’t his typical vehicle. “Aren’t these the types of cars most police officer target and pull over?”
He laughs at my comment, leaning his head in through the open door, one hand on the car roof, the other on the door frame. “Yes ma’am, you’re right about that. Good thing I know a few people in blue that can help me out if I get a speeding ticket.”
Cord’s eyebrows raise in mirth and then he shuts the door of the Dodge Challenger and swings around the front into his spot.
As he settles in and turns on the motor, which I swear causes Bella to howl from inside the house, he swivels his head to look at me. I notice the light stubble left over from his razor, whether on purpose or it’s the type of growth that immediately returns no matter what he does. Either way, I like it a lot. Dark and delicious.
“Do you like surprises, Jordana, or would you rather know in advance what I have planned for us tonight?”
I take a second to think about it before I respond. “When I was younger, I loved surprises. But now after experiencing a few too many unwanted bombshells, I’ve become a bit more skeptical. So, I’d have to say I’d prefer knowing, if that’s okay with you.”
Cord winks with a tip of his chin. “Exactly as I thought. Okay then, here’s the plan for tonight and you can feel free to override anything you don’t agree with.”
He backs out of my driveway and pulls onto the main road. The sun is just beginning to disappear behind the mountain range to the west, leaving the night air cool against my skin.
“First, let’s go pick up some barbecue at Fred’s BBQ Shack. Then, we’ll do a brief stop up at Tillman’s Ridge Point to watch the sunset. It’s a sight that does not grow old. And then, we’ll head down to the Town Square, play some carnival games, where I’ll win you a gigantic prize I’ll carry for you the rest of the night, and then, we’ll watch the fireworks as we listen to the country band at the band shell. How’s that sound?”
I can’t help myself as I reach for his hand, removing it from the steering wheel, interlacing my fingers with his.
“It sounds absolutely perfect.”
The night is perfect, just as he designed.
Although through no fault of his own, I made a mess and spilled barbecue sauce on my dress, right at the top of my boob requiring that I awkwardly scrub at it with a napkin. But the food was delicious at Fred’s, just as he promised. In fact, I ate so much I was glad I wore a sundress to cover the food baby in my stomach.
After dinner, Cord drove us up to the point overlooking the small mountain town below. The normally busy view point is surprisingly deserted tonight, since most everyone else is down in the center of town at the festival. We’re alone in a secluded spot, with the lights of the town below twinkling up at us.
“Have you always lived in Milltown?” I ask, as we sit on top of his hood, still warm from the heat of the engine.
“Yes, ma’am. Third generation resident and police officer at your service.” He winks and gives me a proud salute. “I joined the Army, served my country and then returned home.”
Cord leans back, propping his head up with his arm as he lays on his side to face me.
The chill at this elevation and this time of night is a bit more than I had planned and the sweater I brought along isn’t cutting it. I shiver as the breeze blows across our bodies.
Cord shifts, sitting up and taking off his leather jacket, settling it around my shoulders
“Here, this should help.”
I inhale deeply, the spicy, masculine scent of him mixing with the sweet aroma of his warm leather. I like having him wrapped around me in this way.
“Thank you.”
He resumes his position, his fingers toying and feathering softly over my knuckles on my lap. “You’re welcome.”
“How about you? Always been a Colorado resident?”
I nod. “Yeah, I was born and raised in Durango and then went to school in Denver.”
“You still have any family back there?”
“Nope. Everyone gone. No reason to go back.”
I try to keep it light, not wanting to share too many details about my chaotic life before and what I’ve been running from ever since.
While, yes, I did go to school in Denver, it was because I was shipped into foster care when I was thirteen after my mama went to jail for drug trafficking. It was there in the system where I met Trever when I was sixteen. He was everything I wasn’t. Fearless. Brave. Bigger than life. And a con artist and criminal.