Jake smiled, but he turned his attention to the sheriff. “Metzger, you’ll come to the house for dinner, won’t you? There are things that need to be addressed.”
The sheriff nodded. Everyone was thinking about the bodies that needed to be dealt with. “You bet.”
“Well, let’s get the horses loaded.” Jake started the process, opening the door of the four-horse trailer, while the sheriff did the same to the two-horse trailer.
“Griff,” B.J. said, “Your wife will be at the house by the time we get there.”
“Good. Is she speaking to me? Camille wasn’t too happy about my heading off into the mountains.”
Jake frowned. “You didn’t tell us she was upset.”
“She’ll get over it. Besides, I needed to be with you all at a time like this.”
“Any more word on Jim?” Chad asked. B.J. nodded. “He’s recovering nicely from the surgery. Everything looks real good.”
“Is Megan at the house?” Chad asked B.J. as they settled into the truck.
“Yes. She’s helping Patience settle in.”
“So she agreed to stay at the house?”
“Yes. Since Jim is afraid that Kane fellow may still be coming for Patience and Tommy, he wanted them protected. Until he’s out of the hospital, she’s promised to stay with us.”
Chad nodded. Then B.J. added, “She saved his life.”
“What? How?” B.J. told him the story as Megan had told it to her.
When she finished, Chad could only say, “We certainly owe her a lot.”
THE TABLE IN the Randall kitchen could seat as many as twenty people. When Patience came down to dinner, she stood to one side, out of the flow of people, wondering what she should do.
“There you are, Patience,” her mother said, as if their being in the Randall kitchen was normal. “I told Mildred you’d mix up your special dressing for the salad.”
“You don’t mind, do you, Patience? I tasted it at one of the potluck dinners and I’ve been meaning to ask you for the recipe,” Mildred, Red’s wife and B.J.’s aunt, said.
Patience agreed at once. Anything was better than everyone praising her as a hero. Megan had told them that Patience had saved Jim’s life. Patience tried to explain that she owed Jim for his help, not the other way around.
She moved over to the cabinet and told Mildred what ingredients she needed. Mildred was a kind soul and soon put her at ease.
“Now, we’re going to call the younger ones to dinner, so the men can have room to eat when they get back,” Mildred explained.
Patience dreaded facing the men who had ridden into the mountains after them. Especially the sheriff. She would have to find a time to talk privately with him.
She’d thought if she got Tommy back, everything would be right with her world. How wrong she’d been. Not only did she still need to worry about Kane trying to get Tommy, but she also had to deal with her feelings for Jim.
She missed his strength, his calm appraisal of situations. She missed his warmth, a feeling that surrounded her when she was with him. He made her a stronger, happier person. Most of all, she loved his sense of humor.
She blinked rapidly to dispel the tears that filled her eyes.
Megan moved to her side. “Everything’s okay, Patience, I promise.”
Patience gave her a smile and nodded. She knew differently, but she wasn’t going to tell Megan that.
When the first round of dinner was announced, Tommy came running to the table. His grandmother demanded a kiss, and Tommy willingly gave her one.
“You want one, too, Mommy?” Tommy asked.
“That would be nice.” Patience smiled at her little boy.
Tommy threw himself into her arms and kissed her cheek as she bent down. “I’m having so much fun! Davy has some video games. He’s teaching me how to play.”
“I’m glad, sweetie. Don’t forget your manners during dinner, okay?”
He grinned. “Okay.”
She watched him follow Davy to the table. Her heart swelled with pride when he did as Elizabeth told him. He was a good little boy. And Kane was a bastard.
Thanks to Jim, she had her little boy back.
She helped with the serving, making herself useful where she could. It took her mind off her problems. The meal was almost over when the back door opened and the four Randall fathers, plus the sheriff and Griffin Randall, entered. Immediately the wives went to greet their husbands.
Even Camille, who had protested Griff’s decision to accompany his cousins, threw herself into Griff’s embrace. Patience couldn’t hold back a smile. It was good to see the love that existed between these couples.
After the greetings, the women quickly cleared the table and placed clean dishes on it. All except Megan. She remained in a corner, talking with her husband.
When they finished talking, Chad stepped to Red’s side and conferred with him. Then, to Patience’s surprise, Jim’s father turned to her.
“Patience, Megan’s told me about you saving Jim’s life. We can never thank you enough for that.”
“Mr. Randall, I owe Jim for saving me and Tommy from Kane. You don’t owe me anything.”
“You’re a gracious woman, Patience. But we still owe you. Megan and I are going in to see Jim now. Do you want to come with us?”
Patience blushed. “Oh, no, I talked to him today. I’ll let you have some time alone with him. I think he’s doing very well.”
“We Randalls are fast healers,” Chad assured her with a smile.
“I’m glad.”
“Yeah. Any messages for Jim?”
“You can tell him again how grateful I am.”
Chad smiled and left.
Half an hour later Patience asked the sheriff, who’d just finished his meal, if she could talk to him.
He agreed and suggested they use Jake’s office.
She followed him, her knees shaking.
Chapter Nine
Once Patience was seated in one of the big leather chairs in front of Jake’s desk, she clasped her hands tightly together. Her voice strained, she said, “Sheriff, I killed a man.”
Sheriff Metzger had been a law officer for a long time and had seen his share of crime. Calmly he asked, “Did you?”
“Yes. We were trying to get away from Kane and his men. We were almost home when they found us and started shooting at us. This man had snuck up on Jim and was going to kill him. I couldn’t let him do that. I shot him.” She let out a sigh. “Are you going to file charges against me?”
“Well, seeing as how you didn’t seek these men out with the intent to kill and that you had been fired on first, no. All you did was try to protect Jim and Tommy and yourself. I’ll interview Jim and if his story matches yours there will be no charges.”
“Are you sure? I feel so bad about it.”
“Patience, life is harsh. No decent person seeks to end someone else’s life. But there are times when you have no choice. This was one of those times. And if, as we think, Kane is still alive, it’s possible you’ll face him again. I hope you’ll seek legal recourse at once so that he can’t get hold of Tommy again.”
“Do you think I have a chance to get custody of Tommy?”
“Yes, I do. His father is obviously not a stable man. Go to Nick Randall and ask for his help.”
“He would be very expensive, but…” She began considering her options, hoping she could do as the sheriff suggested.
“Just talk to him. I’m sure he’ll offer you some good advice.”
“Thank you, Sheriff Metzger, for talking to me. I feel better now.”
“I’m glad you’re staying with the Randalls for a while, where you’ll be safe. I’ll let you know right away if I get any hint that Joseph Kane is back in town.”
“Thank you.” She’d have to let the sheriff know when she moved back home, as she fully intended to do in a few days…
JIM WAS USING his left hand to feed himself. He was managing okay, except for the peas. B
alancing the small peas on his fork took more talent than he had, so he abandoned that part of his meal.
When he heard the door open, he looked up and was pleased to see his parents. “Dad! I’m glad you’re back.”
Chad didn’t hesitate to hug his son. But he was careful of his injured shoulder. “Did Jon check you today?”
“Yeah. He said I might go home tomorrow.”
“That’s wonderful, dear.” Megan went to him and gave him a hug, as well.
“Is Patience at the ranch?” Jim asked.
“Yeah,” Chad answered. “I thanked her for saving your life. Your mother told me.”
“Yeah.”
“We found two dead bodies.” Chad looked at his son, waiting for his response.
“Those were two of the general’s lieutenants. They caught us the last day. I shot one and Patience shot the other.”
“Did you see the general escape?”
“Yeah. He was with the one I shot, and I think he saw the other one fall. That’s when he rode off in the other direction.”
“Toward the cabin?”
Jim frowned. “Yeah. Why? Did he use the cabin?”
“I think he burned the cabin. We saw the smoke the afternoon before, which would’ve been while you were coming down.”
“Damn him! I’m sorry, Dad. Patience, Tommy and I spent that last night in the cabin so we could have a hot meal and get a little rest. Patience had been up all night the day before.”
“It was a good plan, son, and it worked. You got down safely.”
“Thanks to Patience. The kids will really miss going to the cabin this summer, though.”
“Maybe we’ll rebuild and you can do some hammering.”
“That’s a deal, Dad,” Jim said.
THE NEXT MORNING, after she’d made sure Tommy had eaten breakfast and was happily playing with Davy, Patience came downstairs. “Is anyone going to town today?” she asked.
Megan immediately told her she was going in to pick up Jim. “Did you want to come with me?”
“Well, I need to pick up my car and I have some errands to run.”
“Then of course I’ll be glad to give you a ride. Or I could drive you around if you need to shop or something.”
Patience knew Megan was curious about her errands, but she didn’t want to tell the Randalls that she was going to go see their cousin, Nick Randall.
After an awkward pause Megan said, “I’ll be ready to leave in about fifteen minutes, if that’s all right.”
“Yes, I’ll be ready.”
On the ride into town, Megan didn’t ask any more questions. Patience was grateful. Nick Randall was the best lawyer around. Patience wasn’t sure she could afford him, but she had to start there. She needed to make sure that Tommy was legally hers. She should’ve done it long before now.
Once Megan had dropped her off at her house, Patience drove her own car to the main street of Rawhide and parked. Then she entered Nick’s law office, which was across the street from the general store.
“May I help you?” the receptionist asked.
“I’d like to see Nick Randall.”
“Do you have an appointment?”
Patience stared at her. “An appointment? Uh, no.”
“He’s not in the office this morning. Could you come back this afternoon?”
Like she had a choice. Patience nodded. “What time this afternoon?”
“Just a minute. I’ll check with him.” The receptionist picked up the phone and dialed a number. “Mr. Randall? What time could you take an appointment this afternoon?”
Patience stood there, feeling like an idiot for thinking she could just walk in and see the lawyer.
“Ma’am, what’s your name?”
Hurriedly she replied, “Patience Anderson.”
The woman repeated her name into the phone. “Oh. Yes, sir, of course.” She hung up the phone and said, “Mr. Randall is available now. He’ll be right down.”
Now Patience was thoroughly embarrassed. She knew Nick lived on the floor above his office, but she hadn’t meant to intrude on his personal life. “I don’t want to disturb him. I can come back later.” Before she finished, a door behind the receptionist opened.
“Now, why would you want to do that, Patience, when I have time on my hands this morning?” Nick Randall asked with a grin.
“But you must’ve had plans,” Patience protested. “I didn’t mean to—”
“Don’t be silly. Come on in.” He escorted her into his private office. “My wife wanted me to baby-sit our little boy this morning, but he’s taking a nap.” He put a baby monitor receiver on his desk. “We’ll use the monitor. If he wakes up, I’ll have to go upstairs for a minute.”
“Okay,” she agreed.
“By the way, I’m glad to hear you got your little boy back. Is he all right?”
“He’s great. Jim was wounded, though. He’s going home from the hospital today, so he’s recovering quickly.”
“I heard that. My brother called last night. I was going to go see Jim today.”
Patience smiled politely.
“Now, what do you need to talk to me about?”
“I don’t know how much you charge, Nick, but I’m in need of a good lawyer.”
“Tell me the problem. We’ll worry about payment later.”
“Well,” she began, “Tommy is my sister’s child, and Joseph Kane is his father. Kane left town as soon as Faith died. We neither saw nor heard from him until he came back last week and abducted Tommy. I’ve raised Tommy since he was born. But because I hadn’t legally adopted him, the sheriff said he couldn’t do anything about Tommy’s abduction.”
“I’m not sure I agree with him, but obviously you want to remedy that situation. Do you want complete guardianship of Tommy?”
“Yes,” Patience said with relief. “Can that be done?”
“Tell me what Mr. Kane was doing with Tommy when you found them. I heard you went after him by yourself.”
She nodded. “Yes. Kane was making Tommy stand at attention in the snow. Every time the boy moved, Joe would slap him quite hard. He’d just knocked him down for the third time when I entered the camp.”
“Physical abuse,” Nick said, and made a note.
“Yes. If Jim hadn’t come—” She broke off and covered her face with her hands.
“What do you believe would have happened?”
“Kane decided he wanted to marry me and have more sons so he’d have a bigger army to command.”
“He told you this?”
“I believe he would have forced himself on me. Thankfully, Jim had come and he got Tommy and me out of there.”
“Well, thank goodness Jim showed up.”
“But then he was shot. I—”
“Hello, Nick.” Jim’s voice startled them both as he entered the room.
“Jim, I just heard you were getting out this morning. How are you?” Nick asked, obviously not as startled by Jim’s presence as Patience was.
“I’m doing well, Nick. I know I shouldn’t have interrupted, but I needed to know what Patience was up to.”
Patience stiffened. “You could’ve asked me.”
“Mom said she did, and you didn’t tell her anything.” Jim sat down in the chair next to her. “Sorry, I can’t stand for too long.”
“Of course, Jim,” Nick said. “But Patience is entitled to have this discussion in private if she wants. Patience?”
“I don’t mind Jim knowing what I’m doing, but I can’t see any real need for his presence.”
“I want to make sure Nick understands that I’ll pay the bill for his work. He’s the best,” Jim told her.
Patience tried to maintain her dignity, but she was growing angry. “I’m going to arrange a payment plan with Nick. I don’t need your money.”
“I owe you my life, Patience. How much do you think that’s worth?”
Nick’s eyebrows soared and his gaze traveled back and forth between the two comba
tants before he broke in. “I’ve assured Patience I’m willing to help her. It’s an interesting case. So, Jim, you don’t have to worry about it.”
“But I think she should’ve talked to me first,” Jim argued, which caused Nick’s brows to soar again.
“Tommy is my child,” Patience said. “I appreciate your help, but that does not put you in charge, Jim. And I promise I won’t call on you again.”
“Do you think you’re going to prevent that madman from trying to get his son again?” Jim asked.
“No. But I’m going to have the law on my side the next time.”
“The law moves slowly. Kane could kidnap Tommy and carry him out of state before you could get Sheriff Metzger to act. But I don’t have to wait. And I love Tommy, too. I’ll be there for you.”
Patience closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. Once she had herself under control, she said to Nick, “What do I have to do?”
“I’ll need to take your statement about Mr. Kane—what he’s done for his son, or to his son. I’ll need the specifics of how you can afford to care for him. Some character references for you. When do you want to do that?”
“I’m prepared to do any of that at your convenience, Nick. I want to have this issue settled as quickly as possible.”
“Well, we can—”
“Anyone in my family will provide character references for Patience,” Jim said insistently. “Mom’s waiting in your outer office. She can—”
“Your mother scarcely knows me!” Patience protested.
“Why won’t you let us help you?”
“Because I can manage on my own!” she returned.
Nick stood and moved to Jim’s side. “Let me help you to the outer office. I want to get started on Patience’s case at once. I’ll let you know what you can do to help us.”
Jim wasn’t strong enough to fight Nick. Not today. But he wasn’t happy being escorted out. When Nick had him outside his office, he said, “She’s being hardheaded, Nick. She needs help.”
“Probably. But we have to give her a little room. You can’t take away her freedom of choice.”
“What’s wrong?” Megan asked. She’d gotten to her feet when the two men appeared.
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