Promise Made (The Callahan Series)

by Mitzi Pool Bridges

  “What’s the matter, Dugan? Didn’t you like the judge’s ruling?”

  “Figured he’d set bail. Didn’t think she could pay it.”

  “Oh, she’ll pay it all right. Her kids deserve their mother.”

  “Their mother is a cold-blooded killer.”

  Dugan’s head was close to hers and they were whispering. Neither wanted this conversation overheard.

  “Can you prove it?” she asked, still smiling. “Do you have evidence I’m not privy to?”

  “You know better. Everything we have, you have. But we’ll get it.”

  “You’d better hurry. You know the trial date.”

  “Plenty of time.”

  Kate looked into Dugan’s very green eyes. Honesty shined back at her, and what else? Longing maybe. Or regret. Emotions Kate was all too familiar with.

  The courtroom disappeared; there was no one but the two of them. She leaned toward him, wanted to feel his hard body against hers—wanted his lips, his tongue, his hands.

  For a moment she swayed. Dugan took her arm to steady her.

  Gasps jerked her back. How could she have forgotten their audience? For that matter, how could she get caught up in a dream that would never happen?

  “Are you all right?”

  As if coming out of a stupor, she pressed her briefcase close to her chest, nodded, and turned to leave. “I have a lot to do.”

  “Are you sure you’re all right? You look pale.”

  “I’m fine, Dugan.”

  He took her arm, walked her to the door. As they passed through the room, people got out of their chairs to follow them.

  How long would this go on? How long until they gave up and talked about someone else? Not soon enough.

  When they were outside she turned toward the courthouse. “I have to see the bail bondsman so Rita can be released this afternoon.”

  “Just remember what I said about Rita.”

  “The prosecutor agreed to go along with my manslaughter plea with special circumstance. He wouldn’t if he had a chance to get a capital murder conviction.”

  “He doesn’t have enough for capital murder. He does have enough for manslaughter. Rita will serve time, as she should.”

  Kate ignored Dugan, and left. A few minutes later, she gave the bail bondsman the information he needed, then left to file the proper papers at the courthouse. It wasn’t easy to ignore the questioning looks, or dodge the few people who meant to stop her. What was with them? Couldn’t they see she was working? She got out of there and went home.

  The gossip was out of hand, but she didn’t know how to stop it. As she walked into the house, Yogi greeted her with whines and sharp barks of pleasure. Heidi wrapped herself around Kate’s legs. After petting them, she checked on Gram. Only Gram was nowhere in the house. Kate’s heart took a nosedive. Had she hurt herself again?

  A note was propped on the kitchen table. “Gone to Ed’s house for the day. He’s having a fish fry tonight. See you around six. Love, Gram.”

  Kate sank into the chair, dropped her head in her hands. She loved Gram so much just the thought of her being hurt again made Kate’s insides shake. But she felt better knowing Ed was with her.

  She got herself under control, walked down the hall to her office. The answering machine blinked. She had five messages. All but one from Jenna was work related. The real estate agent had picked up the key to her condo and when could they get together?

  She’d call Jenna later.

  Right now, she had to tend to business.

  She made a call to the bail bondsman to make sure the bond had been issued, and one to the jail. Sybil put her through to Jonathan.

  “Ms. Johnson left a little while ago. She seemed real happy to be able to go home.”

  Business taken care of, Kate leaned back, shut her eyes. It was unbelievable how busy she was, and she wondered if the other attorney in town was as busy. He’d been here forever, so she was sure he was.

  She had four weeks to get ready for a jury trial on a criminal case. Thinking about it gave her chills. Someone’s life was in her hands. If she screwed up, Rita could go to jail for a very long time. Her sister had already told her she couldn’t take the kids on a permanent basis. If Rita were proven guilty, the state would put them in foster homes.

  Kate couldn’t let that happen. Those girls had already lost too much. If they lost their mother they wouldn’t have a loving Gram like she did to jump in and give them the love and attention they deserved. More than likely, they’d grow up in foster care and face their own abandonment issues. God knew Kate was familiar with those. She wiped unbidden tears away. She wouldn’t let it happen.

  Rita had been beaten within an inch of her life, had survived only because she kept a set of knives in a holder on her counter. She didn’t deserve jail time. And her children didn’t need to suffer because their dad had been a mean drunk.

  A knock at the door sent her to her feet and Yogi into protective mode. He ran to the door and barked. Was it a client? Holding Yogi by his collar, Kate opened the door.

  Donovan’s wife Phyl stood there. Puzzled, Kate waved her into her office. Yogi lay down close to Heidi. “I hope you don’t have legal problems.”

  She’d known the Callahans ever since she’d been here. Donovan was Dugan’s oldest brother and ran their ranch. Gram had been invited to three of the kids’ weddings. Kate wasn’t. Which didn’t surprise her in the least.

  Phyl gave Kate a small smile as she walked in and took a seat. Phyl was a rare beauty with blond hair and brown eyes flecked with gold. Instead of her usual jeans and boots, she had on a pretty blue sundress and white sandals. Donovan was a lucky guy.

  “What can I do for you?”

  Phyl took a deep breath, squirmed.

  “Do you have a legal problem or is this a social call?”

  “This is so embarrassing. Since the rest of the family lives in Houston, they asked me to talk to you.”

  “The family?”

  “Yes.” Phyl swallowed, clearly nervous and a little upset. “I hate to discuss this, but we’ve heard rumors about you and Dugan. The town seems to be split on whether you and Dugan should get back together.”

  “Just a bunch of gossip.”

  Phyl laughed, relaxed only a little. “Don’t I know it.”

  “What has this got to do with the family?” Did she really want to know?

  Phyl shut her eyes, as if trying to find a way to say what she’d come to say. “I want you to know I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t been forced. At least I don’t think so.” She studied the floor a minute. “Maybe I would.” She lifted her head. “I’ve had a special relationship with Dugan since the day he took a bullet because of me. You know how the Callahans care for one another.”

  “I do. But I still don’t know what this has to do with me.”

  “It has everything to do with you. You were the love of his life once. You broke his heart when you didn’t show up for the wedding. Afterward, the family didn’t know if he’d ever recover. They want me to tell you they don’t want to see Dugan hurt again. We don’t,” she amended. “We’re not sure he can handle it a second time.” She looked at Kate, then took her hand. “They love their brother, Kate. I love him. None of us want to see him go through what he did five years ago.”

  Wow. Kate’s cheeks burned. To know she and Dugan were a big topic with the townspeople was one thing. To know the Callahans were concerned over their loved one because of her was totally different.

  This wasn’t good. Wasn’t intended. It had to stop. “I guess I understand how they feel. But there’s no need. Dugan and I rarely see each other.” Which wasn’t exactly true. They saw each other often enough to keep old memories alive and well. “More since I took on a murder case, but there’s no romance.” She shut her eyes a moment. What could she tell this lovely woman who had been coerced into coming here because a whole slew of brothers, a sister, and numerous in-laws cared for Dugan?

  “I loved Du
gan once with a passion. Frankly, sometimes I think I made a mistake when I left him at the altar. But I’ll never do anything about it. Please tell the family Dugan will be fine.”

  Phyl’s face paled. “Why not? I can picture the two of you together.”

  “Because.”

  “Not an answer, Kate.”

  Kate could see what Donovan saw in Phyl. She might be pretty as a picture, but she wasn’t afraid to take charge when necessary.

  “I could tell you I’m crazy. You could just go back and tell the family. But you won’t, so I’ll just tell you the truth. I’m not out to get Dugan again. We’re not getting back together.”

  Phyl crossed her heart. “I’m a Callahan by marriage, but I’m also a woman who cares deeply about Dugan. We all know you’re not crazy. But you just admitted you cared for him. Could it be love? I’m not sure about how Dugan feels now, but no woman has taken his heart the way you did. There has to be a big problem here. If you want to talk about it, maybe I can help.”

  “You can’t help.” No one could.

  “If you ever want to talk, will you call me? I guarantee I won’t blab.”

  “Thanks. I’ll keep it in mind.”

  “I’ll leave you to your work, but I want you to know I think you and Dugan would make a lovely couple.”

  “It won’t happen.” Walking to the door, Kate asked about the family, told Phyl to tell Nellie, Dugan’s mother, hello, and said goodbye.

  Back in her office, Kate’s head reeled.

  Of course Dugan’s family didn’t want him to be hurt again. They loved him.

  Deep in her heart she was afraid she would hurt him again.

  She should stay away from him, but couldn’t. With Rita’s murder trial on the horizon, they’d be thrown together more than ever.

  Kate was sure she could keep it professional. When the trial was over she’d leave. She might not have a choice.

  Chapter Eleven

  Kate looked at her watch. Five o’clock. Already? Where had the day gone? Quickly, she fed the animals and hurried to her room. After a quick shower she put on a pair of white slacks and a blue shirt. A dab of lip color and she was done.

  The sun had barely tilted toward the Western horizon when Kate stepped outside. Gram’s roses drew her. She couldn’t resist them, so she picked up clippers from the porch to cut a few. The whites made Kate think of weddings so she quickly turned to the reds, which were as bright as Sybil’s lipstick.

  The combination of red and white looked like spring and gave a lift to her heart.

  She opted to walk to Ed’s. It was a short distance and she needed the exercise. It was as peaceful as always. In the distance, she saw a few people out enjoying the evening. A couple of familiar cars drove by. The occupants waved. Being home was nice. She’d give almost anything to stay and make a life here. Her earlier visit from Phyl made her realize it wouldn’t be possible.

  Not unless something changed.

  “Been snitching from my garden, I see,” Gram said with a smile when Kate handed Ed the flowers a few minutes later.

  “I didn’t have time to pick up a bottle of wine.”

  She kissed Gram on the cheek, gave Ed a hug. “Your flowers are beautiful. So is this deck and outdoor kitchen. Did you hire someone to do the work, Ed, or did you do it yourself?”

  Ed’s face flushed a pleased pink. “I’m pretty handy with a hammer. Had a little help with the stove and cabinets.”

  “Great job. I’m impressed.”

  Gram sat in a comfortable rattan chair at a glass-topped table. Citronella candles glowed around the deck. Kate turned in a circle. “This looks so nice.”

  Ed grabbed a glass, filled it with water, plopped the roses in it, and sat it in the middle of the table.

  Kate laughed. Men were so predictable.

  “Can I do anything?” she asked.

  “Not a thing,” Ed answered, turning back to the stove.

  He wore an apron that shouted, “Don’t mess with me—I’m the cook.”

  Kate couldn’t stop the smile. Ed was so nervous he almost dropped the utensil he was holding.

  “He wouldn’t let me do anything either,” Gram complained. “I wanted to make dessert, but he wouldn’t hear of it.”

  “We just want you to heal, Grace.” Ed grinned. “Besides, we don’t need dessert.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Dugan! Kate’s insides clenched. No one had told her Dugan would be here. How could she keep her distance when, at every turn, they were thrown together? When her heart stopped trip-hammering, she gave him a long look. He was devastatingly handsome in almost new jeans and a Western shirt that hugged his shoulders. She wondered how she could endure the evening. After vowing to stay out of his orbit as much as possible, here they were—together again.

  It sounded good. She grounded herself to keep from walking over to him, stepping into his arms, raising her mouth for one of his unforgettable kisses.

  It must be the soft glow of candles, the ambience of romance. It swirled around Gram and Ed like a heavy fog. Kate wouldn’t allow herself to be swept into it and make a big mistake.

  She looked over at Gram, ready to give her the eye. But Gram gave their latest guest an innocent smile. Ed had the decency to duck his head before holding out his hand. “Whatcha got?”

  “Chocolate cake.”

  “Your favorite if I remember correctly,” Gram said. “It’s beautiful and looks delicious. I know you didn’t bake it, so who did you con into doing this?”

  “Started to ask Mom, then I remembered Molly has chocolate cake on the menu once in a while, so I asked her.”

  Kate eyed the cake. Could she leave without everyone wondering at the reason? Not likely. She’d have to wait until dinner was over.

  She tried not to stare as Dugan shook Ed’s hand, gave Gram a kiss on the cheek. He acted right at home.

  Why not? He was a regular at Gram’s. More than just a visitor, too, considering all the chores he did. Knowing Dugan was there to make sure Gram was taken care of was a comfort. A flush of guilt made Kate realize how lacking in that department she’d been. Austin was too far away for Kate to keep up with Gram’s needs. Dugan and Ed shouldn’t have to do the things for her that Kate should.

  She felt guilty for all the years she’d hidden herself away. It was hard to admit, but she had hidden from Dugan. In the beginning, she’d told herself it was to get her degree, then her license. Deep in her heart it was a lie. She didn’t want to see Dugan. Because she might realize she’d made a mistake or because she didn’t, Kate didn’t know.

  She wouldn’t think of it right now. The night was lovely. The cake looked delicious. She’d bet it didn’t take much effort on Dugan’s part to get Molly to bake it for him. The town loved their sheriff. Almost any one of them would do anything he asked. One look into those green eyes, a half-smile on his lips and any woman would say yes to more than baking a cake.

  Kate’s stomach clenched. She wondered how serious he was about Mary Jo. Emma was the one who had informed Kate they were a steady twosome. Since Emma had made sure Kate knew, that put her in the negative column.

  She had to stop this. Unconsciously, she was sizing up the town and putting them in the yes or no column. According to her personal poll, as well as rumor, the town was about evenly divided.

  What did it matter?

  The outcome wouldn’t change.

  Her stomach clenched again.

  “Who else is on the guest list?” she asked Ed.

  “This is it,” Ed said as he stayed busy at the stove.

  “Smells good.” She didn’t want to talk to Dugan. She’d help Ed, eat and run.

  She filled tall glasses with ice and tea, sat them on the table. When she looked up, Dugan was watching her.

  The familiar dip in her heart made her almost drop a glass.

  “Do you need help?” he asked.

  “Nope. I have it under control.”

  She wished.

&nb
sp; “You ladies look beautiful,” Dugan said. But he was looking at Kate. She cursed the candles that cast a romantic aura over the deck. Though Gram and Ed were caught up in it, Kate refused to let it affect her. Still, she stiffened her spine in an effort to ignore the gorgeous man she’d left so long ago.

  Gram smiled, turned to Kate. “Why don’t you pour a glass of wine for everyone?”

  Kate gave Gram the look.

  Gram ignored her. Resigned, Kate filled a tray with wine glasses and poured from a bottle of chardonnay. When she put a glass in Dugan’s hand, their fingers grazed. The touch sent tingles up her arm. Darn! Why did she have to be so sensitive to this man? It wasn’t what she wanted.

  His eyes seemed to follow her everywhere, which made her nervous. Every so often he’d get up, walk around the deck, go into the yard.

  “Is anything wrong?” Gram asked.

  “Got the fidgets,” he admitted. “This is the first murder trial around here in years.”

  “My Katie-Girl has it under control.”

  But Kate suspected another reason. When he made another loop around the yard, she figured he wanted to be with Mary Jo, but cared for these two people so much he couldn’t say no to an invite.

  By the time dinner was served there was an ache between Kate’s eyes. She nibbled at her food, Dugan dug into his. When he saw her watching, he grinned.

  She looked away, but her gaze flew right back.

  “Aren’t you hungry, Katie-Girl?”

  “Headache, Gram.”

  Ed looked disappointed.

  “Dinner is really good, Ed. You’re a great cook.”

  “He is getting better.” Gram smiled. “Actually, he has great potential.”

  Kate listened with half an ear. Dugan seemed to do the same.

  She couldn’t stay here another minute. Every time Dugan shrugged a shoulder, tilted his head toward her, looked into her eyes, another portion of her resolve melted.

  Soon, there would be none left.

  This wasn’t why she’d come home. Besides, she’d promised herself and the Callahans she wouldn’t hurt Dugan again. Kate meant to keep her promise.

  She stood, took her plate to the sink. “I’m sorry to leave so early, but my headache is worse. I really need to get home.”