by CJ Birch
Elle raised herself up on her elbows. They stared at each other as the rain slowly stopped.
Jennifer swore under her breath and took another step forward. Elle backed up, crab crawling along the road until her back hit the tree. She had nowhere else to go. Elle scrambled through the debris behind her. She found a rock. It wasn’t large enough to do any damage, but it might be enough to distract Jennifer.
Elle didn’t think Jennifer would shoot her, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t knock her out and take off. She hurled the rock at Jennifer’s head. It had the intended effect. Jennifer ducked out of the way. Elle scrambled to her feet and tackled Jennifer. In her surprise, Jennifer dropped the gun, which scattered down the road and into the brush at the side. Elle kept that element of surprise on her side this time and followed up with a quick punch to the jaw. She gave it everything she had because she knew it was going to hurt them both like hell.
Jennifer lay there stunned and Elle took the opportunity to turn her onto her stomach. She pulled handcuffs from her belt and clipped them on.
“Hey,” an EMT on the other side of the tree called out. “You the one who called?”
“Yeah.” Elle stood and looked back down the road behind her. “Do you guys have anything portable you can grab? There’s going to be a bit of a hike through the forest.”
The guy’s eyebrows shot up, but he nodded. “Let me grab our gear. How far is it?”
“About half a mile through the forest.”
“Well, shit.” He turned back to the ambulance parked on the other side of the bridge. She could hear him telling his partner they had a hike ahead of them.
Elle turned back to Jennifer, whose head was resting against the pavement. Her pale face was splattered with mud. It mixed with a small stream of blood from the corner of her lip.
Elle thought she’d feel relief. When it was all over, wasn’t she supposed to feel lighter? But this was only the beginning. She looked at her uniform. It looked like she felt, tarnished and defeated. This was not how she’d wanted this to end. But when had she ever had a choice about how things ended?
She set her hands on her hips and gazed back across the bridge. The rain had started up again. It misted against the red and white emergency lights dancing against the trees. Maybe it was time to change that. Maybe it was time to make some choices for herself instead of living for everyone else. And in that moment, she did feel lighter. It might not have been much, but she knew it was a step in the right direction.
Epilogue
Elle climbed the last few steps, then wavered at the door. It had been a great idea when she’d left her house. Now, standing at the point of no return, she was having second thoughts. Possibly third and fourth thoughts.
The sun dipped low, dusting the tops of the trees in a golden hue. The days were getting shorter again, but they still had a few more weeks before the weather turned.
Elle had spent most of her day training a new deputy, or rather, watching Neil train the new deputy while she offered choice words of wisdom. They’d been through three deputies so far. For some reason, Brady kept bringing up what had happened to the last deputy. After that, they didn’t last long. It could have something to do with Neil uploading a video of Brady crying during the rainstorm at the festival. She’d wanted to give Neil a raise, but it wasn’t in the budget.
Things weren’t back to normal by any stretch, but they were working on it. The biggest hurdle had been Neil and EJ. She’d made a choice to share everything with them. Neil had taken it in stride, like he did everything. EJ had been harder.
Dan had said some things to EJ that made it difficult to move past. It wasn’t so much the fact that she liked women that he was having a tough time with. It was the fact that she’d kept it a secret from him. But, as she pointed out, they weren’t sharers. They both kept themselves to themselves, something she was trying to change.
Most days, they existed in sullen silence. EJ’s anger stemmed from Dan’s betrayal more than Elle’s.
Dan had survived. Elle had mixed feelings about that. EJ didn’t. Even if he hadn’t killed Jessie or Stan, he’d still framed EJ. He’d done things EJ would never forgive him for. It would take time to heal. And like Turlough, things would get better.
Things were getting better. Something Jennifer had said to her about leaving now that EJ was graduating made her realize that her fears about coming out, while valid, didn’t have to rule her. Sure, there were going to be people who would change their vote when they found out she was a lesbian. But if that happened, there was nothing stopping her from leaving Turlough and maybe going back to Chicago. She hoped that didn’t happen. She hadn’t lied when she told Jennifer she liked her job and her life. Turlough was her home.
Jennifer had made a deal with the prosecution. In return for sharing her knowledge of Bobby Sedona, they gave her immunity. She was in witness protection awaiting the trial, which would probably take years.
EJ had made it through summer school, barely. He’d spent most of his time this past summer either in school or volunteering at the animal shelter in Mason as part of his three hundred hours of community service. He’d been charged with theft under five hundred dollars and animal cruelty. Elle had suggested the animal shelter for his community service.
Now that he’d graduated, it was obvious to them both that he wouldn’t be pursuing an academic career. She’d given him an ultimatum: Get a job or start paying rent. She wanted him off the couch and doing something productive.
He’d told her this morning that he’d talked to McGrath about an apprenticeship at his shop. She was all for him working as a mechanic, but she didn’t want him anywhere near that man and his bad influence. She’d had a better idea, which was why she was here. That’s what she was telling herself.
Before she could talk herself out of it, she knocked. There was barking, which grew louder and then a loud thump against the door.
A muffled voice behind the door said, “Dirk, you idiot.”
The door opened and Kate stood there in jeans and a tank top. She was pulling at the collar of a large bulldog who was trying to break away. “He’s harmless, I promise.”
Kate opened the screen door and beckoned for Elle to step inside. It smelled like freshly baked bread.
“I can come back if this is a bad time.”
“No, stay. It’s fine. I just baked some bread for my godfather. It’s probably not healthy for him. But as he says, he’s made it this long, anything now is just a bonus.” Kate’s smile was lopsided, indulgent.
Elle could see past Kate into the kitchen and two loaves cooling on the counter. “Your godfather?”
“John Rutherford.”
“Mr. Rutherford’s your godfather?”
Kate nodded as she beckoned Elle into the kitchen. “Yeah, you didn’t know that?”
Elle was stunned she hadn’t. She’d thought there weren’t any secrets left. But then realized that was a stupid thought.
“I came to talk to you about EJ.”
“Oh, yeah? Is he okay?”
“Actually, that’s not really why I came.” Elle took a deep breath and before she could lose her nerve blurted out, “I’d like to take you to dinner. If you’re up for it. With me.”
One side of Kate’s mouth lifted. “Yeah?”
Elle had gone home and changed out of her uniform. She didn’t think it’d be appropriate to ask someone out while she was still in her black and tans. It might give the wrong impression. But now she wished she were in uniform instead of what she’d decided to wear. It was as simple as she could make it without looking like she was trying too hard. She’d chosen dark jeans, a black T-shirt, and a light sweater with the sleeves rolled up. She pushed them up higher and licked her lips.
“Yeah,” Elle said.
Dirk whined at Kate’s feet and she realized she was still gripping his collar. “Sorry, boy.” She let go and he wiggled over to Elle to sniff at her feet. He practically jumped for joy when Elle knelt
to scrub behind his ears.
“See? Harmless,” Kate said as he licked the side of Elle’s face.
Elle laughed. “Gross.”
Kate yanked him back by the collar and directed him to his bed, which was littered with several half-eaten chew toys. “Get out of here.” She turned back to Elle. “Sorry. We don’t get a lot of company.”
They stood staring at each other for a few moments.
“So. Dinner?” Kate asked.
“Is that a yes?”
“Absolutely.”
Elle grinned. It was a start.
About the Author
CJ Birch is a video editor and digital artist based in Toronto. When not lost in a good book or working, CJ can be found writing or drinking serious coffee, or doing both at the same time. She doesn’t have any pets, but she does have a rather vicious ficus that has a habit of shedding all over the hardwood, usually right before company comes. CJ is the author of the New Horizons series. An Intimate Deception is her third book. You can visit CJ on social media @cjbirchwrites or www.cjbirchwrites.com.
Books Available From Bold Strokes Books
A Bird of Sorrow by Shea Godfrey. As Darrius and her lover, Princess Jessa, gather their strength for the coming war, a mysterious spell will reveal the truth of an ancient love. (978-1-63555-009-2)
All the Worlds Between Us by Morgan Lee Miller. High school senior Quinn Hughes discovers that a broken friendship is actually a door propped open for an unexpected romance. (978-1-63555-457-1)
An Intimate Deception by CJ Birch. Flynn County Sheriff Elle Ashley has spent her adult life atoning for her wild youth, but when she finds her ex, Jessie, murdered two weeks before the small town’s biggest social event, she comes face-to-face with her past and all her well-kept secrets. (978-1-63555-417-5)
Cash and the Sorority Girl by Ashley Bartlett. Cash Braddock doesn’t want to deal with morality, drugs, or people. Unfortunately, she’s going to have to. (978-1-63555-310-9)
Falling by Kris Bryant. Falling in love isn’t part of the plan, but will Shaylie Beck put her heart first and stick around, or tell the damaging truth? (978-1-63555-373-4)
Secrets in a Small Town by Nicole Stiling. Deputy Chief Mackenzie Blake has one mission: find the person harassing Savannah Castillo and her daughter before they cause real harm. (978-1-63555-436-6)
Stormy Seas by Ali Vali. The high-octane follow-up to the best-selling action-romance Blue Skies. (978-1-63555-299-7)
The Road to Madison by Elle Spencer. Can two women who fell in love as girls overcome the hurt caused by the father who tore them apart? (978-1-63555-421-2)
Dangerous Curves by Larkin Rose. When love waits at the finish line, dangerous curves are a risk worth taking. (978-1-63555-353-6)
Love to the Rescue by Radclyffe. Can two people who share a past really be strangers? (978-1-62639-973-0)
Love’s Portrait by Anna Larner. When museum curator Molly Goode and benefactor Georgina Wright uncover a portrait’s secret, public and private truths are exposed, and their deepening love hangs in the balance. (978-1-63555-057-3)
Model Behavior by MJ Williamz. Can one woman’s instability shatter a new couple’s dreams of happiness? (978-1-63555-379-6)
Pretending in Paradise by M. Ullrich. When travelwisdom.com assigns PR specialist Caroline Beckett and travel blogger Emma Morgan to cover a hot new couples retreat, they’re forced to fake a relationship to secure a reservation. (978-1-63555-399-4)
Recipe for Love by Aurora Rey. Hannah Little doesn’t have much use for fancy chefs or fancy restaurants, but when New York City chef Drew Davis comes to town, their attraction just might be a recipe for love. (978-1-63555-367-3)
The House by Eden Darry. After a vicious assault, Sadie, Fin, and their family retreat to a house they think is the perfect place to start over, until they realize not all is as it seems. (978-1-63555-395-6)
Uninvited by Jane C. Esther. When Aerin McLeary’s body becomes host for an alien intent on invading Earth, she must work with researcher Olivia Ando to uncover the truth and save humankind. (978-1-63555-282-9)
Comrade Cowgirl by Yolanda Wallace. When cattle rancher Laramie Bowman accepts a lucrative job offer far from home, will her heart end up getting lost in translation? (978-1-63555-375-8)
Double Vision by Ellie Hart. When her cell phone rings, Giselle Cutler answers it—and finds herself speaking to a dead woman. (978-1-63555-385-7)
Inheritors of Chaos by Barbara Ann Wright. As factions splinter and reunite, will anyone survive the final showdown between gods and mortals on an alien world? (978-1-63555-294-2)
Spinning Tales by Brey Willows. When the fairy tale begins to unravel and villains are on the loose, will Maggie and Kody be able to spin a new tale? (978-1-63555-314-7)
Love on Lavender Lane by Karis Walsh. Accompanied by the buzz of honeybees and the scent of lavender, Paige and Kassidy must find a way to compromise on their approach to business if they want to save Lavender Lane Farm—and find a way to make room for love along the way. (978-1-63555-286-7)
The Do-Over by Georgia Beers. Bella Hunt has made a good life for herself and put the past behind her. But when the bane of her high school existence shows up for Bella’s class on conflict resolution, the last thing they expect is to fall in love. (978-1-63555-393-2)
What Happens When by Samantha Boyette. For Molly Kennan, senior year is already an epic disaster, and falling for mysterious waitress Zia is about to make life a whole lot worse. (978-1-63555-408-3)
Wooing the Farmer by Jenny Frame. When fiercely independent modern socialite Penelope Huntingdon-Stewart and traditional country farmer Sam McQuade meet, trusting their hearts is harder than it looks. (978-1-63555-381-9)
Shut Up and Kiss Me by Julie Cannon. What better way to spend two weeks of hell in paradise than in the company of a hot, sexy woman? (978-1-163555-343-7)
Emily’s Art and Soul by Joy Argento. When Emily meets Andi Marino she thinks she’s found a new best friend, but Emily doesn’t know that Andi is fast falling in love with her. Caught up in exploring her sexuality, will Emily see the only woman she needs is right in front of her? (978-1-163555-355-0)
Spencer’s Cove by Missouri Vaun. When Foster Owen and Abigail Spencer meet, they uncover a story of lives adrift, loves lost, and true love found. (978-1-163555-171-6)
Unexpected Lightning by Cass Sellars. Lightning strikes once more when Sydney and Parker fight a dangerous stranger who threatens the peace they both desperately want. (978-1-163555-276-8)
Without Pretense by TJ Thomas. After living for decades hiding from the truth, can Ava learn to trust Bianca with her secrets and her heart? (978-1-163555-173-0)
BOLDSTROKESBOOKS.COM
Looking for your next great read?
Visit BOLDSTROKESBOOKS.COM
to browse our entire catalog of paperbacks, ebooks, and audiobooks.
Want the first word on what’s new?
Visit our website for event info,
author interviews, and blogs.
Subscribe to our free newsletter for sneak peeks,
new releases, plus first notice of promos
and daily bargains
SIGN UP AT
BOLDSTROKESBOOKS.COM/signup