The Sheriff of Sage Bend

by Brenda Mott

  Kyle was nice enough, and it was clear he was looking to start something with her. But Miranda just wasn’t up for that. No, she didn’t want to be alone forever, but Kyle wasn’t the guy for her. While she appreciated his help, she couldn’t go out with him, and hoped he wouldn’t ask.

  She had been dividing her time between her own place and the Rocking W. She was surprised Kyle had even caught her at home, since she usually spent mornings with her mom. She said as much to him when he returned to the horses.

  “Actually, I stopped by your mom’s place first,” he admitted, a boyish flush creeping over his face. “I gave her a couple of doughnuts, but I don’t think she ate them. She sure looks worn-out.”

  “I know.” Miranda picked a burr from Ranger’s mane and tossed it away.

  If Shannon wasn’t found soon, it might be best for Paige to come stay with her, she mused. That would certainly be easier on Miranda herself, not having to run back and forth between the two ranches. Chet and Sam would take care of the horses at the Rocking W, as well as running the stables, seeing to the customers’ needs.

  Besides, Paige didn’t need constant reminders of her daughter’s disappearance that came in the form of curious people arriving at the ranch not so much to ride, but to see where the “incident” had taken place.

  Kyle left just before lunchtime, but not before asking Miranda if she’d like to go out for a bite to eat. She politely declined, hoping he would take the hint that she wasn’t interested in him that way.

  But to her chagrin, he returned that afternoon, and by the time she was able to politely ease him into going home, she was worn-out. After a shower and a light supper of chicken salad, she picked up the phone and called Tori. Her friend had every other Friday evening off, and it had been awhile since they’d gone to the movies. Miranda could use the distraction.

  “Hey,” she said when Tori answered. “You feel like taking in a movie? The new thriller is playing tonight.”

  “I’m not feeling real well this evening,” her friend replied. “I think I’m coming down with a summer flu bug or something.” She coughed. “Maybe it’s just allergies.”

  “Bummer. Well, I guess you don’t want to take a chance. Get some rest. It’s no wonder you’re sick, working two jobs all the time.”

  “You’re one to talk, buddy. You’ve been under so much stress…Well, I don’t need to tell you that. Why don’t you get some rest, too?”

  “I don’t know,” Miranda said. “I’m tired, but I don’t really feel like staying home. I think I might just take in a movie by myself.” If nothing else, it would give her time to think.

  Miranda chose to go to the late show. It was normally less crowded. She drove down Main Street and came to the sole four-way stop in town.

  And did a double take.

  Tori had just driven past in her bright red Saturn, heading toward the highway. What the hell? Miranda drove on through the intersection, then flipped around in a U-turn and followed.

  Before she’d driven even a block through the four-block town, her cell phone rang. “Damn it!” Miranda fumbled for it. She hated talking while driving. But when she checked the ID, she saw it was her mom’s number.

  “Mom?”

  “Miranda, it’s Sam. Get out here quick. Your mother collapsed in the bathroom. I’ve called 911.”

  Miranda sucked in her breath. “Is she okay? What happened?”

  “I don’t know. Chet had talked her into a card game, but when we knocked on the door, no one answered. We got worried and went on in, and that’s when we found her. She woke right up, but she looks awful.”

  “I’m on my way.” Miranda snapped the phone shut and stepped hard on the accelerator.

  The drive to the Rocking W seemed endless. Her hands shook on the steering wheel. No. Not her mother. Miranda couldn’t lose her, too. It was only as the thought registered that she realized she’d lost hope of finding Shannon alive. She’d been missing for a week now. What were the odds she’d ever come home? Miranda watched true crime shows. She knew the statistics.

  By the time she arrived, Paige was already on a stretcher, and the paramedics were preparing to load her into the ambulance.

  “Mom.” Miranda rushed forward and took her mother’s hand. “Are you all right?” She looked at one of the medics. “What’s wrong with her?”

  “Probably dehydration and lack of sleep. I’m sure she’ll be fine, but we want to take her in to the hospital just to be on the safe side. You can follow along or ride with her.”

  She might need her truck, Miranda realized. “I’ll follow.”

  The medic nodded, then helped her partner ready Paige.

  “I’m here, Mom. It’s going to be okay.” Miranda bit her lip. She’d never seen her mom look so sick, so pale. Her eyes were closed, and she looked as if she’d aged ten years overnight. Miranda stepped back out of the way so the paramedics could do their job.

  Paige moaned as they loaded her into the ambulance.

  “Shannon,” she called. “Where’s Shannon?”

  Heart breaking, Miranda got back in her truck and followed the orange-and-white emergency vehicle.

  Its red, flashing lights cast an eerie glow on the dark road as they sped toward town.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  PAIGE’S POOR CONDITION did indeed turn out to be dehydration, coupled with stress and lack of sleep. The emergency room doctor looked her over and instructed the nurses to prep her with an IV. She would be spending the night in the hospital as a precautionary measure.

  Relieved, Miranda collapsed in a chair beside her mom’s gurney. “You scared me,” she said, grasping her hand. “As soon as you get out of this place, I’m taking you home with me.”

  “I’m fine,” Paige insisted. “I don’t need to stay here, and I don’t need a babysitter.”

  “Fine?” Miranda shook her head. “I’d hardly call this fine, Mom. You’re more mule-headed than me and Shannon put together.” As soon as the words were out, she regretted bringing up her sister’s name. But it wasn’t as if Paige would simply forget about Shannon, just because Miranda didn’t talk about her.

  “Darn straight,” Paige said. “Where do you think you girls get it from?”

  Miranda couldn’t help but chuckle. “What am I going to do with you?”

  The nurse came in a short time later and gave Paige a sedative so she could sleep. Miranda kissed her mom on the cheek, then went outside to use her cell phone. She dialed Tori’s number, but got her voice mail. She also tried her home phone, but her friend didn’t answer there, either. Maybe she’d been called in to work, after all. Miranda dialed the diner first.

  Mae answered, and Miranda told her what had happened.

  “Lordy, honey. That’s awful! But Tori’s not here. She’s off tonight, and as far as I know, she didn’t have to work at the Spur.”

  “That’s what I thought. Well, just have her phone me if you see her.”

  “Will do. And you give your mamma my best. Tell her to call if she needs anything.”

  Miranda hung up and dialed the Silver Spur, but had no luck there, either. Just then, her phone beeped, displaying Tori’s cell number.

  “Tori, where are you?” she said as soon as she picked up. “I’ve been trying to get hold of you.”

  “I got your message. Your mom’s in the hospital? What happened?”

  Miranda told her. Then she said, “I saw you driving down Main Street. I thought you were sick.”

  “Well, I was, but then I started feeling better.”

  “Where were you going?” Miranda knew she was being nosy, but there was something too odd about Tori’s behavior to ignore.

  “Nowhere special,” Tori said. “I just needed some air.”

  Air? “Tori, is everything okay?”

  “Sure. Why do you ask?”

  “You’re acting weird. You’re worrying me.”

  “Well, don’t be worried,” she said. “Just take care of your mom. I have to cover so
meone else’s shift at the Spur tonight, as it turns out, but tell your mother I’ll come out to the ranch to see her tomorrow.”

  “All right,” Miranda said. “See you then.”

  Before she could go back inside, Lucas pulled into the parking lot. He left the Blazer and walked her way.

  “How’s your mom?”

  “She’s resting.”

  “I heard the call over the radio.” He leaned against a brick pillar near the hospital entrance. “She’s going to have to start taking better care of herself.”

  “Tell me about it. I’m going to have her come stay at my place for a while. That way I can keep a closer eye on her.”

  He nodded. “Not a bad idea.”

  Miranda stifled a yawn.

  “Looks like you could use some rest yourself.”

  “I suppose.” Just then a breeze kicked up, and she could smell the scent of Lucas’s cologne. All sage and leather and totally him. Scent was supposed to be the strongest memory trigger, and Miranda would agree. Obviously, Lucas’s taste in cologne hadn’t changed much. She easily recognized the brand he wore, and just as easily, memories came back to her of the two of them in the moonlight…

  “Miranda.”

  “Hmm? Oh, sorry. I just zoned out.”

  “I’d say so.” He grinned.

  Stop it. She had to quit thinking about Lucas.

  “Want to see if they’ve got any coffee worth drinking in this place?” he asked.

  “Sure.” She followed him inside, to an area where vending machines stood clustered in an L-shape. “Lucas, something strange happened tonight. At least, I think it was strange.”

  “Oh?” He stood back and listened while they drank the bitter brew out of the machine. She explained what had happened with Tori.

  He frowned. “I think I’ll have another talk with her tomorrow.”

  Miranda felt like a traitor. “I hate to rat out my best friend. But Tori’s not acting like herself.”

  “I’ll check it out. Now, let’s go see your mom.”

  The hospital checked Paige out at eight-thirty the next morning and, over her protests, Miranda drove her back to Bush Creek.

  “This isn’t necessary,” her mother grumbled. “And if you’re going to take me home to babysit me like some child, at least let me pack a bag with some of my stuff.”

  “I already did that,” Miranda said, “last night. It’s just for a while, Mom. Until you catch up on your rest. Chet and Sam have got the stables under control.”

  “You could use a rest yourself,” Paige said.

  “You’re right. I guess neither of us will do Shannon any good if we don’t take care of ourselves.”

  Paige sighed. “True.”

  She looked so forlorn, Miranda wanted to do something to boost her spirits. As they went inside the house, she said, “Hey, let’s pop some corn and watch a movie. What do you say?”

  “That sounds pretty good.” Paige smiled.

  “All right, then.” Miranda turned to go to the kitchen.

  “Miranda.”

  “Hmm?”

  Paige reached for her hand. “Thanks for looking out for me. I love you.”

  Miranda smiled and gave her a hug. “I love you, too.”

  LUCAS HAD MADE ARRANGEMENTS for Tori to meet him at his office that morning. She showed up a little past their appointment time, looking as if she hadn’t slept well. She dropped into the chair in front of his desk.

  “Thanks for coming in,” he said.

  “No problem. What can I do for you, Sheriff?”

  “Well, I’m hoping you can answer a few questions.” He purposely took his time, wanting to put her on edge to see if she would react nervously. Idly, he stacked some papers, then looked her in the eye. “Miranda says you told her you were sick last night, but then she saw you driving through town a short time later. Is that right?”

  “Yeah, so? I felt better and decided to go for a drive. Is that a crime?”

  “Why didn’t you head over to Miranda’s?”

  She shrugged. “I figured she’d gone to the movies without me.”

  “Why not join her there?”

  “It was halfway into the picture. I hate missing the beginning.”

  He leaned back in his chair, making a teepee of his fingers. “I see. Where did you go driving?”

  Tori’s face reddened. “Around. Just cruisin’.”

  “Uh-huh. Do you usually go cruising after you’ve felt sick?”

  “Is there a point to this?” Tori asked, voice rising. “I don’t usually feel sick.”

  “Just wondering if everything’s okay with you. Miranda was worried that you were acting strangely.”

  “Well, I’m fine. She doesn’t need to worry about me. She’s got enough without adding to the list.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. You haven’t heard anything further from that guy on the Internet who was bothering Shannon, have you?”

  “How could I? He doesn’t know my name or my phone number, or even my e-mail address.”

  “Okay. Well, I don’t have any other questions.”

  “So, I can go now?”

  He nodded. “Just do me a favor, Tori. Be careful. You shouldn’t be driving alone at night like that, especially now, given all that has happened.”

  “Have you gotten any word on the girl over in Cameron County?”

  “Not yet. No one’s come forward to claim the body.”

  Tori shuddered. “That’s awful. Well, if that’s it, then, I guess I’ll see you later, Sheriff.”

  “Take care.” Lucas watched her hurry outside and get in her car. She drove away a little too quickly, but he let it slide. He had other things on his mind.

  Maybe it was time to pay another visit to Masterson. Maybe the man hadn’t been convicted of the brutal rape of Jo Ella Jamison…yet. But Lucas knew enough about bad seeds, having grown up a Blaylock, to know he was guilty.

  After all, Lucas was a Blaylock, like it or not.

  MIRANDA WAS IN THE MIDDLE of a barrel racing lesson with Sissy Spangler when Tori pulled into her driveway. She looked grumpy, and Miranda was afraid she knew the reason why.

  “Sissy, just keep working him on the pattern at a lope, and then walk a few circles around the outer edge of the arena. I’ll be right back.”

  “Will do.”

  Miranda hurried over to Tori’s car. Her friend had parked some distance from the arena, and made no effort to get out.

  “Hi,” Miranda said. “What’s happening?”

  “Get in.”

  “What? Tori, I can’t go anywhere. I’m giving Sissy Spangler a lesson—”

  “We’re not going anywhere. Just get in,” Tori said firmly.

  “All right.” Miranda climbed into the passenger side of the Saturn. She closed the door. “What’s up?”

  “You know good and well what’s up.” Her friend looked hurt. “Why did you ask Lucas to grill me this morning?”

  “Grill you? I hardly think—”

  “Last time I checked, this was a free country. And a grown woman can go anywhere she pleases, day or night, without giving an explanation to anyone.”

  Miranda’s jaw dropped, she was so taken aback by her friend’s vehemence. Tori had the proverbial redhead’s temper, but she’d never lost it with Miranda before. “Tori. What on earth is wrong?”

  “You almost blew it for me, having me hauled in to Lucas’s office like some naughty kid to the principal’s. Miranda, I’m sorry I lied to you last night about not feeling well and not wanting to go to the movie, but there was a reason.”

  “Okay.” Miranda stared at her, still taken aback.

  Tori took a deep breath. “I’m seeing a married man.”

  Miranda couldn’t have been more shocked if she had announced she’d joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. “Oh, Tori. You’re kidding, right?”

  “No, I’m dead serious. And I want you to keep quiet about it. Don’t even mention it to your mom, or she’ll tell Aun
t Fae and Aunt Mae, and I’ll catch holy hell.”

  Miranda stared at her friend, unsure what to say. “All right. I promise not to tell anyone.”

  “Good. Last night I was on my way to see…well, to see my boyfriend. I don’t want to name names. That’s why I said no to a movie.”

  Miranda turned sideways in the bucket seat, tucking one foot up under her. She was hurt that her friend didn’t trust her more than that. “I’m sorry, Tori. I didn’t know, or I wouldn’t have said anything.”

  “Well, now you know,” Tori stated. A moment of silence passed. “You’re not going to tell me it’s wrong and that I’m out of my mind?”

  “Hey, I’m in no position to sit in judgment.” Miranda knew how badly a man could screw up a woman’s head. Here she was, falling back in love with…Who was she to tell Tori who to go out with?

  “I’m not delusional or anything,” her friend murmured, lighting up a cigarette. “I’m not expecting him to leave his wife and marry me or anything like that.” She puffed out a smoke ring.

  “Just be careful, will you?”

  “I will. I promise.”

  “Does he have any kids?”

  “No questions, all right?”

  “Okay.” Miranda lifted her hands in a gesture of surrender. “Listen, I need to get back to Sissy. Call me later.”

  “Better yet, stop by the diner when you get done here. I’ve got an idea that might help us out. Now remember…not a word.”

  “Pick a lock,” Miranda said, using their old childhood phrase as she twisted an imaginary key in an imaginary lock on her lips.

  SHE ARRIVED AT THE Truck Inn between the breakfast and lunch shifts. Fae, Mae and Tori were hopping, trying to keep up with their customers. Miranda let out a groan as she entered the main room. Kyle was seated at the counter, sipping a cup of coffee and eating a sweet roll. While she was grateful for the guy’s help, he was becoming annoying, sticking around so much.