“Of course you should. I’m trying to tell you, as delicately as possible, that it’s a well-known fact Sheriff Lovelady plays for both teams. We’ll see which team he’s on today.”
“What does that mean?” she asked. Her curiosity was fully piqued.
“He blows like the wind. Sometimes he does the job he was elected to do. Other times…well, it all depends on who’s doing the complaining. He looks the other way when it benefits his powerful friends, which, I’m sure, has its rewards.”
“Is Addison Stillwell one of the sheriff’s friends?”
Cole nodded. “They go way back. They’re as thick as fleas on a mangy dog.”
She frowned. “That doesn’t give me a lot of confidence.”
“I’m sorry. I just want you to know what you’re up against.”
When Sheriff Lovelady pulled up a while later, he seemed in no hurry to exit his black and white patrol car. He appeared to be straightening his clothes, maybe adjusting his pants and belt. Eventually he stepped out and sauntered over, as if he had all the time in the world to kill. His nonchalance didn’t make a good impression. Must be playing for the other team today, Jordan thought. Lovelady was a big burly guy with a paunch and a bushy gray moustache. His Southwestern drawl was thick.
“Afternoon, Cole.” He stared at Jordan. “Ms. Mackenzie, isn’t it?”
“You’ve heard of me?”
“Word gets around in a small town, ma’am.”
She and Cole exchanged a subtle glance. Cole repeated what he’d told the sheriff’s secretary on the phone about the accident being a hit-and-run.
“I’d like to hear what the young lady has to say, if you don’t mind,” Lovelady said, pushing Cole aside. Jordan disliked the man immediately. His smug expression was off-putting in and of itself, but his casual demeanor and insincere tone disturbed her more. And his eyes—they looked like they held dark secrets. She described the events that had taken place on the road. She also told him about the crank phone calls she’d received, the destroyed ranch sign, and the lewd graffiti painted on the barn. When mentioning the visit from Addison Stillwell two days earlier, as well as his overt threat, she was insulted when the sheriff smirked. He walked around the Jeep, casually looking it over, and then measured the skid marks on the road.
“You can’t describe the fellows who were in the truck you claim ran you off the road?”
“No. Except that they both wore cowboy hats.”
The sheriff chortled. “That’s not much of a description. Everyone around here wears a cowboy hat, Ms. Mackenzie.” He pointed to the Stetson on his head as an example. Jordan felt foolish, but also irritated by his condescending manner.
“Can you describe anything about the truck? The year? The model? What color it was?”
She shook her head. “It was a dark color. I’m pretty sure it was red. And old. That’s all I can recall. I didn’t have a chance to take down the license plate number since they were ramming me in the back end.” She wanted to be much more sarcastic, but one look at Cole made her realize she should not lose her cool. He was slowly shaking his head at her.
The sheriff scolded her like she was a child. “Now, now, honey. No need to get snippy. I’m just trying to get to the bottom of things here.”
She hated when strangers called her honey. “Wouldn’t it help if you took notes?” she asked. “I notice you haven’t written anything down yet.”
Lovelady tapped his temple with his forefinger. “I’ve got it all up here. My mind is like a steel trap. Don’t you worry your pretty little head.”
Jordan was worried. The interview was going nowhere, and her blood pressure was rising. Taking notice of Tony and Bobby in the grass, Lovelady stepped over and pointed his finger.
“Why are you two hanging around here?”
Cole spoke up. “They’re my employees. They found Jordan in the ditch. I thought you might need their statements.”
The sheriff’s eyebrows twitched. “Did either of you see the truck she claims forced her off the road?”
“No, sir,” they replied in unison.
“You didn’t see a truck ram Ms. Mackenzie’s vehicle?” He shifted his bulk from one foot to the other.
“No,” Tony said quietly, probably realizing his statement was not helping her any. “She was already in the ditch when we arrived on the scene.”
Lovelady strolled away from them. Under his breath, Jordan heard him mumble, “Probably got distracted and lost control and wants to put the blame on some non-existent driver.”
Jordan opened her mouth to retort, but Cole stopped her with a squeeze on her arm. “I suggest you check out Joe Campbell’s red pickup,” he said, snaring the sheriff’s glare and holding it. “See if it’s scratched or has green paint on the front right fender. Take a look at this.” He pointed out the red paint on the Jeep’s back left bumper. We have reason to believe Joe’s involved in the recent activities going on at the Lucky Seven.”
“I saw it, and I’ll do that,” Lovelady responded coolly. “And while I’m at it, I’ll ask Joe if he participated in the vandalism Ms. Mackenzie says occurred at her ranch. I’m sure he’ll admit to it, if it’s true.” He laughed, as if that was an absurd notion. Which it was.
Jordan’s shoulders sagged. She had the distinct feeling the sheriff enjoyed patronizing her. Despite her frustration, she said, “Thank you, Sheriff, for looking into this.”
He patted his stomach. “It’ll be supper time before long. I need to be getting back to the office.” He moseyed to his car and then turned to speak once more to her.
“Unfortunately, you’ve not given me much to go on, Ms. Mackenzie. Call my office if you remember anything else that might be of help. I’ll follow up on that lead about the red pickup truck, but don’t get your hopes up. There are a lot of old, beat up trucks around these parts. In the meantime, if I were you, I’d lay low and try not to rile folks.” His eyebrows knitted together, giving him a sinister look. “You’ll find you’ll get along a lot better that way. Just a suggestion.” He winked and spun on his heel.
Jordan wanted to shriek as she balled her fists at her sides.
“Have a good evening now.” He tipped his hat, opened his door and climbed in. As soon as he drove away, she released the anger that had built.
“Stillwell must have warned him! Did you see the way he acted? He already knew what had happened before he came out here. I don’t think he’s going to properly investigate the accident.”
“We’ll go to the county police headquartered in Alamogordo,” Cole said.
“Fine.” She sighed. “But right now I’m exhausted and my head still hurts. I want to take a hot bath and relax.”
Cole nodded approvingly. “Let me call a tow truck to pull your car out of the ditch. You don’t want to leave it here, especially with the vanity in back. It’ll be gone by sunset.”
“We can do tow it out, boss,” Tony said. “I’ve got chains in my truck.”
Cole raked a hand through his hair. “You don’t mind?”
“No. We’d be glad to.”
“All right. Thanks. I’ll help you get it hooked up and then one of you can drive the Jeep back to her ranch and she can ride with me.”
Jordan slid into the cab of his truck, grateful he was taking charge of the situation. As they drove into the Lucky Seven a short time later, she noticed Wyatt’s truck and trailer were gone.
“Cole, I forgot to ask. Do you know how Mr. Porter is? Were you here when he and Brannigan returned from town?”
He nodded. “Right before I received Tony’s phone call about your accident, I heard the truck pull up and then I saw Ronnie drive himself away, so I assume he’s okay. I’m sure he’s been through worse.”
She glanced around. “I wonder if Houdini is still in the field.”
The truck shuddered as he cut the engine. “I’ll check on him once I get you inside.” He helped her out of the truck and they walked slowly to the house. His touch on her arm was
tender. They’d only been inside a few minutes when she heard vehicles coming up the drive. Cole glanced out the window and announced it was Tony and Bobby.
“I’ll be right back.”
Listening at the screen door, she could hear his conversation with Tony.
“Here’s her keys, boss,” Tony said. “I locked the car. The vanity and sink are in the back. Do you want us to haul them into the house?”
“No. We’ll get them tomorrow. I appreciate all your help. I’ll see you and Bobby in the morning, bright and early.”
Jordan wandered into the bathroom and gulped. Two by six boards lay across the tub as a makeshift worktable. Sawdust covered the floor, and the toilet and sink were both dismantled. The room was completely in shambles and unusable. She washed her face in the kitchen sink and her body shook. The depth of what had happened finally hit her. She was lucky to have come away from the accident virtually unscathed, but her blood boiled. She knew it had to have been Campbell and Cruz who’d forced her off the road, but without proof, what could she do? Cole came up behind her.
“Your Jeep has no structural damage. It’s perfectly drivable. Tony didn’t hear any problems on the ride back.”
“Thank God.” She hung the washcloth over the faucet. “I just peeked into the bathroom. The stained glass window is beautiful. You did a great job installing it. It looks original to the house.”
“It does, doesn’t it? But I’m afraid I didn’t get as much done in here today as I’d planned. It’s a wreck.”
She had to agree. “Guess I’ll have to do without that hot bath tonight.” It was difficult to hide her disappointment. She felt so tired and frustrated, and on the verge of tears.
“No, you won’t,” Cole replied. “I have an idea. Gather up a change of clothes and we’ll go to my place and you can take your bath while I cook us dinner. I make a mean taco pie.”
Jordan thought it over briefly. It didn’t take but a moment for her to make a decision. Her aching bones needed a soak, and she wasn’t up to cooking or going out in public to a restaurant.
“That sounds wonderful. I appreciate the invitation. Give me a minute to collect my things.”
Cole’s sparkling grin was evidence that he was thrilled she’d accepted his offer. “While you’re doing that, I’ll run out and check the horses and see if that goat’s still around,” he said.
She stuffed a pair of jeans, a top, underthings, shampoo, a hairbrush, lotion, and a bottle of aspirin into a tote bag. Her spirits were beginning to lift a bit. When Cole returned to the house, he informed her that the horses were all in the barn, watered, and eating hay.
“Really? What about Houdini, the bratty little escape artist?”
“He’s in a stall with the mare, as snug as a bug in a rug.”
Jordan smiled. She knew who had taken care of the animals for her. Brannigan.
Chapter Eleven
Cole parked in the driveway of a small house within the historic forty-nine-block district. It had a neatly landscaped lawn and was painted tan with blue shutters.
“Home sweet home,” he said, shutting off the engine. He walked around to Jordan’s side and held the door open while she exited.
She gave the house a good look. “This is very nice.”
“I bought it three years ago. It was a real mess at the time. I gutted it and remodeled the entire place. Come on in and make yourself at home.” He unlocked the door and tossed his keys into a bowl on a small table. Jordan gazed around the open living area. The living area and kitchen were one big room, just like her adobe. She was impressed with the modern décor and how neat and tidy everything was.
“Thirsty?” he asked, striding to the kitchen.
“Parched.”
He took a large pitcher out of the refrigerator. “Have a seat. I have iced tea.”
After dropping her weary bones into the soft sofa cushion, she admired a Southwestern painting hanging on the wall. She watched him pour two glasses of tea and slice up a lemon. After sticking a wedge on the rim of each glass, he handed her the drink.
She drank half of it in one gulp. “That hits the spot.”
“I promised you a hot bath and dinner. Come this way. You can bring the tea with you.” He ushered her into the bathroom, retrieved a couple of thick, soft towels from the linen closet, and laid them across the sink. Then he plugged the garden tub and turned the knobs on. “Run it as deep as you want. Have a nice long soak. When you’re through, I’ll have dinner ready.”
She smiled. “Thank you, Cole. I appreciate all you’ve done for me today. I’m looking forward to tasting your cooking. I wasn’t hungry before, but now I’ve developed an appetite.”
“There’s nothing like comfort food after a rough day.”
“You can say that again.” She touched the bandage on her forehead.
“Do you still have a headache?”
“It’s beginning to go away.” The room began to fill with steam, and they stared at one another; their gazes locked. Grateful for all he’d done for her, she felt compelled to speak from the heart. “You know, Cole, as I’m getting to know you, I’m finding out you’re quite the Renaissance man. Seems you can do it all. You remodeled and decorated your home tastefully, you own your own business, you rescue damsels in distress, and now I discover you cook, too. What more could a woman ask for?”
“How about a back rub later?”
Though the question caught her off guard, every cell in her body caught fire as she imagined his hands exploring her back. It was impossible to hide her shock. “Pardon me?”
His blue eyes delved into hers. “I’ve been told I give a very good massage.” He must have noticed her eyes widening because he quickly added, “It’ll do wonders for your sore muscles.”
“Oh. Well, you’re probably right about that.” She dipped her finger into the hot water and wondered how many women he’d offered massages to. She suddenly questioned whether his motives for bringing her here were pure and friendly. When she said no more, he winked and stepped out.
“Take your time. I’ll be in the kitchen. If you need something, holler. I’ll hear you.”
She locked the door behind him, just to be safe. There had seemed to be an extra twinkle in his eyes just now. When the tub was full, she sunk into the deep water and sighed. With a towel behind her head, she lay back. In a short time, she found herself falling asleep.
~ * ~
Forty minutes later, tantalizing smells wafted through the air, filling up Jordan’s senses. Dressed and refreshed, she entered the kitchen with her stomach growling. She lightly chuckled when she saw Cole standing at the stove wearing an apron that read Top Chef.
“You look great,” he grinned. Sniffing, he added, “And you smell fantastic, too.”
“It’s just body lotion, silly.”
“Well, you smell absolutely edible. I’m so hungry I might try to bite you.” He winked again and laughed at his joke, but she thought he might be sending her a subtle message. To change the subject, she rubbed her hand over her stomach.
“I’m starved.”
“Good, because dinner’s ready. You have perfect timing.” He untied the apron and tossed it over the bar on the oven door. Donning oven mitts, he pulled a casserole dish from the oven and held it under her nose. “We’ll eat here at the bar. Go ahead and sit down.”
Jordan hopped onto a bar stool at the counter. Cole had already set their places with plates and silverware. Two salads and a basket of bread awaited them. He scooped some taco pie onto her plate and told her to help herself to the bread.
“Ranch or Thousand Island?” he asked, holding up two bottles of salad dressing.
“Thousand Island.” After he poured her another glass of tea, he finally joined her at the bar and they began to eat.
“How was the bath?” he inquired between bites.
“Perfect. Just what the doctor ordered.”
“Glad to hear it.”
She noticed he watched her through
thick eyelashes as she ate. It was a good thing she wasn’t one of those women who didn’t like to eat in front of men. She dug into the food like she hadn’t eaten in days. During the course of the meal, they enjoyed small talk, but didn’t discuss any deep topics. He told her a couple more times how pretty she looked. Every time Jordan looked up, he was staring at her. When they finished, she offered to wash the dishes.
“That’s not necessary. I’ll put them in the dishwasher.”
“At least let me rinse them off and put them in the dishwasher,” she said.
When the kitchen was clean, he cleared his throat. “Do you want to take me up on that offer when we’re done here?”
“What offer is that?”
“The back massage.”
“Oh. That.” She’d not forgotten, and as she imagined his hands on her skin, tingles raced up and down her arms, making the hairs prickle. “Do you have a girlfriend, Cole? Or a fiancée?”
“No, I don’t.”
“There’s no one you’re dating seriously?”
“Not at this time. I’ve had a couple of long-term relationships in the past, but there’s no one right now. I haven’t even been on a casual date in several months.”
She mulled the news over. He moved closer, and desire shot through all her nerve endings. “Aren’t you interested in knowing if I have a man in my life?” she asked, taking a step back.
“Sure. Is there someone?” His sapphire eyes caught her gaze and held.
“No.”
His hand brushed her arm. “Great. Now that we’ve gotten all that out of the way, why don’t you relax on the sofa? I’m going to jump in the shower real quick. It was a long, hot day. Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be back in a jiffy.”
Before she could respond, he disappeared into the bathroom and she heard the pulsing spray of the shower. Her heart was about to explode. She wasn’t one hundred percent sure where this was going, or what Cole had in mind, but she had a pretty good idea. He’d looked at her with mooneyes all through the meal. There was no doubt that she was physically attracted to him. But was that all there was to it? If so, was there anything wrong with a little flirting?
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