by Debra Holt
The inside of the house was well laid out. The rooms were large with high ceilings and the old woodwork was intricate from the wooden floors to the scrollwork of the arched doorways. The furnishings were sturdy and ample. But it lacked color. And the small touches one would find that people collected over the years… were minimum. There were photos on the mantelpiece… mostly of Charlie as a baby and one of Mae and Vernon. But no sign of the brother she had heard mentioned only once by Mae. She saw nothing of any woman who might be Charlie’s mother. Perhaps it was too sad for him? Had it been a recent loss? She would like to know more, but didn’t feel comfortable enough to bring up the subject.
Mae reached the second floor ahead of her. “Up here, you have the master bedroom with a bath attached on the left. Down the hallway here, you have Charlie’s room. Your room is across the hall from hers. I’ve tried to keep things dusted as best I can, but I don’t guarantee it.” She pushed open the door and allowed Emma to enter first.
“I love the big windows. It must be wonderful up here in the spring with the cool breezes blowing through.” Emma looked out over the scene of the front yard and the long road leading to the house.
She surveyed the rest of the room. There was a double bed, nightstand, dresser with mirror over it. The walls were off white and the bedspread and curtains were a soft blue.
“There’s a large closet and you share the bathroom off the hallway with Charlie. Sorry about the plastic bath toys in the tub. There are plenty of linens and towels in the linen closet at the end of the hallway. Let’s check out the kitchen and pantry.”
The kitchen was large, too. “This is amazing. So many cabinets and the island is immense.”
Mae smiled. “I like the fact you can appreciate the beauty of this old gal. She was built in the late 1930s by Vernon’s dad. He left it in his will to Cole.”
“This has the feel a home should have. Plus, it has history to it. You’re lucky to have that.”
“Not too many young people these days like old things like this. You have taste and a sense of history. I knew you were a special young lady when I met you.” Mae walked over and slid back the barn door that had the walk-in pantry behind it. “It’s fairly stocked with basics. You shop at Murphy’s and your name will be on the account by this afternoon. We use the pharmacy next door and you’ll do the same there. I made a list for you of other stores where you can use Cole’s account. McKenna Springs is easy to navigate. Did you ever visit here when you lived in Frost Creek?”
“A few times, but it was a long time ago. It should be fine.”
Mae stepped through another doorway and on one side was a mudroom leading to a back door. The other side opened onto a covered screened-in porch. “I see by your smile that this meets with your approval. If you like this area, you’ll love the sunroom on the other side of the house. That’s great in the fall and winter months. It even has a fireplace at one end. I don’t think it’s ever been used by Cole, but it’s there.”
“Now, I have a list also that covers Charlie’s schedule and school and all.” Mae brought them back into the kitchen and to the long island with its bar stools along one side. She opened her bag and laid a tablet in front of Emma. “I tried to jot down everything I could think of about Charlie on there for you. And there’s also a couple things about Cole, too. I know my son isn’t the most communicative person in the world when he gets in a mood, so I hope it helps.”
“You’re amazing. When did you do all this?” Emma looked at the several pages covered in all sorts of information.
“This morning while I was cooking breakfast. I have always been a list-maker.”
“I didn’t see an office. Where do I work on the files for the cattle business?”
Mae nodded her head. “This way, and I apologize for the mess you’re about to see. Cole tells me he knows where everything is, but I doubt it. I just keep the doors shut and try to not go in there when I’m here.”
Retracing their steps to the front door, they came to a set of double doors just off to the right in a recessed alcove. Mae hesitated and gave a glance to Emma. “Promise you won’t turn and run in the opposite direction?”
“If I was going to do that, I would have done it the moment I met your son.” Emma stopped as she caught what she had blurted out. “I’m sorry. That didn’t come out right. I don’t mean—”
“That’s why I know you’re perfect for this job.” Mae shook her head and smiled. “You’ll not let him bully you and you’ll give as well as you get. Being the sheriff and all, he’s used to people doing what he says and no one giving him any backtalk. But he needs to be brought down to earth now and then. I trust you to do that whenever needed.”
“Yes, but he is my boss. I was trained to—”
“Nonsense… I’m your boss. I hired you. He can’t fire you, only I can do that. Unless this runs you off first.” With that, she slid the double doors wide and stepped aside for Emma to take in the sight before her.
Sight was the word for it. Emma looked slowly around the room. It was large. It had to be to hold all the filing cabinets and tables and the huge desk that had to be buried under a mountain of files and papers and trade magazines. She saw the top of a computer terminal on the desk also.
“Oh my…”
“Oh my, indeed. You’ve got your work cut out for you in here.” Mae shook her head.
“Well, I will try to do my best. I never promised to be a miracle worker.”
“It’s best to just shut these doors and walk away. Besides, we need to get into town and pick up Charlie at the school. She’s going to be so surprised and so happy.”
Mae stopped on the porch after she closed the door behind them. She handed a key ring to Emma. “There’s a house key. And one to the storage barn in the back. Another one for the pickup that’s in the garage. You should use it whenever you run errands. There are gas pumps on the other side of the barn that you can use to fill up. You need to consider this your home while you’re here, Emma. If there is something you need and you can’t find it, call me. You have my number and Vernon’s in your cell from this morning. I can be here in ten minutes if need be and those pesky deputies stay out of my way. In an emergency, you type in 321 and we all know to come running.” They shared a laugh down the sidewalk.
“What about Angel? I really can’t expect you all to keep her at your place.”
“Vernon is sending a couple of hands over this afternoon. I wouldn’t be surprised if they arrive while we’re gone and get that taken care of even before Charlie gets home. They’re putting up a fence at the back where those lovely huge pecan trees are, just off the back door.”
“I thought Cole had a rule about no pets?”
“That’s nonsense. Cole had dogs growing up. It was only—” Mae stopped her train of thought. Emma noted the frown that came and went before Mae picked up the thread again, her tone even. “He just doesn’t have the time to bother with them. But he won’t have to with you and Charlie handling things. So, don’t worry about that.”
Emma didn’t push the matter but she couldn’t help wondering what Mae had been about to say before she caught herself.
The drive into McKenna Springs was a pleasant one. Mae kept up a running commentary of the town, their neighbors, and a variety of other tidbits. She slowed the car when they approached the tall, stately courthouse set in the middle of a grove of oak and pecan trees on a grassy square in the center of the town. She managed to find a spot to park and Emma followed her exit from the car. Things seemed to be busy around the shops and square and Emma took note of some stores she might like to visit when next she had the opportunity. While she had never had the funds to spend hours shopping like some girls, she did enjoy just window browsing and being a people watcher.
“We had a norther yesterday, it almost froze last night, and now today, I am ready to shed my jacket in this sunshine. Gotta love Texas weather,” Mae commented, leading the way toward the main steps of the courthouse. Just
as they reached the bottom, the doors opened and a couple of tall lawmen, their badges denoting them as such, exited the building and stopped as they reached the two women, hats going off their heads almost in unison.
“Ms. Mae, glad to see you. How are you and Vern doing?”
“Well, he’s as ornery and cantankerous as ever.”
“And you are as sweet and busy as ever, it looks like.”
Mae nudged Emma with her elbow and a loud whisper. “Watch out for these two, Emma. They may be Texas Rangers, but they’re a couple of smooth talkers, too.” They all shared a laugh at her comment. “Emma Cramer, allow me to introduce rangers, Davis McKenna and Russ Holt. Two finer men you’ll never meet. This young lady is joining us to look out for Charlie and get some order in my son’s life.”
The pair looked at Emma and then slowly shook their hands. “You must be one courageous woman attempting that feat… keeping Cole Drayton in line. You pull that off and we just might have to let you join the rangers.”
“If I survive, I might just take you up on that.” She grinned back at the two men. They were nice and not bad on the eyes either. Mae had to have read her mind.
“Okay, you two can stop flirting with this young lady. I’ll be introducing her to each of your wives next Sunday at church.”
The hats went back on their heads but the smiles stayed. “Yes ma’am.” Davis grinned at Mae. “I’m sure you will. But if you ever need anything, Miss Cramer, you just give us a shout.”
“Why would she need to call the rangers? We have our own law right here.”
That statement came from another tall lawman who had stepped from the building in time to hear the last few words. Cole Drayton looked every bit the Texas sheriff. A khaki uniform shirt fit his frame just right. Starched jeans molded long legs and dark brown boots shined on his feet. The cream straw Stetson was angled just right on his head. The badge on his chest denoted his position and the gun on his hip backed it up. If she was seeing him for the first time, she could explain why the sight of him put a hitch in her breathing… he was one very good-looking man. With his clothes on. A quick snapshot of how he had looked the previous evening in the bedroom was tossed away as soon as it had come to mind. That was not how an employee should be envisioning her boss.
However, in her opinion, he outshone the two rangers. But then, she was having breathing problems for a second simply because his appearance was unexpected and she had to reinforce herself for whatever battle was to come. She certainly wasn’t attracted to him. That would be ludicrous.
“Indeed, you do. And on that note, we should be on our way. Good day, ladies.” The two lawmen took their leave and that left the three of them.
Cole fixed his gaze on his mother, not Emma. “Was there something you needed, Mother?”
Mae was unfazed by the appearance of her son and proceeded to mount the steps and pass him by, bringing Emma along with her. “No, son, I’m just showing Emma around and want to introduce her to some people. You just carry on.”
Emma was aware that Cole did not ‘just carry on’ as his mother suggested. He followed them inside the building and stayed right behind them down the hall and through the doorway marked “Sheriff’s Office”. Mae was greeted with smiles and hellos by the people behind the long desk. One deputy opened the gate and allowed them to pass through. Then Emma had gazes locked on her and names being given to her by a dozen or so people as Mae ran her through the gauntlet of staff. There were four male deputies in the office, two females… one at a dispatching console and one at a computer terminal. The other people were workers from the various departments in the building… a couple of attorneys and a bailiff. An older woman, with salt and pepper hair swept up on her head in a top bun, stood up from a desk in the corner. She and Mae shared a hug.
“Ronnie White, I want you to meet Emma Cramer. She’s going to be working with Cole and Charlie for a while. I’m sure you and she will talk a few times. Just wanted you two ladies to lay eyes on each other. You both have the same tough job duties… keeping my son in line.”
“Your son, their boss, is right here.”
Mae cast a sweet smile in the speaker’s direction. “Yes, dear. I know you are. Shouldn’t you be catching bad guys or something? Don’t let us keep you.”
Emma had to purse her bottom lip to maintain control of the sudden urge to grin at the way Mae responded. It was the look on Cole’s face that was almost her undoing. Good for Mae. She really liked the woman more and more each second she was with her.
“This way, Emma.” Mae was moving again. She went up to the closed door, marked “Sheriff” and opened it, not breaking stride. She came to a halt in front of the wide desk. Emma did also.
“Is there something you needed in particular?” Cole crossed to stand behind the desk, exasperation evident in the line of his body. “We’re busy this morning.”
“And you just go ahead with whatever you were doing. I just wanted to give Emma a comparison between your office here… and the disaster we just left.” Mae looked at her.
“You see, it can be managed. He isn’t totally hopeless.”
Emma took in the solid mahogany desk, with neat folders stacked appropriately, very little clutter at all. A computer neat and ready for use. The round table and chairs in the corner in front of the large windows was pristine and shined. The Texas flag and the United States flag flanked the full bookcase behind the large leather chair situated behind his desk. A photo of Charlie sat at an angle next to the nameplate on the desk. Various certificates, plaques, awards were framed and hung on the walls on either side of the doorway. It was an impressive office.
“I see that. I guessed as much.”
“And what is that supposed to mean?” Now his eyes were pinned on her.
Did he think he would intimidate her? He could try. But she needed to be on her guard.
“I assumed you would be a very efficient and no-nonsense sheriff and your work habitat would emulate that. Just an observation.”
His gaze narrowed on her. “When I decide if that was some offhanded compliment or a backdoor dig of some sort, I’ll respond.”
“I think Emma is a very direct type of person, Cole. And we’ll be on our way now. You go back to whatever you need to do now. Don’t worry about anything. I’m getting Emma settled in very nicely.”
“I’m sure you are.”
If Mae noted the sarcastic edge to her son’s reply, she chose to ignore it. On tiptoe, she did plant a quick kiss on his cheek. For a moment, Emma noted a softening in his eyes and it caught at something in her chest. He was a man capable of feeling. Imagine that. It changed when he aimed his attention next at her.
“Leave my office alone at home until I’m there to explain the things you can do… and those you don’t need to bother with.”
“Yes, sir.” She felt as if she needed to follow it up with a salute.
Her hand itched to do so. Would serve him right. But she opted against pushing her luck. It was enough to see the look in his eyes… he knew what she was thinking. He dared her. She simply smiled and led Mae from the office. Another time, sheriff.
Chapter Five
“Irritating, frustrating, blasted… woman!” The words zipped through his mind as he punched the speed of his vehicle higher on the speedometer. Ever since his mother had sailed into his office that morning, followed by Emma, that female had intruded where she wasn’t wanted or needed. Emma Cramer interfered with his concentration so that was when he got in his SUV and was headed out to take a call that he should have just let his deputies handle. But he needed air. Only it just made matters worse. Now he had time for Emma Cramer to intrude in the silent confines of the vehicle without competition in his brain.
“I don’t need help with Charlie. We were doing just fine.”
Really? Sure about that? Cole grimaced. Was his conscience going to argue with him now? Okay, so maybe his mother was partially right. Charlie was getting older. His mom wasn’t getting any you
nger. She had given over most of her life the last five years to his daughter. And whose fault was that?
Jimmy… his brother, that was who. He did this to their family. He and his devil-may-care attitude, along with his conniving, thieving ways. Cole made certain to include those attributes to his absent brother’s repertoire of evil deeds. Add home-wrecker, wife-stealer to the list also. Can’t forget that. Wife-stealer. The thought brought back a vision of the woman Cole had married six years before… Pamela. Bile rose in his stomach and he pushed it down. He hated the feeling in his gut when he allowed that woman and his brother to intrude upon the life he had rebuilt without them in it.
He didn’t know what made him the angriest… the fact his own brother had betrayed him in such a way or that his loving wife had been too loving and spread it around… most notably with his own brother. The two of them deserved each other. But what he could never forgive or understand was how any mother could walk away from her baby… just six months old… without a glance back. How could he have been so wrong about someone?
Really? Remember? One look at that killer body in a scanty bikini at the beauty contest you were supposed to judge and then she gave you a smile and you were a goner. Hook, line, and sinker like an old catfish from the pond. A few hot nights on a blanket beside the pond and before he knew it, he was in front of a justice of peace and a married man, with a child on the way. What was the saying? Marry in haste and repent in leisure. Well, he had done that in spades. And he had been taught a valuable lesson. She had duped him. And no woman was going to do that again.
Don’t trust your heart or emotions. That would get him in deep trouble and then rip his guts out in a heartbeat. Brains… common sense. Keep your guard up. A woman would use the heart to gain control and then a guy was vulnerable. He didn’t plan to ever be that vulnerable fool again. He and Charlie were a team. They would do just fine on their own. Emma Cramer was just a bump in the road. She’d be gone soon enough.