Cowboy's Heart (Copper Canyon, Texas)

by Patti Ann Colt

  Zach sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “She’s going to be in even more of one. I’m tied up. She was right. I arrested Leia Shae. I can’t leave until she does.”

  Fiona dropped all pretense of playfulness. “This is bad.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  “You know how big she is?”

  “Yes, after I made the connection to who she was. I don’t live under a rock.”

  “Is she as pretty as her pictures?”

  “Fiona.” Zach drew out her name, trying to not snap. If anyone had experience with the press, it was bestselling cookbook author, Fiona Devlin.

  “Just asking,” Fiona sighed.

  Zach rubbed the bridge of his nose again, feeling the headache pound right between his eyes in sledge hammer vibrations. His stomach churned in counterpoint. “No. Actually at the moment she looks like hell.”

  “Darling, you should call Ryder.”

  Zach bristled. “I don’t need Ryder’s help.”

  “I beg to differ. He handles my public relations stuff all the time. You need someone who can run interference. The press is going to eat this up like caviar on a cracker at a cocktail party.”

  Zach had a simple palate and that turned his stomach just as much from the food analogy as what was about to occur. “As it happens, I’ve already met the judge and he’s agreed to drop the charges. She had an allergic reaction.”

  Fiona huffed. “That’s not going to do it. Even after the fact, they’ll be camped at your doorstep wanting answers. What did you arrest her for?”

  “Booked her for public intoxication because I didn’t have enough for a DUI. Her blood alcohol wasn’t high enough for any charges.” He shouldn’t be explaining all this to an outsider, but dammit he was frustrated.

  “Oh, my. Not good.”

  “I know, Fiona. Doesn’t matter what we do, we’re going to get fried.”

  “Call Ryder, dear. I’ll tell Carlee she’s spending the night.”

  Zach clenched his jaw, aware of bulldozer Fiona mowing him down, but recognized the voice of experience. “I’ll call Ryder, and I’ll call Carlee before she goes to bed. Make sure you check her homework and no time on the Internet.”

  “Aye, Aye, Dad. Love you.” Fiona disconnected.

  He needed a hefty dose of caffeine, or dinner, or both. He drove to the hospital with a slow deliberate pace, not to annoy Mr. Fancy Suit…well, not much anyway. He called Ryder as Fiona had asked and got his voice mail.

  He entered through the emergency room this time as it was closer to the back door where he intended to leave with Leia. He stopped at the vending machine and bought himself a Coke.

  Further down the hall, Doc Jude ran into him as she exited an exam room. He caught her by the elbow. “I came to get your patient.”

  “I know who she is. She told me.”

  Zach snorted in exasperation. “Great. Keep it to yourself.”

  She walked with him part way down the hall. “Understood. I’ve signed her paperwork. She can leave.”

  Zach rubbed his stomach. “Great. Thanks Doc. Let the circus begin.”

  She reached in her pocket and handed him a small pack of antacids. “Come and see me. We need to talk about your stomach and your eating habits.” She gave his Coke a raised brow.

  “Don’t hassle me, Doc.”

  “Green tea, Sheriff. Easier on the gut than gallons of coffee and soda.”

  “Foo-foo drink.” He walked away from her, feeling like a thundercloud about to rain on a parade.

  In Leia’s room, she sat in the bland beige chair by the window, her eyes closed looking like a wilted hot house flower. She wore a set of fuchsia hospital scrubs and clutched a bag to her chest. The bed had been stripped and cleared.

  He walked to her side and waited for her to open her eyes. “You ready to go?”

  She stared at him with veiled blue eyes. “I suppose.”

  Her enthusiasm was overwhelming. She rose slowly, like an old grannie with arthritis in every joint. He reached to help her, the warmth of the bare skin at her elbow seeping into his sense.

  “Where’s your coat?” Awareness hovered in the space between them.

  “I didn’t have one.” She trembled at his side, with exhaustion or nerves, he wasn’t sure.

  “We’ll take care of that then. “ One of his female deputies was sure to have something she could have. “I’m parked next to the Emergency Room entrance. I’ll pull my car up. We’re going out quickly and back in the employee entrance of the sheriff’s office. Fast and easy.”

  “Understood.” She seemed to pull herself together then and moved with easy grace by his side. She didn’t ask him to let go of her arm, which was good because he probably wouldn’t have anyway.

  “My manager?” she croaked.

  “In my office.” She seemed to slump a bit, but rallied and continued on, breathing loudly through her mouth. He slowed to a crawl and tried to match her pace, but at this rate he’d be ninety by the time they got to the door. He snagged a wheelchair from the alcove at the intersection of the hallways.

  “I don’t need that.” Her glare worked, even if the rest of her body didn’t.

  “Yes, you do.” And just because he was feeling the prick of sexual attraction and whole lot of irritation from same, he tacked on, “I don’t have all day.”

  He was sorry the moment he glimpsed the hurt that crossed her eyes. But this girl was tough. She buried it fast and looked away, pulling herself into a regal posture that would have put him in his place if he hadn’t seen her fingers trembling and her limbs sagging in relief into the wheelchair.

  He rushed them through the hospital then, not stopping to talk to anyone and in a few short minutes had her in the front seat of his truck and was driving away.

  She didn’t speak again, but coughed long and deep all the way to the department.

  He put her in the back conference room and went for her manager.

  Cale Bishop was seated on the corner of Zach’s desk, his arms crossed, a furious grimace on his face. Zach walked to his office and brushed around Cale Bishop. “She’s ready to leave.”

  “Fine. I can’t imagine why that took so long.” The man stood and glanced at his watch.

  “Mr. Bishop, this is a small town and a small county. You’re lucky I was able to arrange with the judge to drop the charges tonight. Besides that, she belongs in bed. She’s still very sick.”

  “I believe I know how to take care of Leia. I’ve been doing it for years.”

  The snobby tone pushed him to the edge, but he snapped his mouth shut. Zach lifted the manila envelope with Leia’s possessions. “Follow me.”

  Leia stood near the room’s only window, looking out at the darkening night. She’d brushed her hair into a ragged ponytail, but her skin was grayish, her mouth a confused frown, and the devastated sadness in her eyes was killing him.

  “Cale!” Leia rounded the table and flung herself into her manager’s arms.

  “Now, now darlin’. It’s going to be okay.” He patted her back.

  Zach gritted his teeth, not sure exactly whether it was the man’s tone or his hands on Leia that ratcheted up his tension. He slid the envelope with her possessions across the table toward her along with a slip to sign. She stepped away from Cale looking fragile and uncertain, but signed his sheet and handed it back. She gave him a look he couldn’t interpret. He stifled a sigh, needing to get away from this woman.

  “I’ll find you a coat and then you can leave.” Zach backed out of the room and called his brother again. Voice Mail. Dammit. He was on his own.

  Up front, Zach looked to see if there was a jacket or a sweater in the lost-and-found from the courthouse. There was. He snagged a black jacket, a couple sizes too big, but he couldn’t be choosy.

  “Uh, Sheriff?”

  “Yeah, Danny?” Danny Bodrie was Blanche’s relief and her exact opposite in personality. Nothing fazed the man, which would be a tremendous asset in this situation
.

  “There’s a news van out front, parked next to a limo.”

  One swear word. That’s all he allowed himself.

  Danny swiveled in his chair to face his boss. “What’s going on?”

  Zach took a deep breath. “I arrested Leia Shae last night.”

  Danny’s eyes bugged out. “Leia Shae, the rock star?”

  How many Leia Shaes were there? “Yes.”

  “She’s upstairs in the jail?” Danny was a big-framed man, so it was a bit disconcerting the puppy-dog look of love on his face. “Oh man, she’s the best. I’m a big fan.”

  Great. Zach walked to the window and checked for himself. While he watched, a second news van showed up. His chest tightened and he rubbed his stomach.

  “No, she’s not in the jail. She’s in the conference room in back. Tell everyone out on patrol that unless they need to bring in a suspect, to stay away from the building until further notice. Have Drake move a patrol car to block access to the limo once it’s parked by the back door. She’s being released. Turns out she was having an allergic reaction and we have nothing to hold her on.”

  Danny’s eyebrows reached his shaggy hair. “It’s going to get bad, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is. Who else is here?”

  “Drake is in the locker room and Kane’s still here. He’s in the squad room.”

  It would have to do. Kane could hold down the fort while he had Mr. Bishop move his car to the back of the building and hustled Miss Celebrity out the back door.

  By the time the vehicles were moved, there were six news vans in front and the steps of the sheriff’s office were packed with reporters. How they got into town from Denver so fast was beyond him.

  Just as he was ready to walk them to the limo, another car showed up with Leia’s press manager. The woman had long black hair and a killer red suit to match her nails. They didn’t need her. There wasn’t going to be any talking, not on the steps, not anywhere in his town. If they wanted to have a press conference, they could damn well do it in Denver.

  He walked them to the end of the hall. Leia hadn’t uttered a word since he’d dropped her possession in front of her.

  The moment he opened the back door, the camera flashes nearly blinded him. The press was blocked from the limousine by a patrol car just as he’d planned, but it still didn’t keep the vultures far enough away for his peace of mind.

  He strode to the limo door, showing more confidence than he felt. Those steps felt like a mile, but were a mere four feet from the door. He turned back to the three people standing in the doorway. Cale and red lady looked like they did this every day and they probably did. Leia’s color had washed further away, though.

  Cale helped the lawyer into the back of the limo, leaving Zach to help Leia. She reached the door and turned to look at him. Her emotion-filled eyes twisted his gut. They telegraphed too much and Zach wanted to shut his eyes so he didn’t have to see and be forced to act the white knight.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

  Then they were gone, leaving Zach in the middle of the fray.

  To enjoy the rest of this great story, pick your favorite eReader and buy your copy at AMAZON or SMASHWORDS!

  About the Author

  Patti Ann Colt lives in Arlington, Texas. She enjoys having her handsome grandson underfoot and her three grown children nearby. A life-size cutout of John Wayne stands near her desk and supervises her writing. When she’s not working, she’s hanging out with assorted extended family, playing with five bed-hogging dogs, cooking something scrumdillyicious, sewing, researching genealogy, and, of course, reading—both print books and on her Kindle.

  Where you can find her:

  Website: http://www.PattiAnnColt.com

  Blog: http://thecleverwriter.blogspot.com

  Facebook: Patti Ann Colt

  Twitter: Patti Ann Colt

  Email: PattiAnn@PattiAnnColt.com

  Books by Patti Ann Colt

  Homespun Stories of Family, Adventure and Romance

  Copper Canyon, Texas

  The New Hometown Romance Series Continues

  COMING SOON from KLG Press

  VISIT www.PattiAnnColt.com for a full Copper Canyon release schedule.

  Echo Falls, Texas

  A Hometown Romance Series

  The Daddy Spell

  Five-year-old sisters Boo and Lindy want a daddy -- and anything goes in their quest, including a secret spell known only to the twins. On a lonely country road, Chad Applegate appears out of nowhere to help the girls and their mother rescue an injured dog. Robin Harmon's stubborn independence and breathtaking curves mesmerize the handsome pumpkin farmer, and her daughters charm him. In turn, they are fascinated by his tales of pumpkin magic. Despite Chad's captivating blue eyes and tender kisses, Robin cannot believe his happily-ever-after promises. Experience has proven those kinds of dreams never come true. Will Robin deny the possibility of forever or will her daughter's daddy spell work its magic?

  The Sweetheart Dance

  Although Echo Falls high school teacher Meg Applegate aches to belong to Bret Cara body and soul, he maintains a hands-off policy. She is wife material and violates his no relationship philosophy based on years with combative parents. But when a practical joker spikes Meg’s drinks at the Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dance, Bret comes to her rescue—and she astounds him with a hot, sensual kiss. Assisting the police department in tracking teen felons, Meg takes the opportunity to snag the handsome cop’s attention and they launch an affair based on Bret’s ‘no strings’ rules. But each searing encounter conflicts with her beliefs and dreams. She cannot maintain their bargain forever, but despite making love he seems no closer to giving her what she needs. When Meg’s conscience demands more from him, will Bret walk away or deliver his heart?

  Kiss Me Goodnight

  Summer LeFey blazed to the top of the art world with her painting genius. When she returns to Echo Falls, Texas for her grandfather’s funeral, she collides with her childhood crush—now a sexy cop. He snares her heart with romance and passion, but falling in love isn’t enough. To have him, she must return to a place she never wanted to go. Tom Applegate is a dedicated police officer, relishes hometown life, and longs for the happiness his parents have. When he reunites with Summer, he thinks he’s found the missing piece of his dream, but falling in love only complicates matters. To have her, he must give up the home of his heart. Friends, career, family…will one make the ultimate sacrifice for love?

  Echo Falls Short Story: Christmas Magic

  Robin and Chad's wedding day has arrived, but a new obstacle confronts them. Will they make their happily-ever-after come true?

  Echo Falls Short Story: A Winter Romance

  In 1941, a young Olivia Carnahan meets Thomas Applegate. Their mothers are matchmaking, and the two are determined not to cooperate. When the Pearl Harbor bombing occurs, Thomas's leave from the Army Air Force is cancelled. Will Thomas be able to convince Olivia that love is stronger than war?

  All Echo Falls Novels available at most outlets including TheWildRosePress.com

  All Echo Falls Short Stories available on Amazon Kindle and at Smashwords.com.

  Coming Soon from Echo Falls

  April 2012

  Parson Corners, Colorado

  A Hometown Romance Series

  Pop diva Leia Shae ventured forth from small town America and made herself a superstar. After fifteen years of stardom, she’s hollow and lost – so lost that her clash with the law outside Parson Corners, Colorado launches her into a quest for a place to belong.

  Sheriff Zach Murphy has a pre-teen rebellious daughter, a meddling family and a wary wounded soul. When Leia crashes into his life, she batters the walls Zach’s built to protect himself. When his former flame and the media descend on his town digging for scandal on the rock star, how will Zach choose? Should he protect his hard-won stability or dare he stand by sexy, loving Leia and risk his heart?

  Available from KLG Press in al
l E-book formats.

  Visit Smashwords.com and Amazon Kindle for your favorite version.

  Available in Print from Amazon.com.

  Coming Soon from the Parson Corners Series

  April 2012

  COOKBOOKS

  Available Now on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com!

  Visit my food blog: www.WorthADamnFood.com

  KLG Press Presents

  Our Authors

  Tiffany Aller

  http://www.tiffanyaller.com

  Coming in 2012:

  Anne M. Carpenter

  http://www.annemcarpenter.com

  Available now!

  A secluded heiress makes a devastating discovery in her Connecticut seaside home. Suddenly, her husband's recent distance takes on a more sinister bite. Will his hidden intent destroy her future, or is revenge on the plate?

  Available now!

  A youth uprising against a corrupt government brings revolution to the streets of America. In Chicago, Theresa has adjusted to the new reality of curfews and rations, but now a terrifying recurring dream warns of a new threat. Filled with foreboding, she struggles for normalcy. Is her subconscious contriving this murky threat or prophesizing a stunning collision?