Vaughn appeared surprised by the comment and, without warning, kissed her passionately. She was startled by the aggressive way he kissed her. Her heart immediately pounded in response. Before she could react, he just as quickly broke off the kiss. He pulled away from her, appeared embarrassed, and had no idea what to do with his hands.
“I’m sorry; I’ve been a little--” Vaughn considered his mood and groaned softly, “--out of my mind lately.”
Casey fidgeted slightly. She knew it was time to admit what she couldn’t or wouldn’t admit before. “There may be a reason for that,” she said timidly and grimaced. “When we were drunk the other night, we sort of had sex in the kitchen.”
Vaughn stared at her and appeared unusually tense. “Oh--” he replied gently and fidgeted as well. “I, uh, didn’t think you remembered.”
Casey was surprised by his admission. “You knew?”
“It took most of the next day, but I eventually figured it out,” he replied then gave her a strange look. “If you knew, why didn’t you say something?”
“Like what? That you’d bent me over the counter and--”
“Okay,” he quickly interrupted with embarrassment. “I was a mutt in heat and hoped you wouldn’t remember. I didn’t want to make things worse between us.”
“You didn’t make things worse,” she assured him.
“I was drunk and aggressive,” he replied and again debated what to do with his hands. “There was potential for things to get really bad between us.”
“You may have been aggressive, but I wasn’t exactly protesting,” she informed him then grinned almost lustful. “You’re sort of missing the point.”
“What point?”
“You transformed a horrible memory into a wildly sexual one. I’m no longer haunted by my own kitchen.” She suddenly laughed. “Guess you should have thought of trying that when you had me locked in the back of your cruiser two years ago. We probably would have gotten along a lot better.” She suddenly hesitated then muttered, “Oh, God, I sound like my mother.”
He stared at her with a strange look on his face then snorted a laugh. His hands finally settled in his pockets, giving him an insecure look. “I’m pretty sure you would have killed me at the mere suggestion.”
Casey offered a tiny smile and shrugged. “I probably would have been more open to the offer than you think.”
Vaughn stared at her a moment in silence then suddenly groaned, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her passionately with some added aggression. Despite that he took her by surprise, Casey immediately returned the kiss this time, which quickly turned aggressive as they caressed and groped each other. There was no hesitation on either of their behalf, and it was quickly escalating. She held him back and broke off the kiss before things got out of hand. Casey remained in his arms, lustfully caressed his chest, and looked seductively into his eyes while grinning.
“There’s room for two in the jetted tub at my house.”
Vaughn suddenly groaned and failed at an attempt to hide his lustful grin. He was reluctant to release her as he held her close and firmly caressed her body.
“I’ll make an excuse to leave,” he said with a soft moan. “I can be there in an hour.”
Casey grinned and seductively raised her brows while caressing his shoulders. “Don’t be late, or I’ll start without you.”
Vaughn groaned again and kissed her wildly. His lust was rising fast, and his hands started traveling her body. Any moment, she was certain he’d start undressing her. Casey pulled away, smiled warmly, and held him back.
“One hour.”
She kissed him quickly on the lips then mounted her horse before he could react and rode away. Vaughn groaned while smiling lustfully, watched her ride across the fairgrounds, and collapsed against the barn. Everything finally seemed right in his world.
“Sheriff,” Ruger was heard from nearby.
Vaughn straightened and looked at the corner of the barn. Ruger casually approached with an emotionless expression. It was almost obvious he had witnessed some or most of what had just happened. Ruger was the dreaded fatherly figure, and his reaction could have a huge impact on their future. Vaughn appeared tense then resumed his authoritative demeanor.
“You just missed Casey,” Vaughn replied simply.
“Yes, so I see. I wanted to make sure she got off okay,” Ruger informed him then sneered, “but it sounds like you’re taking care of that later.”
Vaughn’s entire body stiffened, and he appeared instantly annoyed. “Nice of you to eavesdrop, Ruger,” he muttered lowly while hiding his displeasure to the comment.
“I think you should know; Casey’s only been with one other man,” Ruger boldly informed him. “She’s not the sort of woman who sleeps around.”
“Grey had mentioned her past relationship,” Vaughn replied and appeared uncomfortable with the subject.
“So you understand why I’m protective of her.”
Vaughn glared at him with arrogance. “She nearly died in my arms, so you’ll understand why I’m protective of her,” he informed Ruger and showed he wouldn’t be intimidated. “I fell in love with Casey the day I’d met her only to be devastated when I learned she was only fifteen. I’ve waited a longtime to be with her, and I finally have my one chance. Trust me; I’m not going to blow it, and I’m certainly not going to be intimidated from pursuing her either.”
Ruger appeared unimpressed with Vaughn’s candor. “Being like a father to her, I’d be very displeased if you did anything to hurt her. However--” Ruger’s look suddenly turned cold and harsh. “--as her former lover, I wouldn’t hesitate to break your neck without thinking twice.”
Vaughn stared at Ruger with a stunned look. “You?” he gasped. “I thought Diesel--?”
“Diesel? Seriously?” Ruger announced with a somewhat shocked expression. “She’d never go for his type. I’m surprised you’d think she would.” He shook his head while maintaining his serious look. “What happened between Casey and me was a mistake that ended over a year ago. That relationship was probably my biggest regret, and, believe me, I have quite a few.”
“Why would you regret it? You’re obviously very close,” Vaughn announced.
“Sleeping with your commander’s daughter is one of those lines you just don’t cross,” he informed him. “Our relationship was complex. She was filled with so much anger and rage, that I opted for the radical solution. I know it was wrong, but it was my last option to bring her back.” He took a deep breath and stared at Vaughn. “Our current relationship is as it should be.”
Mitchell was heard talking over Vaughn’s radio. “Sheriff, we have a situation at the rabbit building.”
Vaughn groaned, removed his radio, and responded, “What’s the situation?”
“Someone opened the pens,” came Mitchell’s reply. “We have rabbits everywhere.”
Vaughn groaned softly and appeared defeated. “Okay, I’m on my way,” he said into the radio then looked at Ruger with irritation. “You’ll be happy to know that I won’t be keeping my date with Casey. That should give you some added time to successfully turn her against me.”
Ruger shook his head with defeat. “You really haven’t been paying attention, Sheriff. I know how Casey feels about you even if she refused to admit it to even herself. Honestly, she could do a lot worse,” he informed him. He straightened proudly. “Diesel and I will take care of your bunny situation. You keep your date.”
Vaughn stared at him and appeared surprised. “Seriously?”
“I’m only concerned for her welfare,” Ruger replied. “I’d never stand in the way of her happiness. It’s in her best interest that you keep your date. Diesel and I can handle your bunny related emergency.”
†
White rabbits hopped around the fairgrounds just outside the rabbit building. They looked confused and uncertain what to do with their newly found freedom. Mitchell, two rental cops, and a couple of workers attempted to catch the rabbits, w
hich darted away every time they got close. Grey, Diesel, and Ruger appeared at the small animal barn and watched the others attempting to catch the remaining rabbits. It was almost hysterical to watch. Mitchell narrowly missed catching one of the rabbits, saw the three men while straightening, and appeared surprised.
“Where’s the sheriff?” Mitchell asked.
“He had an emergency call, so you’re stuck with us,” Ruger informed Mitchell.
“Huh? Well, if you’re here to help, start catching rabbits,” Mitchell informed them.
Diesel looked around with bewilderment then eyed the deputy. “Wouldn’t it be easier if you just used your gun?”
Mitchell glared at Diesel. Grey frowned, smacked Diesel on the arm, and pointed to the rabbits. Diesel rolled his eyes and pursued one of the white rabbits. The rabbit ran from him and led him in circles.
Mitchell removed his cell phone, placed a call, and spoke into the phone. “Hey, it’s me,” he announced. “The sheriff sent some additional help, so we have the situation here pretty much under control.” Mitchell was silent while listening to the person on the other end. “No, he was taking care of something else. If he needs backup, I’m sure he’ll call.”
Ruger overheard the conversation, glanced at Mitchell, and hid his humored smile.
†
Dina entered the police station bullpen. There were several temporary police officers milling about with drunken men in handcuffs, who were adamantly insisting they didn’t do anything wrong. Most of those being arrested were non-locals who indulged a little too much at the annual fair. It wasn’t uncommon, although it wasn’t something Dina had ever seen before. She immediately noticed her mother sitting alongside one of the desks with her hands cuffed behind her back. She looked disheveled, which was actually normal for her, but her worn, tired face was bruised and scratched. Dina stared at her profile a moment from a distance then uncertainly approached her and the arresting officer, who sat behind the desk and typed on the computer before him. She paused several feet before her mother and saw the scratches and bruises more clearly. Olivia looked oddly like roadkill. It was possibly the saddest moment Dina had ever had with her mother. Olivia looked at Dina in her usual drunken manner, but this time, she actually made eye contact.
“Are you okay?” Dina finally asked.
“I need five hundred dollars for bail,” Olivia remarked with little emotion. “If I don’t make bail, they’re going to make me spend the night in jail.”
Dina stared at her while searching for a response. “That’s it? You need money?” she suddenly asked. What should have been hurt was actually anger. “You haven’t spoken to me in almost ten years and when you finally do, it’s to ask me for money? Is that why you called?”
“I didn’t call you,” Olivia scoffed and attempted to hold up her head, although it was obvious she would soon pass out. “Do you have the money?
Dina shook her head with disbelief. “No, I’m not posting your bail. I don’t even know you.”
“I’m your mother,” she snorted with hostility.
Dina stared at her and looked stunned by the comment. “No,” she replied and vigorously shook her head. “The only mother I knew died two years ago. Spend the night in jail. I’m sure you’ll find it more comfortable than your usual corner table at the tavern.”
Dina stormed from the bullpen leaving Olivia staring after her with her mouth hanging open. Dina hurried out of the police station and paused just on the quiet sidewalk. She allowed her head to fall into her hand. She lifted her head, took a deep breath, and fumbled with Grey’s car keys. She was about to approach Grey’s jeep when she suddenly stopped and looked back at the police station with a bewildered expression. She removed her cell phone and pressed a button while heading for Grey’s jeep.
†
The fair was winding down by the time the rabbits were caught and returned to their cages. Grey, Ruger, and Diesel walked across the nearly deserted fairgrounds toward the parking lot. There were still some visitors playing last minute games, although most of the food stands were already closed. Many vendors were getting ready to enjoy a night on the town, which consisted of the tavern or the bowling alley. Ruger’s cell phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, appeared puzzled, and answered the phone.
“Hello?”
Ruger suddenly stopped and listened to the mysterious caller on the other end. “Who is--?” He pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it with a puzzled look. The caller had apparently hung up. He hurried Grey and Diesel toward the parking lot. “That was an anonymous call. Someone broke into the store.”
Grey removed his cell phone as he followed them and pressed several buttons. “I’ll call Sheriff Holt.”
“I’ll call Casey,” Ruger quickly announced then looked at Grey as they continued toward the parking lot. “Tell the sheriff to stay with her.”
Grey appeared bewildered by the comment. Ruger pressed a button on his cell phone as they hurried across the parking lot.
“Damn it, it went to voicemail,” Ruger announced then spoke into the phone. “Casey, we have a situation. Stay alert.”
All three hurried through the parking lot and toward their car. Grey appeared frustrated while on his cell phone and disconnected the call.
“I got the sheriff’s voicemail too,” Grey announced.
“Someone needs to go to the house and make sure Casey’s okay,” Ruger said.
Grey looked around the parking lot. There was a long run-in shed with saddled horses tied to a hitching post. “I’ll borrow my friend’s horse,” he informed them. “I can ride through the woods and be there in ten minutes.”
Ruger nodded. Grey hurried for the shelter with the tied horses. Ruger and Diesel jumped into his car and drove away. Grey untied one of the horses, backed it out of the shed, and placed the reins around its neck. He touched the horse’s face and pointed a warning finger at it.
“This is important,” Grey sternly informed the horse. “I don’t like riding at night, so I want you to be on your best behavior, got it?”
The horse appeared disinterested.
“As long as we’ve got that straight,” Grey muttered and clumsily mounted the horse. He sent the horse into a trot across the fairgrounds, and, despite his anxiety, he appeared to ride rather well.
Chapter Twenty-eight
Sheriff Holt drove along the dark back road to the Remington farm in his police blazer. He glanced at himself in the rearview mirror several times and attempted to fix his hair while driving. He casually placed both hands on the steering wheel and smiled dreamily to himself. He could barely contain his smile and shook his head while sighing. Life was finally as it should be--with Casey by his side. He hummed the wedding march then appeared embarrassed and shook his head.
“Getting a little ahead of yourself, Vaughn,” he muttered softly. His grin again returned. “Ah, who cares.”
A car’s headlights were seen in the rearview mirror behind him. The headlights flashed. Vaughn studied the car behind him and appeared curious. Perhaps it was a drunk driver. Who the hell would flash a police blazer? The car sped up and rode up the back of the police blazer. Vaughn looked in both mirrors and appeared to contemplate his next move. The car suddenly picked up speed and started to pass him. He glanced in the side mirror. It was Casey’s black Camaro. He smiled and laughed while shaking his head.
“She’s going to be the death of me,” he teased but maintained his grin.
Vaughn slowed to allow her to drive alongside him, but she didn’t pass only kept pace with his blazer by the back quarter panel. Vaughn appeared concerned and looked at the curve coming up ahead. Now she was just being plain dangerous. Giving her a ticket for reckless endangerment would certainly put a damper on their romantic evening. Her car didn’t back off. Vaughn looked back several times.
“What the hell are you doing?” he firmly demanded aloud to himself.
The car suddenly revved and rammed into his back quarter panel as
they neared the curve. Vaughn attempted to control his blazer but there was a tree just up ahead. He slammed on his brakes, but it was too late. The blazer struck the tree head on. Vaughn was thrown forward as the airbag deployed and then his head hit the side window. Casey’s car sped past and continued through the curve and out of sight. The sheriff’s police blazer was partially in the woods with the front end smashed against a tree. The entire back driver’s side panel was smashed in as well. All the lights remained on outside the vehicle. The driver’s side window was cracked with blood smears. Within the blazer, Vaughn was slumped back against the seat with blood running down the side of his left temple as the air bag hung shriveled from the steering wheel.
†
The Remington farmhouse was well-lit with the outside barn light and the porch light on. Several lights were on within the house both upstairs and downstairs. Storm grazed in the pasture among the mares. His head suddenly lifted and he appeared to be watching someone or something. The horse suddenly snorted and galloped across the pasture for the gate near the barn. Storm appeared alert, snorted several times, and then pinned his ears back and reared up with aggression. He ran along the fence as someone moved through the shadows toward the house. Through the outside window of the house, Casey was seen walking across the kitchen with her shirt open, revealing her black, sexy undergarments. She poured two glasses of wine then looked at her vibrating cell phone. She glanced at the caller ID, picked up the phone, and put it on silent mode without answering it. She left both glasses of wine on the counter and headed up the back kitchen stairs. The intruder moved away from the window and walked onto the porch. A black, gloved hand turned the doorknob and slowly opened the door. The intruder entered the kitchen and silently headed for the backstairs.
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