The Cowboy and the Cop

by Christine Wenger

  Neither of them was like their father, and they both had to bear the emotional scars.

  “You know, Luke. I was just thinking... My brothers are pretty good with a hammer. Maybe they can help you rebuild.”

  It was just on Luke’s lips that charity begins at home, but he had no right to say such a thing. Then it dawned on him that it would bring him closer to Amber, and he liked that idea. Then again, he hated to ask for help.

  “Thanks. But I don’t want to bother them. They probably have better things to do.”

  “That’s what we do here in Beaumont,” she said. “We help our neighbors.”

  “I can pay as long as our money lasts and my brothers keep winning.”

  She turned off her car. “That’s not what I meant.”

  “I know, but I think that a guy should be paid for his labor.”

  “And I think that neighbors should help neighbors. You can provide the food and drink.”

  He nodded as he waited for Amber to lead the way up the rotted stairs to the front door of her father’s house.

  She pointed. “Watch this rotted lumber.” She stepped over the offensive boards.

  “Got it.”

  On the front porch, she knocked on the door then walked in. “I brought us some company.”

  “Why, Luke Beaumont.” Marv Chapman pulled him into what Luke assumed was the family room. “Welcome.”

  He shook his hand. “Thanks, Mr. Chapman.”

  Amber gave her father a hug. “I brought Luke with me. He just got the ranch back at auction, and he’s going to be hanging around town for a while fixing it up.”

  “Great to see you, Luke. Sorry about your ranch,” Marv said. “Me and the boys hung up some plywood on your windows. Hope it did some good.”

  “I have you to thank?” he asked. “I really appreciate it.”

  “You have Amber to thank. She nagged us until we did it.”

  He looked over at Amber. She was shifting on her feet and looking uncomfortable.

  He had her to thank for a lot of things. If she hadn’t come to the autographing, the developers from Texas would be the new owners of the Beaumont Ranch.

  There was so much more to her than the girl he once knew, and he’d like to get to know her better. He already knew that she had principles and loved Beaumont, and followed bull riding. They had that in common.

  “Sit down, Luke. Sit down.” Amber pointed to a chair.

  He had to step around a motor hanging from a rack. After he sat, he saw hundreds of wooden crates containing canning jars in various sizes.

  Amber must have noticed his surprise. “They’re not moonshining anymore,” Amber said again, apparently feeling the need to explain. “So, then, Dad, what the hell are all those jars doing here?”

  “Storage. I’m simply storing them for now.”

  “I swear, Dad. If you are moonshining, I will—”

  “Amber, stop. Will you quit being a cop for a while and just enjoy the evening with your family and Luke?”

  “I can’t. I know my family and what they’re capable of. That’s why Mom isn’t here. Don’t you get that?”

  Marv Chapman swore under his breath and disappeared into the kitchen.

  “Sorry, Luke. It’s just our usual disagreement that we have to go through. I accuse and Dad denies. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

  “I’m fine. Matter of fact, when we visit my father later, I’ll bet that our disagreement will make yours seem like a little speed bump.”

  Her father returned with a six-pack of beer. “I also have soda,” Marv said. “But the beer is nice and cold. Luke?”

  “A beer sounds good to me.”

  Luke popped the top and just about drained the can. It was cold and refreshing, and he didn’t realize how thirsty he was.

  There was a commotion on the porch and Amber’s three brothers came crashing in. Luke remembered the ribbing they’d given him in high school. They’d continually called him the “Prince of Beaumont” and “Your Majesty.” There was more, but he didn’t want to go there. He remembered Amber telling them to be quiet, and she tried to move them along, but they’d pulled out of her grasp and shushed her as if she were a bothersome fly.

  Maybe the Chapman Clowns—what he’d immaturely used to call them—had grown up.

  The Chapman brothers each carried takeout bags. “Well, if it isn’t Luke, Prince of Beaumont,” said Ronnie.

  Some things never change.

  Mr. Chapman gestured with his hand. “You know my boys, Aaron, Ronnie and Kyle?”

  Luke nodded. “Sure I do.”

  There were handshakes all around—strong, manly, hand-pumping handshakes.

  Luke couldn’t figure out if it was a show of strength or if they were actually glad to see him.

  He’d never hung around with the Chapman brothers in school, all three were younger than he was, but he knew their reputation throughout the years. He remembered that Big Dan had hired them to work as barn hands, stating that they needed legitimate jobs. But when they’d learned they could make more money selling hooch than shoveling manure, they’d quickly quit.

  “How ya doing, Your Majesty?” Kyle asked.

  Aaron was not to be outdone. “We are your three humble subjects, Majesty.”

  Ugh!

  “How’ve you all been?” he asked. “It’s been a while.”

  “You’re the one who has been shaking up the PBR. You’re riding hot.” Ronnie pumped his fist.

  Kyle nodded. “My money’s riding on you to win the PBR World Finals in Vegas.”

  “Well, then, for your sake, I’d better win.” He made eye contact with Amber. “Besides, I need some money to fix up the ranch.”

  “You sure do, cowboy,” Amber said.

  Amber was setting the table and when that was done, she helped her brothers unpack the bags of food. The scent of hickory wafted around the kitchen and made Luke’s mouth water.

  “Let our guests help themselves first,” Marv Chapman said. “So, you big galoots, that means Luke and Amber.”

  Ronnie laughed. “Amber’s not a guest, she’s my sister.” He stabbed a pork rib with a fork and was just about to put it on his plate when Amber snatched it off.

  “Nice one, sis!” Kyle said.

  “Nice one, Amber,” Luke echoed. “Quick reflexes. You’d make a good bull rider.”

  “No thanks. I have enough excitement being a cop.”

  “And I’ll bet you’re a good one,” Luke said.

  Amber turned to her father. “If I were a good cop, I’d find out how you guys are making a living. You all swear that you’re not moonshining and that the junk business isn’t what it used to be, so how are you earning a living, or shouldn’t I ask?”

  Luke noticed that neither her brothers nor her father would make eye contact with Amber. They had to be up to something. He’d bet his last dollar they were still moonshining. Or maybe he was being too judgmental and just assumed that they’d never stopped, and Amber was falling for their lies, but maybe he wasn’t giving her enough credit. She was one sharp woman.

  “Okay, let’s change the subject,” Amber’s father said. “Luke, what are your plans in rehabbing the ranch? It needs a lot of rehab.”

  “Yeah. A lot of rehab,” said Ronnie.

  Kyle laughed. “Rehab the ranch and rehab Big Dan.”

  “Knock it off!” Amber looked up at Luke from her place across the table. “I apologize for my family’s lack of manners.”

  He shrugged. Luke made a split decision not to let any of the Chapmans get to him with their kidding—and they were notorious for kidding. Although sometimes it had bothered him, now wasn’t one of those times.

  Maybe it was because Amber was sitting across t
he table looking at him with concerned green eyes. Besides, she’d already stuck up for him a couple of times.

  Or maybe it was simply the Smokin’ Sammy’s that put him in a good mood, and Amber’s defense of him put him in an even better mood.

  “In answer to your question, the place needs a lot of fixing. And since you gentlemen—” he looked pointedly at Amber’s three brothers “—apparently have nothing to do, I could use your help. It’ll be a paid gig for as long as our money holds out—my brothers’ and mine.”

  “We’re kinda busy, Luke,” Aaron said.

  “Okay. My mistake.”

  “It’s my mistake, too, brothers dearest,” Amber said sarcastically. “For I can’t imagine what on earth you could be doing, legally that is.”

  “It all comes back to that, doesn’t it, little sis?” Ronnie asked.

  Kyle shrugged. “Are the Chapman brothers on the right or the wrong side of the law?”

  “Knock it off. You three are giving me indigestion,” Marv said. “You all know I promised Amber that we are going strictly legit until further notice. Maybe forever.”

  “Forever?” Kyle asked, pretending to clutch his heart.

  “What do we live on?” asked Ronnie.

  “And that brings us full circle,” Amber said. “You know, maybe you could clean out this pigsty. It’s a cross between a car repair shop and a bottle return.”

  “But for once, I’ll bet our house is better looking than Luke’s,” her father said.

  “The county landfill looks better than the Beaumont homestead,” Luke said, helping himself to more ribs. “It’s going to take a lot of hard work, but I’m up for it.”

  “That’s the spirit, Luke,” Marv said. “And the three of us are going help you. Starting tomorrow. Our business can wait.”

  “Make it the four of us,” Amber said. “I have the day off.”

  “I’ll put the word out. We’ll get some neighbors, too,” Marv said.

  “Thanks. I appreciate it,” Luke said. “I’ll get supplies first thing in the morning.”

  “Go tonight. The lumberyard is open until nine o’clock. It’s only seven now,” said Marv.

  “I wanted to see my father tonight. Remember? He’s the one in rehab?”

  “Whenever you’re ready, I’ll drive you,” Amber said. “The boys can clean up.”

  Funny how he’d rather stay and talk to the Chapmans than have to tell his father that he was no longer the owner of the Beaumont Ranch.

  “I’m ready now,” Luke said.

  Amber stood, as did Luke. He shook hands. “See you tomorrow, then. Thanks for the grub. I was dreaming of Smokin’ Sammy’s.”

  “Oh, and, Ronnie, how about fixing Luke’s truck? We did all we could. Your expertise is needed.”

  Ronnie blew on his nails and buffed them on his shirt. “My expertise, sis?”

  “Don’t let it go to your head,” she joked.

  Amber opened the door and Luke held it for her to pass through.

  They walked onto the porch. “Let’s get this over with,” Luke mumbled. “I’m dreading it, but I’d like the company.” And he did want her company. There was something about Amber that calmed him and had him confiding in her.

  “I’ll wait in the lobby of the place until you’re done visiting. I’m probably the last person on earth that Big Dan wants to see.”

  Luke chuckled. “Not after he hears what I have to say.”

  Chapter Six

  The Beaumont County Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Facility was a sprawling brick-and-wood building that sat on a hill on the northern corner of town. It was surrounded by rolling fields of green grass, and everyone joked that it would make a good clubhouse and golf course.

  It was ironic to Luke that the rehab facility was on land donated by his grandfather, whose namesake was residing there.

  Grandpa Beaumont would be ticked.

  At least he wasn’t sitting in the opposite corner of the town in the Beaumont County Correctional Facility.

  Although that was still a possibility if Big Dan didn’t do what he should.

  They approached the reception desk on the right of the lobby.

  “I’m here to see—” Luke began.

  “Mr. Daniel Beaumont,” said the cute receptionist with rosy red cheeks and the same hair color.

  “And I’m—”

  “Luke Beaumont, his son, and bull riding star.” She giggled. “Can I have your autograph?” She held out a black felt-tip pen and rolled up her sleeve.

  Amber rolled her eyes. “Patricia O’Prell, don’t you have paper, for heaven’s sake? It’s an autograph, not a tattoo.”

  “Yes, Sergeant Chapman,” said Patty in a singsong voice as she pulled out some paper.

  Luke spoke as he wrote. “To Patty—is that with a ‘y’?” Just as he asked, he saw her nameplate. “To Patty with a Y. Thanks for being a fan of the PBR. Best wishes, Luke Beaumont.”

  “Thanks, Luke! Are you going to win the Finals in Vegas?”

  “You betcha! Now, Patty, how do I find my father?”

  She clicked her computer keys and pointed. “Down that hall in the community room. Sign the visitor’s book, Luke. You, too, Sergeant.”

  “I’m just going to hang around the lobby,” Amber said.

  “Please come with me.” Luke took her hand and she looked shocked. He dropped it. Maybe she just wasn’t ready for handholding, but he sure as hell wanted her touch. And it shocked him how much he was relying on Amber. “I would like you to come. You have nothing to hide. You were doing your job, and Big Dan would have probably been in prison if you hadn’t intervened.”

  “Okay. But he’s only one of many that I placed in here. I don’t think that any of them want to see me.”

  Luke chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”

  * * *

  “SSIGN THE VISITOR’S BOOK, Sergeant Chapman,” Patty said again as she held out a pen, and Amber signed.

  “Nice.” She tacked Luke’s autograph to the bulletin board on the wall behind her. “Good luck, Luke.” She stood and blew him a kiss.

  Amber’s eyes grew round. “Patricia O’Prell!”

  “Well, he’s not married yet. Besides, everyone’s a fan of the Beaumont Big Guns, and Luke is the best of the Beaumonts.”

  Amber swallowed hard. “Yes. He’s a good bull rider.”

  Luke continued to walk but turned his head and said, “Only good?”

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake!” Amber sputtered.

  “You’re totally wonderful, Luke!” Patty yelled.

  This time Amber turned back and raised her eyebrows. She wanted this young woman to quit flirting with her...with her...

  Darn. She wasn’t exactly sure what exactly Luke was to her. An old schoolmate? A crush that she couldn’t shake?

  Patty tossed her hair. “I’m so sorry, Sergeant Chapman. I didn’t know that you and Luke are dating, that you’re a couple.”

  Amber swallowed. “We are not a couple.”

  “Oh, then you’re just dating—”

  Sergeant Chapman took Luke’s hand and led him down the hallway. “I know where to find Big Dan. I’ve been here a million times.”

  “Oh, I thought you were just pulling me toward a dark, quiet corner.”

  Amber’s face heated. If he only knew how many times she’d dreamed of being with Luke Beaumont in a dark, quiet corner and what they would do together.

  But now was not the time.

  He’d be touring again soon, and she expected to be transferred out of town when she joined the state police. They didn’t have a future together. They never had one.

  But she could dream.

  Amber reminded herself that she’d brought L
uke back to Beaumont to get him to fix up his ranch and put some unemployed citizens who were in dire straits back to work.

  She hadn’t brought him back to date her.

  What about a fling?

  No way. She wasn’t the type to fling and flee. Just sex seemed so impersonal. When she fell for someone, it meant so much more. It also hurt a lot more when a breakup was inevitable.

  If she was the fling and flee type, she’d have a fling with Luke Beaumont and once and for all get him out of her system.

  * * *

  LUKE’S CELL PHONE RANG.

  He had to drop Amber’s hand. He didn’t want to, because it felt good, and for once she didn’t pull away. Maybe he was making progress in getting Amber’s attention.

  “Sorry. I have to take this call. It’s my brother, Jesse. I hope nothing’s wrong.”

  He checked his watch, but it didn’t do him any good. He never could remember how many hours, if any, Tucson was behind Oklahoma.

  He slid the screen and hit the green button. “What’s up, Jesse?”

  Amber was walking, and Luke fell into place beside her.

  “Hey, Luke,” Jesse said. “Reed won the afternoon event. He even rode the bounty bull, Big Bad Leroy, for ninety-two points. Reed’s still negotiating the payout.”

  “What do you mean?” Luke asked. As far as he always knew, the bounty grew in five-thousand-dollar increments whenever the bounty bull wasn’t ridden. When someone finally rode that bull, it was winner-takes-all. “What’s the total payout?”

  “Thirty-five thousand.”

  Luke whistled. “Did he win the round, too?”

  “You know it!”

  “But...” Jesse paused. “Reed’s negotiating the payout in cattle instead of cash from a couple of the stock contractors here.” Jesse chuckled. “Plus, he’s going to have them shipped to our ranch and wants some breeding stock.”

  “Reed could talk the ears off an elephant,” Luke said. “I’d give him whatever he wanted just to shut him up.”

  “After a couple more cold ones, it looks like that’s just what those boys are going to do—give Reed what he wants.”

  Luke smiled. “So there are going to be cattle grazing again at the Beaumont Ranch.”