"Rose? It's the sheriff," he called, knocking loudly. "I need to speak with you."
Only a moment passed before he saw the handle move down, and as the door cracked open Rose peeked at him through the narrow space.
"Sheriff?"
Staring into her mesmerizing green eyes, he felt the odd scintillating sensation ripple through his body. It wasn't easy, but doing his best to ignore it he summoned a stern expression.
"Mrs. Elwood tells me you're fixin' to get dressed."
"I am. I'm going to go—"
"Back to bed!" he said sternly, cutting her off. "That's where you're goin' young lady, and right now!"
"That's silly. I was a little tired when I first woke up, but now I feel awfully good."
"Are you gonna do as you're told?"
"If I don't will you spank me?"
Cooper couldn't believe his ears, but he recovered quickly, and narrowing his eyes he leaned forward.
"I just might. You'd best not be sassin' me."
"I, uh…"
"I don't see you movin". Get on back to that bed."
"I, uh…"
"I heard that the first time. Let me make this real clear. I'm gonna count to five then I'm comin' in, and if you're not under those covers I'll put you over my knee, pull down your drawers, and spank you hard! If you're well enough to get up, you're well enough to feel my hot hand on your bare backside."
The threat had spilled out of his lips before the thought had barely crossed his mind, but when he saw the bright red blush cross her face he was glad he'd made it.
"I'm already h-half-dressed," she stammered. "I'm not sure I—"
"Then you'd better get un-dressed right quick. One—"
"Heavens!"
She'd gasped the word as she quickly disappeared from view, but he continued counting, and pushing open the door when he reached the number five, he found her scrambling between the sheets.
"Just as well," he said sternly, moving a chair from against the wall and taking it to her bedside. "You wanna tell me what you were thinkin'?"
"Like I said, I feel fine."
"The doc says two days, and that's what's it's gonna be."
"I didn't know it was against the law for someone to get dressed and go for a walk."
"What if you passed out in the middle of the street?"
"It wouldn't be the first time," she mumbled under her breath.
"Say, what?"
"Nothing, nothing," she said hastily, adding, "Has anyone told you you're a bully?"
"There's a difference between bein' a bully and takin' charge, and in this case, young lady, takin' charge is needed."
"You don't care that I just called you a bully?"
"Nope, cos you didn't mean it. Deep down you know I'm only bein' this way cos it's for your own good, and you are gonna get those smacks on your butt just as soon as you're feelin' better."
Violet felt the unfortunate blush revisit her neck and across her face. She'd been keeping it together, which hadn't been easy after his threat to spank her bare bottom, but now the butterflies had suddenly exploded and she couldn't find her voice.
"Nothin' to say? You don't wanna know why?"
She did want to know, she desperately did, but all she could manage was a nod.
"Like I said, it's fine if you don't wanna tell me somethin', but then you say, I don't wanna talk about that. Remember?"
"Uh…"
"You muttered somethin' under your breath, and when I asked you about it you accused me of bein' a bully. You did that so you wouldn't have to answer me. Am I right? Be careful what you say next."
"Guilty," she mumbled, lowering her eyes.
"It's a habit, and I'm guessin' it's one that's worked for a long time on most everyone, but you'd best remember it won't with me. Are we clear?"
"Yes, Sheriff, and I'm going to talk about something else now."
"Go right ahead."
"It's not fair."
"What's that?"
"Being cooped up in here when I could be outside enjoying my—enjoying this lovely day."
"What were you gonna say? Enjoyin' your what?"
"My new town," she said quickly, "but I don't know how long I'll be here so I don't want to call it that yet."
"That's not what I heard."
"What do you mean?"
"I heard, when I could be outside enjoyin' my freedom."
"If that's what you heard, then there's something wrong with your ears."
He studied her for a moment, then rising to his feet he started across the room.
"Are you leaving?"
"Nope, just closin' the door."
"You're closing the door and it's just the two of us in here?"
"You worried, Rose?"
"Um, no, but Ruby might not like it."
"I'm doin' it for you."
"For me?"
"Yep," he replied ambling back to her. "We need to have a chat, and you'll feel better if we have privacy."
She was sure he'd closed the door because he was going to pull the covers, roll her over and swat her backside, and though she was relieved, she couldn't deny her relief was tinged with disappointed.
"There's something wrong with me," she said with a heavy sigh, wondering why she wanted the sheriff's hot hand slapping her backside.
"Of course there is. You're tuckered out and starvin', or are you talkin' about somethin' else?"
"Um, something else, but it's too personal to tell you."
"And that's just fine, Rose. You see how easy that was?"
"Uh-huh."
"Now you need to listen. Can you do that for me?"
"Uh-huh."
"I don't know what you're runnin' from, but I'm pretty sure that's why you're here," he said solemnly, leaning forward and locking her eyes, "I think you're in some kinda trouble and I wanna help, but the only way I can is if you're willin' to trust me."
His declaration had been earnest and sincere, and a hot lump suddenly sprang up at the back of her throat. To have someone on her side, someone strong like him, would be a dream come true, but how could she confess all the things she'd done. He was the sheriff.
Cooper was watching her closely, and his instinct was telling him there was nothing she wanted more than to confide in him, but she was scared.
"If you've done somethin' you think you can't tell me cos I'm a lawman, like I said before, there are people in this town who thought that too. They were wanted, some for real bad things, but I let them stay and gave them a second chance. I told you, someone did that for me once, and now I'm doin' it for others. Brownsville is far enough off the beaten track folks can feel okay about startin' over, and they know their secrets are safe with me, unless they mess up, then they'll be in real big trouble."
"So, um, if I told you certain things, you wouldn't ever tell anyone?"
"If that's how you want it, not a soul."
"I don't understand. Isn't your job to catch bad people?"
"I think I just explained that, and I may not know you real well, but I don't think you're bad, Rose."
"It's just hard to believe."
"I'm bein' straight with you, but if you're not ready to trust me, that's okay."
A single droplet spilled from her left eye and slipped down her left cheek. He felt his heart break. She'd been trying to keep her emotions in check, but a rogue tear had escaped.
"Rose, please let me help you."
"I want to," she sniffled, "but I'm scared."
"Of course you are, but I won't betray you, I swear. We'll find a way through whatever it is together."
"We will? Even if there are other lawmen after me? I'm not saying there are, I'm just saying, if."
"We will, I promise. Did you kill someone, Rose?"
"Kill someone? Heavens above! NO! I could never kill someone. I've wanted to, one person in particular, but I couldn't possibly do that."
"Accidents happen, there's self-defense, certain situations—"
; "I haven't, I swear it," she said vehemently, "and I haven't physically hurt anyone—um, that's not strictly true. I did once."
"Are you gonna let me help you?"
"You have to let me call you Cooper."
"Is that the deal?"
"That's the deal."
"All right, Rose, you can call me Cooper."
"Cooper, I know this might not be proper," she mumbled as the flood gates opened and the tears sprang from her eyes, "but do you think you could give me a hug?"
"Of course," he said softly, thinking there was nothing in the world he'd rather do, and sitting on the edge of the bed, he took her into his arms. As she quietly sobbed against his chest, he closed his eyes, relishing the feel of her and inhaling her sweet fragrance. "You're not alone anymore. I'm here now. I'm gonna take care of things."
The words washed over her like a warm spring shower. It was too good to be true. Surely it was just a beautiful dream, but as he stroked her hair and repeated his promise, she knew it was real.
He wasn't sure how long he held her, but he'd never been filled with such a stirring need to protect someone. Regardless of what she'd done, or who she'd wronged, he was determined to make things right. When her sobs began to subside and she slowly pulled back, he placed his hand under her chin and tilted up her head. Their eyes met, and Cooper knew there was nothing in the world that could stop his kiss. As he leaned in and softly brushed her lips with his, a flame of hot desire fired through his body. Her arms lifted and circled his neck, his fingers found their way into her hair, and their mouths glided together.
As they breathlessly broke apart, he gazed down at her, and filled with an unfamiliar aching need, he suddenly understood what it meant to want a woman, to want her body and soul.
"Rose Hamilton," he murmured, "you are a treasure."
"Cooper," she whispered, "it's Violet. Violet Parker."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sitting in front of Frank Connelly's desk waiting for his boss, Sergeant Doyle was even more worried than he had been as he'd tossed and turned through the night. That morning his wife had pecked him on the cheek and wished him safe travels, but her silence about the reason for his journey was louder than anything she could have said. It meant she was trusting him to do the right thing. Violet was to be left wherever he might find her, assuming he was able to track her down.
"Patrick!" Frank declared as he marched into his office. "You all set?"
"Yep, but it's a different coach driver."
"Damnation. Never mind. You'll find the same people at the stops. What about that clerk? Was he there this morning?"
"No sign of him."
"Leave me his address. I think I'll pay him a visit myself."
"Got a pen and paper?"
"Here, and add the directions."
"It's not hard to find," Patrick said as he scribbled the information. "It's a nice little house in a quiet neighborhood."
"Now listen up," Frank said gravely. "You must remember that girl is as slippery as an eel. If you find the town she's in, and she gets wind there's a lawman looking for her, she'll vanish like a puff of smoke. You can't let anyone know who you are. Be careful how you ask around. I know she's only been gone a short time, but that girl makes friends easy. People like her, they instinctively want to cover for her. You can't let that happen."
"Right," Patrick lied, thinking that might be the answer. If he wasn't careful she'd disappear again, and he could honestly say he'd had no luck.
"What's goin' on, Patrick?" Connelly asked, sensing the sergeant's reticence. "You don't seem too happy about this."
"My wife. She doesn't like it when I'm away."
"Then find that green-eyed witch and get her back here."
"Right," Patrick said again, and rising to his feet he picked up his bag and started out the door.
"One more thing," Frank called after him.
"Yeah?"
"Wife or no wife, I don't care how long it takes, don't come back without her."
Frank watched Patrick walk solemnly out the door, then opening his top drawer he pulled out a package of cigarette papers and a tin of tobacco. Laying the thin tissue on his desk, he expertly filled it and rolled it tightly closed. Smoking helped him relax, and it also helped him to think. As much as he trusted Patrick Doyle, he was worried the sergeant would let Violet Parker slip away. Was it possible she had won him over during their short interlude in the alley?
"That girls a witch," he grunted. "She casts a spell on everyone who crosses her path."
Lighting up his cigarette, Frank took a long drag and blew out the smoke. He'd wanted to go after her himself but his Captain didn't care about a woman who was petty thief and swindler. If she was gone, so much the better, but Frank wanted her back, and come what may, he was going to make it happen.
CHAPTER SEVEN
As much as Cooper wanted to peel back the bedcovers, slowly remove Violet's nightdress and devour her body, he had to release her and sit back in his chair. There could be no more than the kiss. She had to fully recover, but even if she wasn't sick it wouldn't be right. Their attraction may be as blazing hot as the sun in the middle of summer, but they'd just met, and there was Mrs. Elwood to consider. Doing his best to ignore his raging erection, he held her for just a moment longer then slowly let his arms fall away.
"It's nice to meet you, Violet Parker."
"You too, Cooper Dalton. Um, I'm feeling a bit funny."
"You know what? I am too," he said with a grin as he sat back.
"Why am I suddenly tired again?"
"You just took a risk and let out a whole lotta relief. That's gonna take it outta you"
"There's so much more I have to tell you" she murmured, a frown crinkling her forehead. "So much…"
"Don't you fret. Take it one step at a time. Right now you get some rest. You're gonna be stuck in this bed for the next little while and we'll have plenty of time to talk about things."
"Cooper, there's something important you need to know before you leave. There's a man after me. He's a beast. I don't think he'll be able to track me down, but if anyone new arrives in town and asks about me please don't tell them I'm here."
"I'll make sure of it. Who is this fella?"
"Detective Frank Connelly. I did break the law. I'm sorry, I did, but it wasn't for me. It was at first, but—"
"I figured as much, and that's enough for now," he said, cutting her off. "You need to get some rest, and I've got a feelin' once you start tellin' your story it's gonna take a while."
"He can't find me," she said urgently. "You won't be able to stop him dragging me away from here."
"Don't you worry about that! No-one's gonna be draggin' you anywhere," he said firmly. "I'm always at the depot when the stagecoach rolls in so I'll know if any strangers show up. What does this fella look like?"
"Tall and lanky, but he's got a pot belly and a big mustache."
"He'll be easy to spot," Cooper declared, rising to his feet. "You do as you're told and rest now. I have to ride out and see about some possible rustlers. I'll stop in if I don't get back too late."
"Cooper?"
"Yeah, Violet?"
"Thank you. Thank you for everything. You have no idea…" she murmured, her voice trailing off as a fresh wave of emotion swept through her heart.
"Hey, it's okay," he said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed and taking her hand. "Like I said, you're not alone any more."
"It's just so hard to believe."
"Believe it. The Good Lord saw fit to have us meet up, and we may just be gettin' to know each other, but there's a feelin' between us, somethin' special. I'm not gonna let that slip away. You understand what I'm sayin'?"
"Yes, yes, I do. It's like magic."
"I don't know what you've been through, but I know it's left you wrung out. Now it's time for you to take a deep breath and recover. You don't need to fret. Those days are over. You relax, get some sleep, and I'll see you later today or tomorrow
mornin'."
As she let out a heavy sigh, Cooper leaned forward, kissed her forehead, then slowly walked across to the door, but paused to send her a wave before disappearing into the hall.
Violet was tired and longed to fall back asleep, but there was an urgent need between her legs, and slipping her fingers inside her drawers she sought out her small sensitive nub. Urgently rubbing, she imagined Cooper completely naked, not just his torso. He peeled off her clothes, then laying her on the bed he stretched out next to her, whispering her name as he wrapped her up in his strong, muscled arms.
Her orgasm was building, and she was picturing him sucking her nipples, but the image suddenly changed. She was over his knee, and he was landing hot slaps on her bare bottom. The powerful climax abruptly seized her, and she stifled her cries as the convulsions shuddered through her body. Moments later, limp and drained she began to drift off, pretending she was resting her head in the crook of his shoulder.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Cooper found Ruby in her kitchen, and as he walked in, she stopped chopping her vegetables and looked up at him expectantly.
"How is she? Will she stay in bed?"
"She will. We had a long chat."
"I was starting to get worried, but I figured you had things under control."
"She won't be givin' you any more trouble."
"That poor girl can give me as much trouble as she wants. There's something about her. I can't put my finger on it Sheriff, but I hope she stays. I want to know her better."
"I feel the same," he said with a soft smile. "I'd best be on my way. I'll see you later."
"Bye, Sheriff, and I'm really happy you two have hit it off."
She had a twinkle in her eye, and not knowing how to respond he turned and hurried away. Stepping outside he breathed in the fresh air. His head was swimming. His attraction to Violet was almost overwhelming, and willing his erection to recede he strode up the block. As he turned the corner and started down Main Street he was grateful everything was calm, but that was normal. Calm and normal was what he needed. Deciding to stop at Al's Mercantile to alert him there may be unwanted strangers asking questions, he was about to cross the street when he heard Charlie calling. Looking towards his office he spied the young man waving as he jogged towards him.
SHERIFF: His Town. His Laws. His Justice. Page 6