"Sure is. Go ahead. I'll get your horse some water."
"Much obliged."
Striding up to the front door he banged the iron ring on its metal plate. It was quickly answered by Millicent, Zeke's wife. She always had a smile on her face, which Cooper found surprising considering she had four sons and a husband to take care of. He couldn't begin to imagine the work involved.
"Sheriff! Come on in. It's good to see you. Can I get you some coffee?"
"That'd be welcome. Thanks, Mrs. Johnson."
"ZEKE! IT'S THE SHERIFF!" she called, and receiving no response she shook her head and tutted. "It's this house. It's too big. He must be in our bedroom. I'll go and fetch him. Come through to the living room. I suppose you want to see your fellow lawman."
"Uh, yeah, since I'm here," Cooper replied, feeling his pulse tick up.
"Interesting fellow," she continued. "A bit citified for me, but Zeke seems to like him."
"Is he in the house?"
"Detective Connelly? No, he left a little while ago. Said he had a sergeant in town he needed to visit with."
"Sergeant Doyle?"
"That's him. Sergeant Doyle. I guess he's staying in town to search out that woman. Nasty business."
"I'm surprised he told you about it," Cooper remarked, hoping she'd continue talking. "Things like that are usually kept quiet."
"He told Zeke and Zeke told me. Do we have a murderess in our town, Sheriff? Have you seen her?"'
"No, I don't believe we do," he replied, doing his best to keep his voice even. "At least, not to my knowledge."
"I hope you catch her and catch her quick. Fancy killing an old man. It's terrible, just terrible."
"Who are you talkin' to, Millie? Oh, Sheriff. Howdy. What brings you here? Have a seat."
"I'll fetch that coffee," Millicent said, bustling away.
"I have some news about the rustlers," Cooper began, "and I was hopin' to meet the detective, but your wife said he's gone into town to catch up with his sergeant."
"Yep. He left a while ago. I thought he'd be back by now. Maybe he got lucky and found that woman, but tell me about the rustlers."
"Charlie caught a man tryin' to break into the back door of the bank this mornin'."
"Good for him. Wait'll I tell Millie. She'll be real proud."
"Turns out the robber was one of 'em. There were four in all, but the other three took off, claimed it was too tough."
"After the problems over near Peabody I hired some more boys to keep lookout. I guess it must've paid off."
"Here's your coffee," Millicent declared, carrying in a tray, "and I've brought you some cake as well. I hope you like it."
Though Cooper was anxious to head back into town to find Connelly, he didn't want to appear rude, and picking up his mug he drank some of the coffee, then lifted the cake and took a large bite.
"That's real good, Mrs. Johnson."
"My wife knows her way around a kitchen," Zeke grinned, "and with all us men in the house it's just as well."
"I'm sure Detective Connelly is enjoyin' it," Cooper said, opening the door to fish for more information. "I'm sorry I missed him. Did he happen to mention how long he'd be stayin'?"
"He said a couple of days, but it depends on whether he can find this woman he's been trackin'. Have you seen her?"
"I don't know what she looks like."
"Real pretty he says, with bright green eyes and reddish-brown hair, but he said he's tryin' to keep quiet about bein' here. He's worried if she gets wind of him and his sergeant she'll take off.
"Thinkin' on it, I should get back to town and see if I can find him," Cooper declared, rising to his feet.
"Probably a good idea," Zeke agreed. "You can't miss him. Tall, with a big mustache, though like I said, I thought he'd be back by now."
"Maybe I'll pass him on my way into town. Thanks for the coffee, Mrs. Johnson."
"Any time, Sheriff. I'll walk you out."
They made their way through the foyer to the front door, but as he walked outside, a thought crossed his mind.
"Mrs. Johnson, in case I miss him, could you please tell the detective I was here."
"Of course."
"And tell him I said…"
"Yes, Sheriff?"
"I came to remind him about jurisdiction."
"Jurisdiction?"
"That's right. I came to remind him about jurisdiction. It means he can't come into my town and arrest people. He has to go through me."
"But if that woman is a murderess…"
"If. That's the word, Mrs. Johnson. If. We can't believe everythin' people tell us. Has she been convicted? Maybe she's innocent. We don't know a thing about this, and I reserve judgment until all the facts are known."
"Land sakes. You're right, Sheriff. Thank you for saying that. And I'll be sure and pass on the message."
Walking across to where River was tied under the shade of a tree, Cooper waved to George, mounted up and rode off. To anyone watching he would have appeared calm, but he was worried sick.
"Please, God, keep her safe," he muttered as he pushed River into a gallop. "Why the blazes did I leave town?"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Patrick Doyle was red-faced and sweating.
He'd been woken from a deep sleep by a loud banging. On the verge of a heart attack, he'd jumped from his bed. For a moment he didn't know where he was. The banging happened again, and realizing it was someone at his door he rushed to open it. Staring up at the scowling face of Detective Frank Connelly, he almost had a heart attack a second time.
"F-Frank," he stammered, stumbling backwards. "What are you doing here?"
"What are you doing sleeping in the middle of the goddamned day?" Frank demanded, pushing him aside as he walked in.
"The trip, it didn't sit well. I'm not feeling good."
"Have you started looking for Violet Parker?"
"Uh, no, like I said, I haven't been well."
"Get dressed. Here's a list of the other boarding houses. Go to Mrs. Elwood's first. It's at the other end of Main Street. Sounds like the kind of place that would suit her."
"But Frank—"
"NOW! When you're done there start going into the shops. Ask questions and keep your eyes open. I'm heading into the saloon for a drink and to talk to the girls. For the right price they'll tell me if they've seen her. If you have any news come and find me."
"Aren't you afraid she'll hear that you're in town?"
"I gave this a lot of thought last night and I'm changing tactics. We need to ask questions, bribe, threaten, coerce, do whatever it takes, and I've decided I want her to know I'm here. She'll be scared and she'll make a mistake. But if that doesn't work we'll pretend to leave, then I'll sneak back and find a way to lay low, and the minute she shows herself I'll grab her. One thing I can tell you for sure, Patrick. I'm not leaving this rinky-dink town without her. Now for fuck's sake, get dressed."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When Violet had returned to her room she'd kicked off her shoes and laid down. The morning had been thrilling, but exhausting. The tantalizing spanking, the unexpected interruption and urgent escape, then making love at Cooper's home and their ardent confessions of love, had left her deliriously happy but very tired. Letting out a sigh, she closed her eyes and felt the weariness seep through her bones.
"I do love you, Cooper," she mumbled as she felt herself drift away. "After this nap I must think of a way to show you. Maybe I'll go to Al's and see if there's something there I can get for you. Yes, that's what I'll do. I'm bound to find something."
As she surrendered to sleep, downstairs in the kitchen Ruby was humming as she baked. She was making a special dinner for Violet and the Sheriff. When Violet had returned from her morning walk she'd been positively beaming, and to Ruby's delight had confessed she and the sheriff were in love.
Watching Violet walk slowly up the stairs, Ruby had almost cried with joy. If there was ever a man who deserved happiness it was C
ooper Dalton, and the minute the cake was out of the oven she was going directly to the Sheriff's office to invite him over for supper.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Fighting a rising panic, Cooper had galloped all the way back to town and made his way directly to the boarding house. He knew exactly what had to be done to keep Violet safe. Throwing the reins over the hitching post, he hurried up the path, pushed open the front door and urgently glanced around.
"Ruby?"
"Goodness, Sheriff, is something wrong?" Ruby asked, moving quickly into the foyer.
"Yep. A detective from San Francisco is here chasin' after Rose. He may be a lawman but he's a bad fella. Has he been by?"
"No, he hasn't, thank the Lord. What should we do?"
"He could come stormin' through here and push his way into everyone's room. Until he's outta town I'm gonna take Violet to stay at my house. All I can do is pray no-one see's her goin' in with me, but I don't think they will. My street's real quiet."
"My goodness, my goodness. Your house, yes, that's probably the best thing."
"I'm goin' up to get her packin."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"What about the lodgers? They must know she's been here."
"Oh, dear, yes, they know. I'll have a private word the minute they get back."
"If this detective does show up, don't believe anything he or his sergeant tells you, and thank you."
"You don't need to thank me, Sheriff. Just take care of her."
"I will. I'll do whatever I must to keep her safe."
Taking the stairs two at a time, he hurried down the hall and tapped on her door. Not getting a response he opened it up and peered inside. She was lying on her bed, eyes closed, softly sleeping. Walking quickly across the room he gently shook her awake.
"Cooper," she murmured with a sleepy smile. "You're back. Why do you look so worried? Oh, no, he's here!"
"Yep, and he's in town. I'm gonna move you to my house. You'll be safe there."
"Yes, all right," she replied, sitting up. "I'll get my things together."
"I'm gonna track him down, and keep him busy so I can get you over there without runnin' into him. I'll be back to get you as soon as things are under control."
"I'll be ready."
"It'll be okay," he said reassuringly, giving her a quick hug. "I swear I'm gonna keep him away from you."
"I know you will, and I'm fine, honestly."
"If by chance he does cross your path, run to my office."
"Cooper, listen. Isn't that a man's voice? Dear Lord, please don't let it be him!"
Cooper had left the door ajar, and a man's voice could be clearly heard coming up from the foyer.
"Stay put," he said urgently, "and lock the door after me!"
Striding from the room he hurried to the landing, but peering into the foyer he saw the red-headed portly sergeant. Letting out a quick breath of relief, he trotted down the stairs.
"Mr. Doyle," he declared, marching forward with his shoulders squared, oozing authority. "I heard loud voices. Is this gentleman causing a problem, Mrs. Elwood?"
"Sheriff, I apologize," Patrick said hastily. "I should have introduced myself properly when we met. I'm a sergeant with the San Francisco police department, and I'm here about a young woman named Violet Parker."
"I told him I've never heard of her," Ruby said, clearly flustered, "but he's insisting I allow him into all the rooms. I won't have it, Sheriff. My guests have a right to their privacy."
"I'll handle this, Mrs. Elwood. Don't worry. No-one will be going into any of your guest's rooms."
"Thank you, Sheriff," Ruby said gratefully. "In that case I'll be going back to my kitchen."
"You go right ahead," Cooper said, shooting the unwelcome visitor a warning scowl.
The man's face was scarlet, and Cooper thought he looked as scared as a man facing down a rattler.
"Sheriff, I must insist—"
"Listen up, Sergeant Doyle, or whoever you are, this is my town. No-one, and I mean no-one, comes here and bullies my citizens. Got it!"
"AND YOU CAN TELL THAT DETECTIVE OF YOURS HE'D BETTER GET OUT OF HERE BEFORE I SHOOT HIM, AND I WILL IF I SEE HIM. BELIEVE ME, I WILL!"
Both men stared in shock as Violet, moving at a fast clip with a fury in her eyes, came charging down the stairs.
"Violet!" Cooper said sharply, stunned that she'd disobeyed him and was being so foolish, "you need to—"
"I'm tired of running. I'm tired of being accused of things I haven't done!" she exclaimed, cutting him off. "You listen to me Sergeant Doyle! That so-called detective of yours is an evil monster. Did you know he attacks the women he brings into his office for questioning? Did you know he rips off their clothes and forces himself on them? Did you know that? Did you know he steals everything they have? Did you know he's got a drawer where he keeps locks of their hair and their stockings and whatever jewelry they might have on when he drags them in there? Did you know he terrorizes them to within an inch of their lives? Did you know he makes the shopkeepers pay him money, and tells them if they don't he'll arrest them on some phony charge and ruin their lives? Did you know all that? If you did and you're working for him, you're as bad as he is, and if you didn't you do now, and you'd better do something about it! Enough is enough, Sergeant Doyle. That man should be hanged for the things he's done."
It was an astonishing speech, and once she'd started Cooper wasn't about to stop her. Not only did she need to release her rage, he wanted to hear everything she had to say. When she'd finished he could scarcely believe what he'd heard, and it was obvious Patrick Doyle was astounded.
"Is this true?" the sergeant finally managed. "Is this really true?"
"No! I'm making it all up!" she snapped. "OF COURSE IT'S TRUE!"
"Sergeant, I reckon it's about time you started seein' things for what they are," Cooper said gravely. "That man is an evil snake and he's gotta be stopped."
"I don't know what to say," Patrick muttered, shaking his head. "Honestly, I'm speechless."
"Say you'll do something!" Violet retorted. "And I mean right away."
"I, uh, yes. Yes I will. Do you have a telegraph office here, Sheriff?"
"Sure do. Just a few doors down from Al's Mercantile. Can't miss it."
"Uh…before I go I must tell you something, Violet," he said sheepishly. "My wife, Erin Doyle, she does charitable works where you live, or used to live."
"That's your wife? I've never met her, but people there think very highly of her."
"She thinks highly of you too. She didn't want me to come after you, but I had to follow orders. She thinks you're a saint, and she told me if I found you I had to leave you alone. I believed her, and I'd planned on staying a couple of days then heading home. I only visited this boarding house because the detective showed up and sent me here. He's hell-bent on finding you."
"That's because he's scared. He knows I'm going to tell the world who he really is and what he's been up to."
"Why would he know that?" Cooper asked, raising an eyebrow and looking at her solemnly.
"I might have, uh, mentioned it when I left him curled up on the floor of his office."
"You left him curled up on the floor of his office?" Patrick repeated. "How did that happen?"
"His crotch fell into my knee!"
"So you defended yourself by assaulting his family jewels, then you threatened him," Patrick said with a deep frown. "Probably not the smartest thing you could've done."
"He attacked me! I had to get away!"
"Right, uh, sorry," Patrick muttered. "I meant threatening him. That part. He doesn't take well to threats."
"You'd best go back to your room and start packin'," Cooper declared.
"Okay, it won't take me long. Sergeant Doyle, I'm sorry I barked at you just now."
"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said what I did."
"Go on up, Violet. I wanna get you outta here."
As she turned and headed up the st
airs, both men silently watched her, then Patrick lifted his cap and ran his fingers through his mop of red hair.
"I'm at a loss, Sheriff. I don't know what to do."
"You lookin' for advice?"
"I guess I am. I believe her, and she's right, he has to be stopped, but crossing him, that's, uh…"
"Dangerous?"
"Yeah, that's dangerous. I don't think he's even supposed to be here. I was going to send the Captain a telegram, but I'm not sure that's what I should do. If I stay, Connelly will hound me until I produce Violet, and if I go back, he'll be furious that I left. I can't even imagine what he'll do if I contact the Captain."
"Where is he now?"
"He's at the saloon. He said he's going to question the girls. I'm sure he will, but he also likes his whiskey."
"Lay low at your boarding house. I'll deal with Connelly, then I'll come by and give you an update."
"Thank you, Sheriff. It's all so tricky."
"Perhaps not as tricky as you think. I'll walk back with you as far as my office. I need to drop off my horse then I'm goin' to the saloon. I want those girls to keep him busy, and I'll also make sure he has too much to drink. That should stop him from causin' any trouble for a while."
"That will be a relief. When I think about those poor women and those shopkeepers it makes me sick."
"Yeah, it's bad. I want you to do me one favor though."
"Whatever you need."
"I don't know how this is gonna play out, but if you do contact your Captain, don't mention the drawer where Connelly keeps his ill-gotten gains."
"But that will prove what Violet told me is true. The Captain will need to see it."
"I know, and that's why it's gotta be handled the right way. You leave that with me. I don't wanna say more than that right now, but trust me, Frank Connelly's evil days are over."
"I wish we'd met under better circumstances, Sheriff. I'd enjoy working for someone like you."
"Mighty kind of you to say. If you ever get a notion to move outta the city I can promise you a job."
"Are you serious?"
"Sure am. Brownsville is growin', and all I've got is a kid for a deputy. I could use a man with your experience."
SHERIFF: His Town. His Laws. His Justice. Page 12