SHERIFF: His Town. His Laws. His Justice.

by Maggie Carpenter

  "No, no, no!" she hissed. "This isn't fair. This isn't fair at all!"

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  As Cooper had headed off to Ruby's boarding house, Charlie had noticed Hannah directly across the street. He was about to wave his greeting when she'd hurried away, her gaze focused on the sheriff. Charlie immediately realized she was following him!

  He was torn.

  Did he pursue Hannah and find out what she was up to, or go to McTavish's as the sheriff had asked? Then he saw Jimmy Williams. It was widely believed the ten-year-old boy would be President one day. He was frighteningly smart, and responsible beyond his years.

  "Jimmy, come here, quick."

  "Hi, Charlie," the boy said, running up to him. "You need me?"

  "Here's a penny. Run to McTavish's and ask for Patrick Doyle, the man with the red hair. Can you remember that?"

  "Patrick Doyle. Sure, Charlie. What message should I give him?"

  "Tell him the bad man has been locked up."

  "Why is it called red hair? It's not. It's orange."

  "Dang, you're right," Charlie chuckled, glancing up to see where Hannah was. "I'll think about that. Go on now. Hurry."

  The young lad began sprinting down the street, and turning his attention back to Hannah, Charlie could see she was almost at the end of the block. The sheriff was now turning the corner, and standing stock still she continued to watch. Charlie broke into a jog, but as he neared her he began to amble, then stopped and leaned against the side of a building. When the sheriff reappeared a minute later with Violet at his side, Charlie saw Hannah turn her back to them, but as they started down the street where the sheriff lived, she continued her pursuit.

  Charlie had seen enough.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Hannah was filled with a jealous rage and her head began to spin. Who was the beautiful girl? Where had she come from? Why was she going into Cooper's home? Then she remembered the man in the saloon had said something about a fifty dollar reward for finding a certain woman. It was a fortune. Could it be the pretty lady on Cooper's arm? She was new in town. It had to be her!

  "I'm going to sneak into the sheriff's office and ask him," she muttered as she started back down Main Street. "He was drunk though. I wonder how long it will take him to be normal."

  Her eyes were focused on the dirt road beneath her feet, and she didn't notice the brick wall named Charlie Johnson blocking her path. Marching angrily forward she saw his boots too late. Slamming into him she let out a squeal, and as she staggered backwards Charlie caught her arm just as she was about to fall.

  "You might wanna watch where you're goin'," he scolded as her panicked eyes looked up at him. "Just what are you up to, Hannah Thomas?"

  "I don't know what you mean," she retorted, "and you're the one who ran into me!"

  "We both know that's not true. You followed the sheriff, and you were so busy thinkin' you weren't payin' attention. Now you'd better start talkin'."

  Glaring up at him, Hannah was experiencing an unfamiliar feeling in her stomach. It wasn't a bad feeling, it was actually quite pleasant, but it was unnerving.

  "Hannah! Are you listenin'?"

  "Of course I'm listening," she snapped, wondering why she'd never noticed his honey-brown eyes. "Why are you yelling at me?"

  "I'm not yellin', I'm demandin'. There's a difference. You followed the sheriff. Why?"

  "What will you do? Lock me up if I don't tell you?"

  "I sure will."

  "Fine, then please do!"

  She wouldn't have to sneak into the sheriff's office after all. Charlie would put her in a cell, and when the stranger sobered up she could talk to him.

  Charlie narrowed his eyes. It was obvious the girl was scheming. She wanted to be in the jailhouse, but why? Suddenly flashing back to the moment he'd run past her on his way to get the handcuffs, it dawned on him. She'd heard Connelly shouting about the reward. She was going to betray the sheriff!

  "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

  "You are a wicked, wicked, girl," Charlie said, his voice low and threatening. "Do you have any idea who that man is?"

  "What man? I don't know what you're talking about," she replied, quickly losing her confidence as Charlie glowered down at her.

  "Don't you play dumb with me. You followed the sheriff to see where he was takin' Violet Parker so you could tell that man sittin' in the jail. Was it the money? You'd let an innocent woman be ripped to shreds for money? Shame on you, Hannah Thomas. Shame on you!"

  "What? No, wait," she said urgently, hating the scowl Charlie was giving her. "What do you mean ripped to shreds?"

  "He's a monster. He's done terrible things. How about I put you in the same cell with him if you wanna talk to him so bad."

  "NO!"

  "Then tell me what's goin' on!"

  "Please, Charlie, I didn't realize. I swear."

  "Dang, it, Hannah! I won't ask again!"

  "I was angry because I, uh…"

  "Because what. You'd better tell me or so help me I'll do what the sheriff does and then put you in that cell."

  "What do you mean, what the sheriff does?"

  "I'll turn you over my knee and spank your backside, that's what I mean!"

  The funny feeling in her stomach abruptly exploded and she was sure she was about to faint, but a moment later the craziest notion popped in her head.

  She wanted Charlie Johnson to kiss her!

  "Hannah?"

  "I thought I…

  "You thought what?" he demanded. "That you'd like fifty dollars?"

  "No, no, that's not what I'm talking about. Please, Charlie, don't be mad at me any more. I was being stupid and jealous and I wasn't thinking straight."

  She was staring up at him with an odd look in her eye, and he realized she was about the prettiest girl he'd ever seen. Her blue eyes were unusually light, the sun was glinting off her brown hair making it appear almost golden, and suddenly a gush of energy surged through his loins.

  "You and I are gonna have a serious talk," he managed, wishing he could press his lips against her full pink mouth. "Come back to the office with me and we'll sit on the porch."

  "Yes, I'd like that, and I would never betray the sheriff, I swear it."

  "Seems like that's what you were fixin' to do," he said gruffly, trying to make sense of what was happening.

  "I lost my head for a minute, that's all. And it wasn't about the fifty dollars."

  "Then you're gonna tell me what it was about," he said firmly, moving to stand beside her and gripping her elbow. "Are we clear about that?"

  "Yes, Charlie, and I will try to explain, though I'm not sure I understand it myself. I feel quite differently now. No, that's not true. I feel very differently now."

  "Funny thing," he said, suppressing a grin. "So do I."

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  While Charlie had been confronting Hannah, Cooper had placed Violet's bag on the narrow bed in the second bedroom, brought her into his arms, and holding her for a very long time, he'd closed his eyes and inhaled her sweet fragrance. When they finally broke apart he placed his finger under her chin, tilted up her head and locked her eyes.

  "Darlin', I can't tell you how happy I am that you're gonna be stayin' overnight."

  "You don't want me sleeping in here, do you?"

  "Not for a minute. I just thought you might like your own dressin' room, though it's not much of one."

  "Cooper, what a sweet thought. Thank you," she said softly, and moving her hands to the back of his head, she pulled him down and pressed her lips against his in a long passionate kiss.

  "I really wish you hadn't done that," he said huskily. "I've gotta ride back to the Johnson ranch and now I don't wanna leave this house."

  "Do you have to go?"

  "Sure do. Zeke's gotta know about the viper he had under his roof, and when I tell him the man was arrested and thrown in a cell his wife won't let him back in."

  "Is she a tough lady?
"

  "She can be. I got the feelin' she didn't like him from the get-go. She'll be happy with the news. Not sure about Zeke though. That man only does favors if he's gettin' a return. I've gotta think it's not gonna be happenin' this time. But there's another reason I've gotta get over there. Connelly said some real bad things about you, and I need to set things straight before rumors start up."

  "Oh, my goodness. I'd hate for people here to think badly of me."

  "Don't worry. I'm gonna make sure Zeke and Millicent get it through their heads you're no murderess."

  "It will be such a relief knowing I don't have to worry about that awful detective anymore. Are you sure he'll be leaving in the morning?"

  "As sure as I can be, but you're to stay in this house until I know he's gone."

  "Then what?"

  "I've been thinkin' on that, and we can talk about it more over dinner. Right now I've gotta take off, but before I go, you and I are gonna have a quick talk," he said releasing her and sitting her on the edge of the bed.

  "Is it serious?"

  "Not like you think, but yeah. What you did at Ruby's, comin' down the stairs and yellin' at the sergeant…"

  "I had to, you know I had to."

  "Uh-huh."

  "Why are you looking at me that way?"

  "Why do you think, darlin'?"

  "You disapprove."

  "I sure do, but why?"

  "Why don't you just tell me?"

  "It's better you think it through."

  "Oh, for pity's sake," she grumbled. "Fine. You told me to stay in my room and I didn't listen. There."

  "Did you know Doyle? What kinda man he is?"

  "No, not really."

  "What if he'd been carryin' a gun and decided you were a threat?"

  "I, uh, I wouldn't have said all those things."

  "But what if he'd pulled a gun the minute he'd seen you?"

  "I'm not sure."

  "What about me? What would I have done?"

  "Pulled yours I suppose."

  "Then what?"

  "Cooper, please stop. I know I should've done as you said, but it all worked out."

  "That's beside the point. It could easily have gone the other way. If you'd known Doyle is a peace-lovin' kinda fella that's one thing, but you didn't. I know you're a risk-taker. I am too, but what you did was down right dangerous for everyone and you know it. You knew it at the time."

  "You're scolding me."

  "I sure am, and tonight I'm gonna spank you."

  "What?"

  "Suddenly the girl who wanted to be spanked doesn't anymore?" he remarked, raising one wicked eyebrow.

  "It feels different."

  "It is different."

  "You won't hurt me, will you?"

  "I'd never hurt you, darlin', but I'm sure gonna make your bottom sting."

  "You don't have to," she said softly, staring up at him with woeful eyes. "I really am sorry, honest."

  "You think that's gonna work?"

  "It was worth a try," she muttered, her voice dropping as she let out a resigned sigh.

  "You would've been disappointed if I'd given in to that little act, and you know that too."

  "Who are you Cooper Dalton?"

  "I'm the flip side of you, Violent Parker, and that's why we're such a perfect pair," he said softly. "I'm takin' off now, and you can think about what's gonna happen when I get back."

  The butterflies that had been fluttering around her stomach abruptly gave birth to several hundred more, and as she stood up to say goodbye, she impulsively threw her arms around his neck.

  "I do love you, Cooper, so very much. You're saving my life."

  "You know what," he murmured, moving his lips to her ear, "you're savin' mine too."

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Cooper was cantering across the last open field on his way home. It had been an easy meeting with Zeke, but Cooper wasn't surprised. The successful rancher was a pragmatic man.

  Cooper was the sheriff. He was well-liked, deeply respected, and kept peace in the town. He'd known when he told Zeke that Detective Frank Connelly was a viper, that his allegations were baseless, and he wasn't welcome in Brownsville, Johnson would take him at his word. Millicent had nodded knowingly, and had made it clear she'd been suspicious of the detective from the start. As Cooper was leaving, one of her sons was carrying Connelly's bag out of the house.

  "It'll be at the gate. He can pick it up on his way out of town," she'd declared, "and make sure you tell him not to come knocking on my door."

  Nearing the outskirts of town Cooper glanced up at the sky. It was the time of the year for spontaneous storms and he could see dark clouds gathering. As he slowed River to a trot and entered Main Street, a chilly wind danced around him, giving credence to his suspicions. Approaching his office he saw Charlie sitting on the porch with his head in a book, but the young man looked up and waved. Cooper nodded, and riding around to the back of the building he climbed off and led River into the corral. After cleaning him up and throwing him some hay, he returned to his office, but as he walked up to Charlie, he thought the young man looked particularly bright.

  "Any thing goin' on?"

  "A bit," Charlie replied. "How did it go with my pa?"

  "No problems, and your ma had Connelly's bag left by the gate. You said you had some news?"

  "Yep, but do you want some coffee? I just made a pot the way you like it. I figured you'd be back around now."

  "Sure. I'll wait for you out here."

  Settling into a chair, Cooper kicked over the old wooden crate he used as a footstool and wearily put his feet up. A moment later Charlie reappeared carrying two cups, and Cooper gratefully accepted the hot drink.

  "Damn, that's good," he said with a satisfied sigh. "Just what I needed."

  "What I have to tell you is about Hannah. It's under control now, but I think you should know."

  "Go on."

  "She followed you when you left earlier. She saw you and Violet go into your house."

  "Dang it. She's had a crush on me for a while. I'll have a talk with her and make sure she doesn't start spreadin' rumors. I don't care, but I don't want folks around here thinkin' badly of Violet."

  "It was a bit more than nosiness, Sheriff. I confronted her and made her tell me what she was up to. She was gonna tell Connelly where Violet was."

  "Say, what?" Cooper exclaimed, almost spilling his coffee. "What's gotten into that girl?"

  "You don't have to worry. I stopped her right quick."

  "Why the blazes would she do somethin' like that?"

  "She was jealous, but I scolded her real good, and told her she's not to say a word to anyone."

  "Thanks, Charlie. Sounds like you handled her just right."

  "I had to send Jimmy Williams off to McTavish's to deliver your message though. It was either follow her, or go over there. I thought it was better to follow her."

  "That kid is as reliable as the sun comin' up in the mornin'. Good work, Charlie! Real good work."

  "Uh, the thing of it is, about Hannah, I'm gonna start callin' on her. We sorta hit it off. I got the feelin' she liked me puttin' her in her place."

  "Good for you! Some women wanna fella to take a stand. Sounds like she's made that way. It'll make life a whole lot easier."

  "She's some spitfire."

  "Yep. You'll have your hands full."

  "I sure hope so!"

  Cooper laughed out loud, then finishing his coffee he stood up and stretched his arms above his head.

  "I don't know much about women, Charlie, I'm not sure any man does, but if you ever wanna talk about things I'll be here."

  "Thanks, Sheriff. I'll probably be takin' you up on that."

  "I'm goin' on home. It's been a long day. Have a good night and I'll see you in the mornin'."

  "Night, Sheriff."

  As he ambled down the street he put his hands on his hips and chuckled.

  "Charlie and Hannah Thomas. How about that?" he mu
mbled. "I can see them makin' a couple. That's real nice."

  But as he continued on his mind turned to Violet. He could imagine her sitting on the couch wondering how hard he was going to spank her. He frowned. What she'd done wasn't acceptable and he would redden her backside, but he'd make it short and sharp. She'd been a free spirit her entire life and he didn't want to clip her wings, he just wanted her to think about things before acting.

  He was surprised to find his door unlocked, but as he walked in he came to an abrupt stop and stared around the room. It was sparkling clean, and the couch had been moved to face the fireplace, but that wasn't the only change. A low table that had been sitting against the wall serving no purpose, had been placed in front of it, and he realized that's where it should have been all along. Then he noticed the white curtains from the back bedroom had replaced the dark brown ones. He was amazed at how much brighter they made the place. Wild flowers sat on the side table next to the couch, knick-knacks that had been gathering dust in a box in the hall closet were now spread around the room, and the smell of baking filled the air.

  His house had been transformed into a home.

  "What do you think?" Violet asked tentatively as she walked in from the hall. "I wasn't sure. I've been standing in the passage watching you, but you've barely reacted."

  "I'm speechless, darlin'. It's, it's, it's fantastic is what it is. I can't believe you did all this."

  "I thought it needed a bit of sprucing up and I had nothing better to do. I messed with the bedroom a bit as well."

  "Let me see!"

  Striding forward and taking her hand, he caught his breath as he entered. She'd changed the angle of the bed, and it seemed to double the size of the room. The grey bedspread was gone, and in its place was a cream blanket he kept as a spare in the closet. Staring at it he realized just how drab the old coverlet had been. She'd also moved in the oval mirror from the back bedroom and placed it in a corner. The transformation was remarkable. The room had gone from drab and dreary to warm and inviting.