Forever Chance

by CJ Murphy

  “Looks like you’ll have to beg the boss for a new one. I promise, Chance, I try to be aware of what’s going on around me all the time. You taught me that. It serves me well with this madhouse down here.”

  They continued their way through the throng until they reached the open concrete structure. Chance saw a petite girl about Kendra’s age pacing near her vehicle. Dark hair cut in a pixie style framed delicate features. “I thought you guys got lost.”

  Chance grinned and extended her hand. “We had a little delay.” Chance pointed to her shoulder where the department patch was hanging by the torn part of her uniform shirt. “I’m Chance, Kendra’s sister.”

  With a voice belying her small stature, Brandi answered in kind. “Brandi, Brandi Antolini. What happened?” Her eyes were an unusual green.

  Kendra shook her head and laughed. “Don’t mind me. I think I was supposed to make that introduction.”

  Brandi cocked her head. “Then speak up. You know I don’t have a shy bone in my body. If I did, we would still be waving at each other in biology class.”

  Chance nearly burst out laughing. She’s got Kendra’s number. “How about we make our way to the restaurant and Kendra can tell you about our adventure? We can order while we get better acquainted.” Chance pointed a thumb at Kendra. “This one gets hangry if she doesn’t eat every two hours.”

  Brandi looked down at Zeus. “Especially in the morning, she’s really cranky before coffee and sustenance.”

  Kendra cleared her throat and raised her hand. “Kendra here, present and accounted for, don’t mind me.”

  Brandi knelt. “Who is this beautiful creature? And I’ll never mind you.”

  “No, you won’t, even when it’s in your best interest. Brandi meet Zeus, Chance’s K9 partner.” Kendra extended her hand and scratched Zeus.

  “Is it okay if I pet him?” Brandi asked.

  Chance nodded her consent. “I’m sure he’d like that.”

  Brandi presented the Malinois her hand. Zeus leaned forward and sniffed before looking to Chance, who nodded again. He put his nose under Brandi’s hand and bumped it. She stroked over his head and ears. “Wow, he’s all muscle.”

  “He and I spend a lot of time keeping in shape. It’s important for our job, and he’s all about the job.”

  Kendra leaned down. “When I go to work for Chance, I’ll have a K9 too.”

  Chance watched a smile light up Brandi’s face.

  “And I’ll take care of it.”

  Kendra stood. “Brandi’s a veterinary medicine student from California.”

  Chance couldn’t help laughing as the irony was not lost on her.

  Brandi stood and furrowed her brow. “What’s so funny about that?”

  “You didn’t tell her?” Chance stared gape-mouthed at Kendra.

  “Tell me what?”

  “That my fiancée is a vet, who moved back to West Virginia after a twenty-year practice in Northern California.”

  Brandi punched Kendra in the upper arm. “How did you forget to mention that?”

  Kendra winced and smiled. “Ow. I didn’t think about it.”

  Brandi put a hand on her hip. “Start using that head for something other than your good looks. You’re getting a sister-in-law who’s a vet? Kendra, that’s pertinent information.”

  Kendra furrowed her brow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Chance cleared her throat this time and leaned close to Kendra. “Let me help you out here before you dig that hole so deep you’ll need the rope rescue team to get you out.” She turned to Brandi. “Let’s chalk that up to being starstruck by your charm. I say we go eat.”

  Kendra shut her eyes and put her head back. “Please, God, save me.”

  Brandi leaned over and kissed Kendra on the cheek. “I’ll let you make it up to me later. Can we go? I’m starving.”

  Chance hit the locks and opened the rear hatch for Zeus to load. “That we can.”

  ***

  Two hours later, Chance was on her way back to Tucker County, a smile playing across her face. She made a call to Jax who answered in the first two rings.

  “Hey, you. On your way back yet?”

  “I have one more stop, beautiful. Anything you’d like me to bring home for supper, or do you want me to grill?”

  “Such a sweet talker. Any chance you’re coming home by Clarksburg?”

  “Going right through there. I need to stop in at the sheriff’s office for some information.”

  “Then I say you bring home Los Loco’s tamales and chips with salsa.”

  Chance would be happy to stop in and see how Anita was doing. “Your wish is my command.”

  “Be careful on your way home. I love you. Tell Anita hi for me.”

  The words Jax spoke never failed to warm Chance from the inside out. How her life had changed. “Will do, and I love you too. See you at home.”

  It took forty minutes to make it to downtown Clarksburg. Chance wanted to check with her fellow sheriff and friend, William Andrews, about the heroin pipeline that seemed to be streaming into their state. The overdose rate in his county was much higher than in her own. He had a major city in his jurisdiction and the intersection of two major roadways. Interstate 79 traversed the state north and south, and Route 50 east to west.

  The natural gas business had brought in more than economic growth with their out-of-state employees. Thousands of gas well workers were staying up to fifty miles away from the well sites. When those workers were present, the opportunity for illicit drug sales and prostitution skyrocketed. She parked her new Suburban in a lot close to the courthouse, where the sheriff’s personal office was. The road officers and detectives were in another location.

  Chance and Zeus entered the courthouse. An old colleague was acting as security and ushered her through the array of metal detectors and X-ray machines. She stopped at the receptionist’s desk and announced herself. Minutes later, Will appeared and invited her into his office.

  “How the hell are you, Chance? When we got the word what happened up there, we were all ready to load up and bring in reinforcements.” Will sat behind his desk and rocked back in his chair.

  Chance pulled off her hat, placed it on her knee, and rubbed a hand through her hair. “I’m doing really well. No lingering injuries from either dustup. We’ve been back to being a sleepy little county for a few months. With the Leaf Peepers festival coming up, I’ll get busier than I’d like to be.”

  Will reached into his desk and pulled out a pack of nicotine gum.

  Chance pointed to the gum he held. “You still trying to quit smoking?”

  “Yeah, for the ninety-seventh time. My doctor chews my ass, and my wife threatens pieces of it if I don’t. Hard habit to break when you started at sixteen. I’m still not sure how I made it through the academy some days.”

  “I’m grateful that’s one vice I never indulged in. Took in enough of it when I was smoke jumping. Got a few questions for you. Anyone have a bead on the flood of heroin that’s floating around? I’ve got a suspicion mine’s coming out of Baltimore, but no real proof.”

  Will reached for the keyboard of his computer and tapped several keys. He motioned for her to come around. “We’ve been tracking the overdoses and trying to pinpoint when this shit is coming in for sale. Problem is, these folks are getting it from all over. Gas well workers from out of state with too much money and not enough sense. We’ve had a few traffic stops with them coming back from Texas or Oklahoma that have yielded some significant product. The bulk is coming out of Pittsburgh by the usual suspects, with a few more heavy hitters pulling the strings. Huntington’s pipeline is out of Detroit. Only the low-level guys below the middleman get caught. Our taskforce squeezes them. Unfortunately, they’re more afraid of ratting out the kingpins than they are going to jail.”

  Chance rolled her hat around in her hands. “I’m worried what ski season will bring. We’ll have idiots, like your visiting cowboys, crawling over the mountain w
ith too much money and far away from home.”

  “I think I’d still take your crazy over mine. The view alone is worth it.”

  “I can’t argue with you. I wish I had a better handle on this heroin thing. We’ve beefed up our emergency medical service with extra Narcan and will have heavy police presence during the festival. No way to keep track of the amount of out-of-state visitors, though I’d really like to put up the license plate reader that came in. I’ve got the money from a grant; it’s the privacy issues I’m tiptoeing around. No matter how many times I explain that this camera won’t be used for traffic violations, it’s a hard sell. I’ve explained over and over that the only thing it keys in on is a plate already in the system for a warrant or a be-on-the-lookout. I still have resistance. Hell, I’ve got sovereign citizens residing in my county, who are calling it unconstitutional even though they don’t believe in a single law, constitutional or not.”

  Will chewed his gum with a furious barrage of pops and cracks. “Those citizens”—he made air quotes—“are nut jobs. Remember that class we took last year at that law enforcement convention? They don’t think anyone has rule over them. One of my deputies stopped one a few years ago for having no tags on a vehicle. The guy had no registration and no insurance. I’m still fighting all that in court. The amount of discovery he requested is far outweighing what the fine would have brought. Makes no sense except that they like to fuck with law enforcement. Dangerous as hell too. You be careful.”

  Chance slipped her hat back on and rose from her seat, as Zeus stepped to her side. She reached out her hand to shake Will’s. “I’ll do just that. Now, I’ve got to get out of here and over to Los Loco to pick up dinner, or I may be sleeping on the couch.”

  Will rose and shook her hand. “I may run over there and do the same. Congratulations, by the way. I thought you’d end up marrying that doctor, but it looks like you found someone who will put up with you and your K9 there.” He nodded toward Zeus.

  Chance brushed a hand across Zeus’ well-healed ear and thought of the care Jax had given them both when they’d been injured. “Sometimes, things work out for the best. Thanks, Will. Keep in touch.”

  Will waved her out of his office and Chance made her way back to the vehicle. “Let’s go make Momma happy.”

  Chapter Two

  JAX TRAILED A HAND down Glenny’s flank before reaching up to rub her distinctive dished face. The mare’s snow-white coat made her impressive under any circumstances. Her long, arching neck and high tail carriage told anyone who knew horses that she was an Arabian. She was stunning and one of the best endurance horses Jax had ever owned. “Such a sweet girl,” Jax crooned as Glenny curled the length of her neck around Jax’s shoulder. It was like getting a hug and Jax soaked it up. Mac stood in his stall, stamping his front hoof. Chance’s horse, Kelly, nickered softly beside them. “Okay, jealous things. I’ll be there in a moment, patience please.” Jax chuckled, as she rubbed the curry brush a few more times over Glenny’s back. “I’ll feed you all in a minute.”

  “Can I help?” Chance strode into the barn, a warm smile flitting across her face.

  Jax patted Glenny and stepped out, closing the stall door behind her. “You most certainly may. First by kissing me senseless.”

  “Ah, another wish I am more than happy to grant.” Chance pulled Jax into her arms.

  Their lips met in a symphony of need. Soft skin met warm flesh and a tongue snaked out. When Jax felt it, she granted entrance into the depths of her mouth and reveled at the shiver that ran up her spine with the intimacy. She pulled off Chance’s Stetson and ran a hand into the thick, chestnut strands.

  When they came up for air at an impatient whinny, they let their foreheads touch. The horses could wait a few more minutes while she breathed in the scent and very being of her lover. The day she’d met Chance had changed her life. She’d lost her way over thirty years ago and managed to find the road back home a few months ago, back into Chance’s arms. Standing in a renovated barn with the smell of Timothy hay and alfalfa all around her, she was reminded of how things had changed for her.

  “What’s that smile about?” Chance nipped gently at her earlobe.

  “I was thinking about how blessed I am that you love me.”

  “It’s me that’s blessed. I’ll show you how much if we finish up the chores here. Sorry I didn’t get home in time for a ride.”

  Jax raised an eyebrow and moved in to kiss her again. She caught Chance’s lower lip and nipped before soothing it again with her kiss. “I’ll think of some way for you to make it up to me. Kelly over there will take a little more convincing.” She felt Chance shiver in her arms and delighted in the power she had to arouse her fiancée.

  “You are dangerous. I’ll look forward to my penance later.” Chance pulled back and walked over to her horse, who nodded fervently.

  Watching the connection Chance had with Kelly warmed Jax. “I swear she understands exactly what you say.”

  Jax watched as Chance grabbed two flakes of hay from the bale and put it in the corner feeder, just inside the stall. Jax grabbed the grain bucket and handed it to her as she went to feed Mac one stall over. Through the open bar’s half wall, she watched the muscles of Chance’s arms and shoulders bunch and roll. She was so turned on; she considered throwing Chance down and attacking her in one of the empty stalls.

  Chance reached up and patted Kelly’s neck. “She does. We worked a great deal on communication when I trained her as a search and rescue mount.”

  Jax knew horses learned in a variety of ways and reacted to the stimulus they were exposed to. Operational conditioning was achieved through trial and error, with positive and negative reinforcement. She also knew that desensitization was important for horses used in law enforcement in order to allow them to work in highly unpredictable situations. Chance was a natural with horses and animals. Jax was sure that was one of the reasons they made a compatible couple. They shared that love and sensitivity. She watched Chance move around the stall, grooming and caring for her equine partner. The deep rumbles of contentment Kelly emitted proved Chance was still in her good graces, despite the absence of their evening ride. Jax was brought out of her musings by the rich voice that always brought her to attention.

  “I really missed going on our ride tonight. Promise. I’ll be home in time tomorrow. I spent longer with Kendra than I’d expected.”

  Jax stepped out into the center aisle, closed the stall door, and made her way to Chance. She wrapped an arm around her waist as they headed for the house. “How is she?”

  “In love.”

  “Do tell.”

  “Too much for this short walk. I will tell you something funny. The girlfriend is a veterinary student from California.”

  Jax’s laugh cackled out into the night. “Following in her big sister’s footsteps awfully close, don’t you think?”

  “That’s what I thought. She hadn’t even told Brandi about you, for which she got a pretty good punch to the arm.”

  “Kendra lacks your confidence. It’ll come. I have no doubt about it. So, Brandi, huh?”

  They walked to the house and stepped up onto the porch. “Let’s eat, and we’ll settle into the swing with a cup of coffee. I’ll tell you all about it.”

  “Deal.”

  Jax opened the insulated bag Chance kept in her cruiser for bringing takeout home. The meal would still need a bit of reheating. She plated the tamales and put them in the oven to heat. The microwave tended to dry things out, and she could be patient a little while longer. Chance handed her a bottle of beer, which Jax accepted gratefully.

  “I saw Penny today. She’s glowing, and Taylor is like a mother hen.”

  “I know. Both of them are so excited. I helped her move some furniture the other day. They have the nursery set up. Offering them the house was one of the best ideas I’ve ever had.”

  Jax threaded an arm around Chance’s waist and kissed her. The taste of hops lingered on her tongue. “No reg
rets about moving into this place with me?”

  “Not after the contractors got it in gear. Once you gave Arlen the go-ahead to hire as many workers as he needed to get it done, it was amazing how fast this place was ready. I know Taylor and Penny were grateful they didn’t have to sign a lease extension for their old place. The upstairs still needs to be finished, and I know the constant mess hasn’t been fun for either of us. The upside has been being with you every day.” Chance stroked down Jax’s back, drawing a delicious shiver.

  “I’m pretty fond of waking up beside you, too. Like I said, I was fortunate enough to have the funds to make it happen. I wanted Penny settled with one less thing to worry about while she’s concentrating on making a little person.”

  “I know it’s eased Taylor’s mind. She didn’t want to be moving in winter.” Chanced kissed her again. “On to other topics. How was work?”

  “Uncle Marty came in to make plans with Lindsey for the free checkup clinic at Leaf Peepers, and I had a pretty full day of appointments. One barn call over at the Butler farm. Their sheep herd was due for a good checkup. All was well, and I ended the day with an adoptive family bringing in a new kitten from the shelter for her shots. The adorable little girl was so afraid she’d hurt the calico.”

  “And if I know you, you made her an assistant, so she felt involved in the care. I’ve watched you work. You are pretty outstanding when it comes to calming those fears.”

  Jax hugged Chance before releasing her to put out silverware on the table. “It’s scary for kids. They don’t like getting shots and seeing the apprehension on their faces over their pets breaks me. Letting them help with the weighing and simple things helps put them at ease.” She could finally smell the tamales. She reached for her hot pads and pulled the two steaming plates from the oven. “Can you grab the chips and salsa?”

  “On it.” Chance brought the oily brown paper bag to the table, along with the salsa Jax loved. Chance tore open the bag, revealing the chips.