by CJ Murphy
With everything on the table, the two sat down to dinner. Jax lost herself for a moment in the domesticity she’d found with Chance. Here in her newly renovated kitchen, she and her fiancée were about to enjoy a meal, a simple pleasure she’d gone years without. Let the past stay in the past, Jax. Enjoy the present. Her first bite of the spicy tamale brought her back to the here and now. “My God, this is so good. How was Anita?”
“She said to tell you hello. Poor thing has been relegated to sitting behind the checkout register. Pasqual was busy in the kitchen. His mother has taken over a great deal of the hostess duties. Another month and Pasqual said he would make Anita stay home. I told him to let me know how that goes.” Chance shook her head. “Anita never has been one to be told anything. I won’t be surprised if she gives birth and is back in the restaurant ten minutes later with the baby strapped to her.”
“I won’t be either. This salsa is to die for. I need to make some to have on hand. I originally thought about having you grill burgers until this idea popped in my head. Now, tell me what you found out over at the sheriff’s office.”
Chance tipped back her beer then rose for another, pointing to Jax’s bottle.
“Yes, please.”
“Will said they’re seeing an increase in the heroin calls with the influx of transient workers. His pipeline seems to be coming from the north. Not likely the same suppliers. We’re all in the same boat, trying to find the head of the snake.”
“Any word on what’s going on with the guys who kidnapped Uncle Marty?”
“With the kidnappers being from Baltimore and the drugs found in that cabin, the feds have taken over the investigation and prosecution. When they kidnapped Martin, those guys put themselves in a different level of felonies. I talked with the feds. They wanted to take the lead, and I can’t say I’m unhappy about that. Larry would be in way over his head prosecuting this. He’d likely plead the thing down to the equivalent of jaywalking. I wasn’t going to let that happen.” She put another beer down on the table.
Jax put a hand on Chance’s forearm. “I will always be grateful for you that night. I don’t know what I’d have done without you.”
Chance bent down and kissed her softly. “I don’t know what I’d have done if they’d taken you instead of Marty.”
Jax stood and stepped away from the table, gathering Chance in her arms. “It didn’t go down that way. You can’t spend time dwelling on what didn’t happen. We’re together, and I feel so completely safe with you, my love. I could spend hours and hours thinking about what could have happened to you and Zeus. I won’t, because I know it has no purpose. I live for today, for the here and now. What is, not what was.” She drew Chance closer. “I know that you are damn good at what you do, and I trust you to come home to me. That’s where my mind and heart live. In you.” She pulled back and kissed Chance again. “Now, let’s eat before this gets cold again. We’ve got a lifetime to work through all our concerns.”
Chance nodded and opened their beers. “I’m starving. Do you have any idea what it’s like to drive an hour smelling this?”
Jax dug into her meal and smiled at the simple pleasure of dinner with the woman she was going to marry. If she had anything to do with it, they’d be doing this same thing when they were eighty. Jax was exactly where she wanted to be, and for the first time in many years, she was completely herself and intent on living her own dreams.
Chapter Three
CHANCE PUSHED THE SWING lazily with her foot. Jax sat curled into her side, her feet drawn up beside her. The fall breeze smelled of damp earth. The leaves had yet to change. Chance always chuckled that the Leaf Peepers festival was held when the leaves were still green. Two other counties held large festivals later in the season, leaving Tucker with little choice. The other festivals pulled in large crowds that would draw participants away. Jax broke through her musings.
“Think we’ll have color this year?”
Chance looked out at the mountains. “I never know. Some say if we have a dry summer, we’ll have color. Others say the exact opposite, that wet summers make them brighter. I tend to believe that no one knows until they turn. For you, I’ll hope for rainbows of crimson, amber, and vibrant orange.”
“If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride.”
“I haven’t heard that in ages. I have much more important wishes that I plan to make come true.”
Jax tilted her head up and met Chance’s gaze. “Like what?”
“Marrying you. We haven’t talked about the wedding in a while.”
“I’d do it tomorrow if you wanted.”
Chance kissed her softly. “As would I, but I’m only doing this once. That means we’re doing it right. The moms-squared would kill us if we did it any other way.” She paused, and a thought passed through her head.
Jax reached up and rubbed between Chance’s eyes. “Hey, what’s going on up here?”
“Have you said anything to your parents? Hell, this whole damn county knows. Even if you haven’t told them, your mother’s spies probably have.”
Jax took a deep breath. “I called Daddy and the twins. They’re all very happy for me.”
“And your mom?”
“I have no idea and have no intention of trying to figure out if she cares or not. The last time we attempted a conversation, she brought up that she’d been talking to my ex. I’ve discovered that life is simpler if we stay in different states and talk as little as possible.”
Chance tipped Jax’s chin up so she could look into her eyes. It killed her that this divide existed between the woman she loved and the woman she’d only met once. “I’m sorry, honey. You have two moms a few miles away who love you like mothers should. Remember that.”
Jax wiped at a tear. “For those two women, I am eternally grateful. Now, tell me about Kendra’s new love.”
Chance shifted Jax until she was lying across her chest, nestled in under her chin. “Brandi Antolini. A real spitfire and seems crazy about Kendra, who by the way is all thumbs around her. She’s a sophomore planning on being a vet.”
“I wonder if her mom is Beth Antolini? She’s a vet from around the bay area. I met her at a few continuing-ed conferences. If so, Brandi comes from very good stock. I wonder why she didn’t stay in California for school? UC Davis has one of the best veterinary schools in the country.”
“Well, you can ask her next weekend. She’s coming home with Kendra for Leaf Peepers. She’s looking forward to meeting you.”
Jax sat up with a hand on her chest. “Kendra is bringing home a girl?”
“I know. Momma D will tease her mercilessly. Kendra is all worried about where they’ll stay and if they can sleep in the same room. I know she’d rather stay here, but our guest room isn’t really habitable. That means she’ll have to stay with the moms.”
“You think Maggie is going to let them stay together? I know they’re adults, but letting her kid bring her girlfriend home and sleep in the same bed might put Maggie over the edge.”
Chance put her head back against the swing and shut her eyes, taking in the sounds of the evening. In the distance, she could hear one of the horses pawing at the stall gate and the rustle of tall grass. Zeus was softly snoring at her feet. “I told Kendra it was hers to work out. She knows what the situation is here. Brandi said she’s okay that they might not be allowed to. It’s pretty obvious she’s crazy about Kendra. I’ve never seen Bullseye so nervous. It was almost comical.”
“Don’t tease her too much. She worships the ground you walk on. She needs your approval more than anyone’s.”
“Wow, look at that sky.” Chance pointed, as Jax turned in her arms. It looked as if someone had painted the horizon with a broad brush of tangerines and sharp yellows.
“One of my favorite things about fall, the incredible sunsets.” Jax yawned.
“I think it’s time we put you to bed before you turn into a pumpkin. You planning on running with us in the morning?”
�
��Absolutely, next to making love, it’s the best way to start the day.”
Chance rose with Jax in her arms. “I think we might be able to arrange both of those.” Chance kissed her. “I love you, Jax. I can’t wait until you’re my wife.”
***
The next morning, Chance strode into her office with a takeout cup of peppermint tea. She placed it in front of Penny, who sat looking at her computer screen intently. “Morning little momma. How are you two?”
“Cranky. I think giving up caffeine is going to be the death of me. If not me, then Taylor. Thank you for the tea. It’s very sweet of you. Molly’s shop is out of my way or I’d be in that place every morning. Her peppermint tea seems to be the only thing that keeps me from tossing my cookies. This kid has a serious issue with me keeping anything down.”
“Which is why I brought you another bag of her special blend. I plan to keep you well supplied.”
Penny rose and hugged Chance. “You’re the best.”
Taylor stepped from the back offices. “I turn my back for one minute, and you’re trying to steal my wife and child. What am I to do with you, Sheriff?” Taylor quirked a grin and handed Penny a stapled set of papers.
Chance released Penny but kept an arm around her waist. “Hey, I’m planning on being an awesome godmother. Your family is my family, but I’m leaving all the sleepless nights and three a.m. feedings to the real moms. I’ve got my own set of wedding vows I’ll soon be abiding by.”
Penny went back to her desk. “Just when might that round of I dos be taking place?” She sipped her tea. “That’s it, Taylor, I’m leaving you.” Laughter filled the office until the unmistakable smell of sweat and polyester entered the room.
Chance turned and narrowed her eyes at her deputy assigned to courtroom security. “What can I do for you, Brad?”
The overweight man grabbed for his gun belt and hitched it higher on his hips. “I need to talk to you about my cruiser. It’s time to replace it.”
“Brad, you drive that vehicle a total of twelve miles, five days a week. It was purchased two years ago and still has under thirty thousand miles. It receives regular maintenance and all the reports show the vehicle is roadworthy. Now, if you need tires or an oil change, I suggest you make an appointment with Tommy to have it seen. I have no service requests for repairs on my desk, so just what is it that makes you believe it needs to be replaced?” She watched as his face turned red.
“I’d like to discuss it in your office, Sheriff.”
Chance looked at her watch. “You’re due in the judge’s courtroom in twenty minutes. I suggest you come back and see me at the end of the day before you go home. I’m aware that the judge has an appointment this afternoon at one, so I know you will be adjourning long before the end of your shift.”
Brad glared at her. “Are you refusing to see me, Sheriff?”
Chance took two steps forward, Zeus at her side. “Deputy Waters, I’ve just advised you that I’ll see you when the court adjourns for the day. You’ll still be on the clock when Judge Landry leaves. With two other witnesses in the room, I’ve set a time for you to talk about your concerns. Not that I have to justify anything to you, but I have a prearranged meeting at the barracks, with Sergeant Harley Kincaid. It’ll take me twenty minutes to drive to that meeting. Unlike you, I like to be punctual so as not to hold up others. I suggest you find your way across the street and to the screening device. Precisely at nine, you are to walk into the courtroom and announce the judge as your job description requires. Do I make myself clear?”
She watched Brad’s hand bunch into a fist. She felt Zeus surge forward two steps, before she spoke with power and dominance. “Zeus, zit.” The dog sat, barely in front of her, ears still in the alert position. If Brad so much as took one step toward her, she could only pray his obedience to her was stronger than his need to protect her. “Deputy Waters, don’t make me repeat myself. I will be in my office at two. Knock before you enter to avoid a repeat of what happened the last time you barged into my office. Dismissed.”
Taylor spoke up. “Brad, if you don’t make your way out that door, I will personally write you up for insubordination. That was a direct order from a superior officer and your boss. I suggest you follow it.”
Brad’s jaw twitched once as he turned his considerable girth and made his way back out the door.
“Worthless piece of shit. I wish with everything I am that we could fire his ass. He knows where that line is.” Chance used her finger to draw an imaginary boundary. “He puts the toes of his uniform boots right up to the edge of it. Biggest mistake I ever made when I became Sheriff.”
Taylor clapped her on the shoulder. “Lessons learned, my friend.”
Chance shut her eyes. “Hell of a way to start the day.” She took a deep breath and looked at Penny. “What’s on my agenda today, boss?”
Penny looked at her list. “After you meet with Harley, you have a regional sheriff’s meeting over in Elkins at ten. After that, there is a meeting with the federal prosecutor, Taya Chapel. She has some questions about the kidnapping case. Unfortunately, I need to let Dee know you won’t be at the Leaf Peepers meeting so you can meet with Brad. I also have an edict from Jax that you make it home in time for a ride.”
Chance let out a laugh that filled Penny’s office. “Yeah, I missed last night, trying to get some information from Will over in Clarksburg. Kelly was none too happy she didn’t get to go. It’s how we wind down our day. I need to get over to see the other girls too. I haven’t made it there this week at all.”
Taylor waved her arm. “They’re good. I’m there every day. I need to run over to the magistrate’s office. I’ll see you later. I’ll bring lunch back.” She kissed Penny and strode out the door.
The clock on the wall chimed eight thirty. Chance wanted to stop by the clinic before she headed to Elkins. “Is there anything on my desk that I need to attend to immediately?”
“There are a few concealed-weapon background checks you could sign for me and a purchase order for the rest of Daniel’s uniforms. A few other things of minor importance. How’s he doing at the academy?”
Chance couldn’t help the smile that grew. “He’s doing great. Top of his class so far. I know a few of his instructors, and they are very pleased with him. They tell me he’s going to make a really good officer. Not like I didn’t already know that, but it’s nice to hear.”
“How are his mothers doing with his choice?”
“A little worried, considering what I went through earlier this year. They also know he’s never wanted to do anything else. I promised them I would do everything I could to keep him safe. Which reminds me, I need to start making calls about the K9 training he’ll need after he gets out of the academy.”
“One more thing on your list. Go sign those things and get to your meeting with Harley.” Penny pointed her finger at Chance. “Tell Jax hi for me and remind her we have a date to start wedding planning.”
Chance saluted. “Yes, ma’am.” She strode back to her office and signed the papers she needed to. The next few moments were spent catching up on the morning intelligence reports before she brought the paperwork back out front to Penny. “Okay, we’re out of here. Behave yourself.”
Penny crossed her arms and furrowed her brow. “You and Taylor are cut from the same cloth. I’m pregnant, not an invalid.” She pointed to the door. “Go.”
“Come on Zeus, I believe we have been dismissed.”
Outside, the sky was a pale blue, and a few discarded leaves rustled in the street. Most were still on the trees and green. It would be October before the inevitable turn would begin. She loaded Zeus into her Suburban and turned to go to the clinic. The morning run with Jax had been enjoyable, as had the cup of coffee with their meal. Breakfast had been quick, after they’d made love in the shower. She could still feel Jax’s lips on her skin. Making love with Jax was a near addiction, and Chance vowed to make her feel treasured every day of her life.
Her
radio crackled. “Comm Center to SD-1.”
She picked up her mic. “SD-1. Go ahead.”
“State Police Unit 207 is requesting backup on a domestic call on Route 72.”
Chance flipped on her lights and made a sharp U-turn in the road. “SD-1 responding. Size up?”
“Man barricaded in his house with a gun, holding his wife and one of his children hostage. An older child escaped and ran to the neighbors to make the call.”
Chance wanted to make sure Taylor had copied the radio traffic. “SD-1 to SD-2.”
Taylor came up on the radio. “SD-2 is responding.”
“SD-1 to 207.”
Harley answered the radio. “Let’s move to encrypted, Chance. I’m near St. George.”
Chance flipped her radio. “I’m passing Holly Meadows now. Not sure of Taylor’s location. Five to seven-minute ETA.”
“It’s Chuck Wilson. He’s got his wife Mary and a six-month-old infant barricaded in the back bedroom of the house. The seven-year-old ran next door. The kid that made the call was at home because he was sick. All he could say was his dad had a gun and wouldn’t let his mom go. No clue what kind yet. When she signed the domestic against him last month, we took an arsenal out of there. She’s filed for divorce.”
Chance thought about her run-ins with Chuck. He was likely high or drunk. “He’s probably on something if his priors hold true. Any other troopers coming?”
“From off the mountain. I’ve also got one coming from the Preston County end, but it will be a while for that one.”
“Break. SD-2, what’s your location?”
Taylor’s voice came over the radio, blended with the sound of the siren. “On Route 72, about five behind you.”
Chance put down her mic and concentrated on the road. In less than three minutes, she pulled near Harley’s cruiser. Once her vehicle was in position, she released Zeus and came to Harley’s side.
“I’m hoping this doesn’t go south any more than it already has. Chuck threatened to kill her the last time. No shots fired as of yet. As soon as I see Taylor’s cruiser, I’m making a call to the house.”