by Stacey Wilk
“I don’t know.”
He believed she did and didn’t want to tell him. “Does this have something to do with Ava?”
“Of course not.”
“You can’t save the world, Calista.”
“Why not?” She gave him a small smile. The breeze blew her hair off her neck.
His insides heated up again, and he couldn’t blame the warm summer morning. He wanted to run his hands over her sides and pull her against him so he could ease the worry from her face. He also wanted to feel the way her curves softened his hard shell. Only she had ever been able to smooth his rough edges. He was never going to be able to stop his feelings for her no matter how hard he tried.
“Always the crusader. Stick to fixing what’s wrong with your dad. He’s an easier subject, and you have my mother on board if you want her. Leave Justin Crow to someone else.”
“He’s a good kid. He didn’t rob Kennedy.”
“You can trust me. I will follow procedure to the letter with him.” He wanted to ask her to forgive him for the past, to allow that trust to flow into the wound in her soul. He never meant for anything bad to ever happen to her.
“I know you will. You always did. You’re a good police officer. I’m sorry I said what I did.” She dropped into the new rocking chair on the porch.
“Forget about it. I can’t ignore the fact he was there, though. He must have seen who did it. How could he have not seen something?”
“What if he’s afraid of what he saw?”
“I can’t help that. He has an obligation to tell us.”
“Do you think for just five minutes you could operate from your heart and not your head?” She sprang from the chair and grabbed the doorknob.
“Where are you going?” He moved away from the railing before she could get any farther.
“I need some coffee if we’re going to keep talking.” She didn’t wait for his response and hurried inside.
He caught the door before it slammed on his face. “Hang on a second. My job requires me to use my head. I can’t treat every suspect like a stray cat. I’ll leave the bleeding-heart stuff to you.” He followed her into the kitchen.
Sun drenched the room. The board was still on the door from the robbery, but the window above the sink sparkled. The counters gleamed in the sunlight. A fresh bunch of bananas hung from a metal holder. A vase of flowers decorated the table. She’d made a little progress in here, and he was proud of her for it. Wasn’t that his heart talking?
She had no idea how many times he wanted his heart to make decisions, but if he reacted from a place of emotion, people could get hurt. There wasn’t time in the day to entertain emotions. Besides, he was raising a teenage girl. She wore enough emotions for the entire state of Montana.
“Gage, he’s a kid who wants to break free from his past. You of all people should understand that.” She pulled the coffee out of the fridge and slammed the door.
“Are you seriously comparing my not wanting to run the ranch to this kid? What do you even know about him?” He and this kid were not the same. He had never resorted to crime to change his life. He had just wanted something different than the family business. So had Kace. No one gave Kace any crap for his choices.
“He wanted off the rez to make a different life for himself. I know it’s not the same thing. But you didn’t want to end up like your dad. He doesn’t either. You might have more in common than you realize.”
“I doubt that, and at least I had the smarts not to get caught feeling up my date by her father.”
“That was an honest mistake.” She dumped the ground coffee into a filter and hit the start button.
“I don’t care. He’s trouble, and he’s going to bring trouble to you. You shouldn’t keep him working here. I don’t want him near you.”
“You don’t need to protect me. He isn’t going to hurt me.”
“How do you know he won’t hurt you or your dad? Did he give you his word?” He smirked. She didn’t understand how easy it was for some people to wear a mask for the world. She wanted to believe the best in everyone, except him. That reality cut a little too deeply.
“Now you’re just being an ass.”
His temper sparked. “I am acting like the sheriff. I need to bring him in for questioning, and it’s happening today. If he is involved, he’s had too much time to get his story straight with the other men. They could be halfway across the country by now.” He wanted justice served, but he wouldn’t mind if those scum were gone and gone for good. Peace needed to be restored to his town.
“Can I stay while you talk to him?” She fingered the bandage on her head.
The stone wall around his heart cracked a little. How much pain was she in? “That’s fine if he wants you to, but you can’t say anything or lead him to answer. You’re not his lawyer. I don’t want a lawyer later saying you messed up this investigation.”
“I won’t. Thanks.” The smile returned to her face.
It was barely lunchtime, and the day had worn him out already. “There’s a meeting tonight. The town wants answers about these robberies.”
“What are you going to tell them? You never said if you wanted coffee.” She pulled two mugs from the cabinet.
Was she extending some kind of peace offering? He hesitated, but then the heart she didn’t think he had gave in. “Sure. Thanks. I have to tell them the truth. I don’t have any answers.”
She poured coffee into the large mug and left plenty of room for milk. She remembered. A smile tugged at his lips. Something so small shouldn’t mean so much, but it did. She slid the mug across the counter, and their fingers grazed as he reached for it. His gaze held hers while the warmth of their skin touching lapped over him and stopped his brain.
“Would you like to get something to eat with me after the meeting?”
He didn’t know why he said that. He hadn’t even thought about asking her out. In fact, he planned on doing very little speaking to her, and here he was running his mouth off.
She stared up at him with unreadable, wide eyes. She was going to say no. He tried to tamp down the disappointment churning in his stomach. Or maybe it was his bruised pride causing the acid reflux.
“My father and I had a big fight this morning. I don’t know how much longer I can stay in Backwater.”
Not an answer to the question. Well, maybe it was. She was leaving. There was no point in them spending time together, not even as friends. She wanted out of this town. That’s why she never stayed for very long when she did come back. The pain was on every street corner for her. For him, the familiar grooves of this town were what kept him sane. “I understand you can’t stick around. He’s making it difficult for you. Probably better if you go. Then you won’t need Justin working for you. I’ll see you.” He no longer wanted the coffee.
“Gage, wait.”
He should continue walking, get in his car, and drive away. He couldn’t keep going back and forth between the possibilities of being with her and not. He was tired of dragging around the hurt and the guilt and the hope.
He turned to her. “What’s up?”
“That wasn’t my answer to your question. I just wanted you to know things are pretty bad here. He didn’t even ask me how I was feeling this morning. I guess I could use a friend who understands my situation. If the offer still stands, I’d like to go to dinner with you.”
A shimmering self-assurance gripped him and held tight. He could hang on to hope a little longer. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”
Chapter Fourteen
Gage slipped into the main room of the community center and took a seat in the back. The room was filled with people in various stages of standing and sitting. The chatter of their voices echoed off the high ceiling. Metal chair legs scraped against the wood floor. The lack of fresh air hung in the room like a wet wool blanket. The air conditioning must have been on the fritz again because sweat beaded on his forehead and he had just arrived. It would only be a matter of time bef
ore someone noticed him, but he wanted a few minutes to assess the situation.
He had a few allies in the mix. His mother, Kace, and Jett were present. Barry Pearce, still wearing his uniform, spoke with a couple of old-timers up in the front corner. Phyllis sat two rows back from the front, deep in conversation with Margo. Probably about Margo’s tomatoes and whoever had stuck their thumbs into them.
The mayor shuffled through papers at a table set before the crowd. David Moore’s balding head reflected the overhead lights as he licked his finger and turned pages. Gage hoped that wasn’t his speech. They’d be there for hours. He wanted to deal with the town’s concerns and get home. He wanted to change out of his uniform before he picked up Calista and spend a few minutes with Izzi.
“Sheriff.” Jodi Fry plopped down in the seat beside him. Her blonde hair hung to her shoulders in a puffy wave that wouldn’t crash if Poseidon himself commanded it to. Her many bracelets jangled as she adjusted the sleeves of her suit.
“Evening, Jodi.”
“Are you hiding back here?” She kept her voice low and looked at him through her thick eyelashes.
His mother would say Jodi’s makeup was expertly applied. Makeup was something Karen Ryker didn’t bother with, and he was glad about that. He preferred his women natural. Like Calista. Though he wouldn’t mind seeing her in red lipstick.
“Guilty as charged.”
“I’ll make this quick because the lions are getting ready to feast on you.”
He stifled a groan. “It’s just a meeting.”
“You can believe that if you want. What’s your plan to catch these criminals? Because I’ve been pushing a marketing campaign to increase the number of new residents in our town. I don’t want an uptick in the crime rate to sabotage me. My business can’t survive without a healthy house market.”
“Even small towns experience crime. The idea that they don’t is a misconception. As a realtor, you must have come across that piece of information.”
He hated that the people of his town thought they could go around without locking their doors or their cars. Crime happened everywhere, even in Backwater.
“I know that, but others don’t. New residents want to feel safe when they choose a home. We’re lucky here that our small-town businesses have foot traffic. Our schools are decent. We just need new people because we lose the young people to the big cities. I’m sure your Izzi is getting ready to put on her wings and fly as far away from Backwater as possible.”
His spine snapped straight. Izzi wouldn’t leave for good. Backwater was in her blood as it was in his. She would realize that once she had a taste of the outside world. He’d been plenty of places, and nothing was like home. He always came back to Backwater even though the space held as much pain for him as it did joy. Ajay was everywhere he looked.
He had told Izzi going to college was a non-discussable issue. She could go where she wanted. He pushed for the University of Montana, but he’d settle for something else. And then she would come back and live in Backwater like every other Ryker.
“I’ll find whoever is committing these robberies.” He pushed out of the chair before Jodi could say another word. He meant what he said. He would get to the bottom of things.
He marched up the middle aisle to his family. He needed to be around people who understood him, people he didn’t have to explain himself to.
Kace patted him on the shoulder. “Hey. What’s bothering you?”
“Nothing.”
“That’s why your face is twisted into a snarl.” Jett laughed at his own joke.
“Hi, honey.” His mother snuck in one of her hugs. “Did you have a bad day? I made some dinner for you and Izzi. Just heat it up when you get home. You’ll feel better.”
“What are you talking about? I’m not mad.” He clenched his jaw.
He wasn’t angry, but he would feel a lot better when he left and saw Calista. He had been looking forward to her smile all day. He was determined not to argue with her. Not after what was about to happen at this meeting, if the meeting would ever come to order.
“I’d be pissed off too, if I were you. The whole town is steaming mad about these robberies. That’s all anyone is talking about downtown. They want to blame someone. That someone is you.” Kace scratched at his jaw.
“I’m not pissed off. Will everyone stop staying that?” Sweat ran down his back. Damn broken AC. He’d need a shower before he picked up Calista.
“You keep believing that,” Jett said.
“Honey, just relax. I know you’ll solve these crimes. You’re very good at what you do.” His mother beamed at him.
“I am relaxed.” He clenched his fists.
“Everyone, take your seats. Let’s get this meeting started. We’ve wasted enough of your precious time.” Mayor Moore’s voice carried over the noise.
Gage searched for a seat between his brothers.
“Sheriff Ryker, would you join me up here?” The mayor arched an eyebrow.
Faces turned to stare at him. Nothing like going straight to the firing squad. Kace gave him a thumbs-up. His mother squeezed his arm. He took the place by the mayor.
David tapped on the table with his ruler. “All right, everyone. Let’s quiet down. We’re all concerned about the recent proliferation of crimes. I want to get to everyone’s concerns. Make sure to raise your hand before calling out. Who wants to begin?”
Almost everyone’s hand shot up. Gage bit his inner cheek. “Mayor, before you begin, may I say something?” He did not want to be on display, but he could at least steer this meeting his way.
David’s mouth opened and closed as if he were a fish. “That wasn’t the plan, but certainly. Everyone put your hands down until the sheriff speaks.”
“I know you all want answers as to who is committing these robberies. I don’t have those answers for you. Yet. I’m sorry you have to wait, but that’s how police work goes. Your safety is my top priority. And the success of our Fourth of July is as important to me as everyone who owns a business. Keep your eyes open. If you see something, say something to me. Or Deputy Sheriff Pearce. Don’t gossip about it to your neighbor. Lock your doors at night. As soon as I have answers, you will too. We can’t rush this. It’s too important. Thank you.”
“Sheriff, I’d like to open the floor back up to questions,” the mayor said.
“I don’t think that’s necessary. I don’t have anything else to say. I can’t reveal what evidence I do have. As far as I’m concerned, this discussion is over. You’ve all put your faith in me for years. I ask that you continue to do that now.”
Marty Boseman stood up. “What if we want someone else to run this investigation? You don’t have the experience. We’ve never had any problems like this in town. What do you know about solving real crimes?”
Marty was one of Backwater’s oldest citizens. He had been here when most of the roads were made of dirt. He didn’t like change, and he’d never liked Gage.
“Mr. Boseman, I’ve been the sheriff of this town for quite a few years. I think I know what I’m doing.” He’d handled robberies before. They had been small time. A few of the kids stealing bales of hay from some of the farms. An ex-husband trying to steal jewelry from his wife. But before he worked in Backwater, he’d been on the police force as a patrolman in Missoula. He’d worked robberies there.
“I’m with Boseman. I want someone else on this.” Roger Wilson joined in, pointing a finger toward him.
“Roger, are you deaf? I’m the damn sheriff. Who do you think is going to come into our town and run an investigation on a few robberies?”
“We can ask the county for help. I checked.” Roger puffed up his chest and searched the crowd for someone to agree with him.
“I’m not calling the county for this.” If he were dealing with a murder investigation, then maybe.
“How are you going to keep the business in our town? If tourists get wind of these crimes, they won’t come. We’ll all go under,” Marty said.
“That’s not my job to bring foot traffic into your stores. My job is to keep our town safe.” He clenched his fists at his sides again. His mother was right. He needed to relax.
“If every other day another business is being robbed, how the hell are we going to keep making money? Who is going to come into our shops if they’re afraid of getting robbed? What if someone gets shot or murdered? Look what happened to Kennedy. She’s lying in a hospital bed with her head busted up.” Marty pounded his chest.
“Marty, I understand your concerns, but I can’t catch the thieves any quicker. If someone comes into your store to rob you, give them what they want. Don’t argue. Especially if they have a gun. After they leave, call for help.” He wished Kennedy had called sooner instead of going out into the bar area to check things out herself.
“I’m not giving up one damn thing.” Marty held a finger in the air. “I have a shotgun under my register. I’m going to blow the face right off the bastard that comes into my place and tries to take what’s mine. I’ve worked my entire life for what I have. Some no-good hoodlum is not going to steal from me, so help me God.”
“I second that,” Roger said.
“Me too.” From someone in the back.
“And me,” said Howard Hornsby.
“This is our town, and we’re going to keep it safe when you can’t.” Marty waved an old, wrinkled fist in the air.
Clapping and jeers grew in volume until the ceiling shook.
Gage ran a hand over his face. What the hell was he going to do with a bunch of vigilantes? “Everyone. Everyone. Please settle down.” He waved his hands in hopes they would follow his command.
The noise continued. He gripped his baton and slammed it on the table. “Shut the hell up. All of you.” His voice challenged the chants and stomps.
The room settled down. Everyone stared at him with wide eyes and open mouths. He took a deep breath.
“You all need to listen to me. Don’t go taking the law into your own hands. It’s a crime. Do you understand me? I will have to arrest each and every one of you, and then your businesses will suffer for sure. Let me do my job.”