Page 61 of Some Cowgirls are Worth Protecting

Hudson pushed Tony forward, causing his feet to shuffle against the tiled floor. Then he charged toward the desk himself and slammed the cigarette box he’d found at the creek onto the desk.

The sheriff looked down at the box, then up at Hudson. “No, thank you. I don’t smoke.”

“No, that box was found at a section of the creek that runs through Miss Walton’s property. It had been diverted to a man-made pond. There is still evidence of it, though we’ve fixed the water to flow back to where it belongs.”

The man’s eyes narrowed as he took in Hudson with suspicion. “And I’m to believe that you weren’t responsible for the diversion? No one has made any reports?—”

“It’s true,” Rachel blurted.

The hairs on the back of Hudson’s neck rose. Oh, how he’d missed her sweet voice.

Rachel continued. “We didn’t file a report because we needed the water to return quickly. Hudson and his brothers followed the water up the mountain, and they were able to solve the problem.”

The sheriff’s frown deepened. “If that is true, then you interfered with an investigation.”

Hudson pulled out the bag with the used cigarette butt and put it next to the box. “Then arrest me. But first, you have everything you need right here. This man was present at the break-in. He was there when the creek was diverted. And he participated in the fire. Check that cigarette against the one we found at the barn. It’ll be a match.”

Tony shifted uncomfortably at his side.

Hudson sighed. “He’s willing to cooperate if he can get a deal. I didn’t promise him anything. But it should depend on what information he can give. I have a feeling you’ll get a lot of attention for this one. Sounds like some very powerful people have been behind this whole thing.”

The sheriff’s eyes flitted to Rachel, and Hudson could sense her own reaction to his words. Had she found something already? Wait, why was she here visiting with the sheriff? Had something else happened? His eyes darted to Rachel, concern flooding his heart to the point it felt it would burst.

Before he could ask her, the sheriff stood. “It seems that you and Miss Walton have similar theories.” He nodded toward Tony. “I can’t make any promises, but if you’ll follow me to the interrogation room, I will see what I can do.”

“I—don’t I need to get a lawyer?” Tony asked.

“As of now, you’re not under arrest. What you say or don’t say is up to you. I will say, however, that if Mr. Keagan is correct and that cigarette is a match to the one we’ve already sent to the labs, then it would be wise for you to cooperate. You have a right to legal counsel. There is a phone you can use this way.” The sheriff motioned for Tony to follow him. He stopped in the doorway and nodded to Hudson. “You’ll be available if I have additional questions?”

Hudson nodded.

Then the sheriff looked to Rachel. “And the same goes for you. I’m not sure where this is all heading, but if what you are both saying is correct, then I think it might finally be time to call in some reinforcements. There’s no telling how high up this will go.” He glanced at Tony. “Shall we?”

Hudson watched the two men leave, and in the quiet moments that followed, he felt like he could breathe again. He exhaled a deep breath and then glanced toward Rachel, finding her staring at him.

“You’re back,” she whispered.

He flinched. “I’m back.”

“To stay?”

“Are you?” he said in a sarcastic tone, then flinched once more. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“It’s okay,” she said. “I probably deserved that.”

Hudson shook his head. “No. You don’t. You deserve kindness and support. I haven’t been giving that to you.” He moved closer to her and reached for her hand. His thumb traced over her knuckles, and he took a deep breath. “You don’t know how much I’ve missed you, how scared I was that you would leave.” It was harder to admit than he’d expected. “I’ve found myself falling in love with you.”

She brought his hand to her cheek and leaned against his palm. “I fell for you a long time ago.” Her words were a boon to his soul—something he hadn’t known he needed until that moment.

“You did?” He couldn’t keep himself from asking.

Rachel smiled, emotion brimming in her eyes.

Hudson pulled her closer, putting his arms around her waist. He leaned in even closer, forgetting they were still in the sheriff’s office until a soft knock on the door interrupted them.

“I’m sorry, but due to the sheriff’s absence, I’m going to have to ask you two to leave.”

He turned to find the secretary grinning widely at both of them. Hudson chuckled. “Of course. We’re leaving now.” He slipped his hand into hers, and they headed for the exit.

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