Page 3 of Heart of the West

I hold up my fingers in a sign. “Scout's honor.”

“You were a girl scout?”

“Ambassador Cline.”

“I like that. Do you ride horses? Wait. Let me make that call. You’re so easy to talk to.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m going to slip into the private dining room. It’s empty this morning. I won’t be gone long. If, by chance, the kitchen is extra fast, start without me. Maybe splurge and eat some of my fruit salad. It’s huge.”

I nod and smile again. I haven’t smiled this much in, I can’t remember when. I drink my coffee and enjoy the view as he walks away from the table.

Chapter 2

Effrem

Just when I thought my day couldn’t get any worse, some lady in a Beamer doing ten over on the way. Five over I’ll give you, but ten with Indiana license plates? This county is not a raceway. I flip on my lights. Follow up with the sirens seconds later. To her credit, she finds a safe spot and pulls over immediately.

This is my day off. But deputy dingle-fucking-berry got drunk last night and has a case of the dry heaves so bad he can’t leave his bed. His words, not mine. Dick. One more strike and he’s out on his ass. I want to talk to Wilder Bennett about joining the force. He may never ride broncs again, but he’d make a great deputy. His PT is over next month. I know he’s thrilled. I could get him in fighting shape, so to speak.

I get out and walk to the driver’s side window.

“License and registration, please.”

My mama taught me to always be polite to women. I study her as she leans over and reaches into the glove box. She’s a very attractive redhead with curves that gets my motor running. I find myself wishing I was standing on the other side of the car so I can get a glimpse of what looks like a generous amount of cleavage. I shake the thoughts away. What’s gotten into me? This is not who I am.

She finds what she's looking for quickly.

“Ma’am, do you know how fast you were going?”

She doesn’t answer me. I’m about to clear my throat when I notice the tight way she holds her body and the worry around her eyes. I give her a few to gather thoughts.

“Ma’am?”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. Could you please repeat that? I’m a little rattled today.”

I repeat what I said.

“Yes, sir. I’m so sorry. I don’t normally speed, but I’m running late. I’m supposed to sign papers for my new place today. I couldn’t find any boots. All my stuff is coming across the country in a truck that’s now going to be a week late. I have to survive a week on what I have in my suitcase, which, by the way, is not a pair of boots.”

Sounds like her day has matched mine. I decide to give her a break before the adorable blush spreads across her cheeks.

“Running late is not an excuse to speed.”

“I understand. I’m sorry, sir.”

“I’m giving you a warning. You only get one in my town, Mrs. Buffet. Make sure you don’t treat it like the Indy 500.”

“Yes sir. I’m sorry. I won’t speed again.”

“See that you don’t. Welcome to Wolf Creek.” I tip my hat and walk back to the Ford.

I wait for her to pull out, then follow behind. I’m headed to town anyway. Let’s see if she’s telling the truth. She pulls into a parking space in front of the old bakery. I continue down the block to the station. I park out front and head in as soon as I get through the door. Trixie assaults me.

“Chief. It was Dingleman’s day to get breakfast. Can you pick up from Molly's?”

“Sure. Give me the order.”

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