Page 60 of Claimed by the Lawman

Chapter 19

KACE STOOD AT the doorway to the cabin where Mansfield lived on almost forty acres. When the man didn’t answer, Kace tried the doorknob and it was unlocked. “Mansfield? You here?”

“Back here, Cade.”

Following the hallway, Kace stepped into the large office. Mansfield sat behind his desk.

Kace didn’t have time to observe any of the pictures or decorations on the wall. All he could see was the gun that Mansfield had pressed against his temple. Kace pulled his own weapon and aimed it at the floor. “Drop the weapon, Mansfield.”

The man chuckled. “I’ve been waiting for you, son.”

“Did Ruby call you and warn you that I was coming to see you?” Kace stayed in the threshold of the door, his back pressed against the wooden frame. Hearing Payne’s footsteps approaching quickly, Kace motioned for his deputy to hang back. “All I want to do is ask you some questions, buddy. Plain and simple. You know the drill.”

“I had a premonition that my life would be shortened when I lost the Sheriff’s race.” He leaned back, keeping the gun in place.

“Come on, man. Stop talking like that. Tell me your side of the story.”

Mansfield laughed. “My story? Hmm. Well, it won’t matter one way or another. I know you and I had our differences, but in all truth, I liked you, Cade. You remind me a lot of myself back when I was younger. I had my morals and values and I wanted to see changes in this town.” He shrugged a shoulder. “It always gets to you, son.” He cocked the gun. “The bullshit always gets you.”

“No, Mansfield. Don’t do it. Stop!”

“Kiss that pretty Posey girl goodbye because she’s fucked.”

Bang!

Mansfield fell over.

“Fuck!” Kace blew out a long breath, holstering his weapon and turning to a wide-eyed Jake. “Get an ambulance here.” Although Kace knew it was too late.

~~**~~

Tyler looked up from her father’s bedside just as Kace stepped into the hospital room. She got up from the plastic chair and stepped into his arms, pressing her cheek against his shoulder. He held her close, kissing the top of her head. “Mildred told me he had a heart attack. Is he okay?”

She pulled back, looking at him through moist eyelashes. She’d finally stopped crying but seeing Kace the tears wanted to start again. “The doctor has him sedated to keep him relaxed. They’ve run some tests and we’re waiting for answers to see if he needs surgery. I don’t know what happened, but he was on the phone and then collapsed.”

“Hey, Rogue,” Kace said.

Rogue stood up and held out his hand to Kace. “Hey, man. Kace, why don’t you take Tyler out and grab her some coffee. She’s been here for a few hours and she needs a break.”

“I-I won’t go anywhere,” she muttered.

“He’s sleeping, Sassy. He won’t wake up while you’re gone, but if he does I’ll come and get you right away,” Rogue said.

Her shoulders slumped. “Okay, as long as you promise to get me if you hear anything.”

Rogue kissed her cheek. “Take a break.”

She stepped out of the room with Kace, his large hand on the small of her back which comforted her some. “He’s too young for this.”

“He’s been under a lot of stress.” Kace sighed. “With Susy’s death and the issues on the ranch with Bane.”

“You’re right. I feel so guilty. I’m partly to blame for this. I’ve been selfish and stubborn.”

He brought her in for another hug, holding her tight. “You can’t blame yourself”

“He’ll be okay. I know he will be. He has to be,” she muttered against his shoulder.

“Have you eaten?”

---